The Call to Write: Leaving a Legacy Through Words
We all hear that inner voice, don’t we? It speaks softly in quiet moments, urging us toward something greater that feels undefined yet profoundly necessary. For some, it beckons toward adventure or career success; for others, it whispers of creation—ideas yearning to take shape. And yet, how many times do we ignore it, dismissing it under the weight of more immediate demands?
For me, writing a book isn’t just a distant dream. It’s an echo in my soul, a purpose intertwined with the idea of permanence. With no biological heirs to carry forward my essence, the written word offers a way to preserve my life, my thoughts, and my spirit. A book is more than ink on paper—it’s the ghost I leave behind, a living archive of who I am. And so, the question for me isn’t whether I can write a book, as I have already written ten. The question is when will I feel it appropriate to bring any of them to the general public?
I have explored the many dimensions of writing a legacy, weaving together self-expression, purpose, and perseverance. If publishing your story calls to you—but you aren’t sure where to begin—read on. Together, we’ll unpack the power a book holds and the steps we can take to honor these aspirations.
People write for countless reasons—to tell stories, impart wisdom, or satisfy a creative itch. But writing as an act of self-legacy is a rare, potent force. It’s the deliberate choosing of words to bottle a life, complete with every dream, fear, and belief.
For those who have already achieved financial stability, as I have, the material incentives for writing shrink. The motivation shifts from external rewards to internal fulfillment. Writing becomes a purposeful act that bridges the past and the future, one imbued with the possibility of inspiring and connecting with readers long after I leave this Earth.
A book can grant closure to unanswered questions or serve as a foundation for what we have yet to express. It allows our voice to extend into realms we may never experience, shaping hearts and minds across different times, cultures, and geographies. It’s the ultimate act of leaving behind not just a story, but a piece of our soul.
Before we begin putting pen to paper—or fingers to keyboard—it’s essential to reflect inwardly. Writing a book forces us to confront who we are and what we stand for.
Ask ourselves:
- What themes anchor my life? Think about the threads that have shaped our years—health, community activism, resilience in the face of challenges, or whatever core values resonate most deeply with us.
- What has life taught me that others might need to hear? Our unique experiences offer valuable lessons, even if they feel ordinary to us. They hold truths that someone, somewhere, may find life-changing.
- What needs to be remembered? Legacy isn’t about documenting every detail but rather preserving those moments that define the essence of our existence.
And remember, our story doesn’t have to be neatly linear. It can be poetry. Essays. Vignettes of memory.
The point isn’t perfection; it’s revelation.
Writing has a reputation for being an isolating task, but when approached thoughtfully, it’s the complete opposite. It connects us to ourselves, clarifies our identity, and catalyzes growth. Every paragraph chisels away at the unnecessary marble, leaving behind a more accurate sculpture of ourselves and our truth.
Here’s how to start the writing process—and make it fulfilling rather than daunting.
1. Start Small and Consistent
Writing a book doesn’t mean sitting down to crank out 50,000 words in one sitting. Start with a commitment—perhaps 200 words a day. It will be found that over time, this practice not only builds momentum but also sharpens our sense of purpose.
2. Reflect Without Judgment
Early drafts will never be perfect, but they shouldn’t be. This is where the rawness of our humanity lives. Allow ourselves to express every thought freely, without over-editing or self-censorship.
3. Build Our Story Around Themes
Our life holds many facets, but not all of them need to coexist within a single book. Focus on a few central themes—health, courage, or the evolution of anonymity into self-fulfillment. These touchstones will anchor our narrative and lend it cohesion.
4. Write for Meaning, Not Magnitude
Success can’t always be measured by dollar signs or accolades. Sometimes, it’s found in introspection, contribution, and meaning-making. Write with the intention of leaving behind richness in thought, not simply to “check the box” on another achievement.
5. Seek Feedback, but Retain Ownership
Writing a book, like community volunteering or activism, thrives on shared feedback and external perspectives. But remember, this is our legacy—accept input that sharpens our voice without compromising our authenticity.
6. Cultivate Rituals Around Writing
Crafting a book doesn’t mean giving up the other components of our life. Whether it’s chasing health milestones like losing 24 pounds or preparing to run a last road race, our passions sustain our writing energy. Create rituals where writing becomes a reflection of broader life pursuits.
While the publishing world can feel vast and overwhelming, this diversity also works in our favor. The rise of self-publishing, digital platforms, and niche indie presses has democratized storytelling.
If the goal is exposure, explore apps and sites like Substack, Medium, or Wattpad, where words reach engaged audiences willing to invest in meaningful ideas. From there, traditional publishing or self-publishing with a platform like Amazon Kindle Direct can amplify any work’s visibility, though I am in presently in the process of severing all ties with Amazon and its products and services.
Let’s take a look at some alternatives to Amazon you should know.:
1. Apple Books for Authors (retailer)
Similar to Amazon, users can upload their books to the Apple book store to reach Apple device users directly. Apple Books is a great choice for reaching a different segment of book readers (Apple product fans) who want to read their books on their preferred devices. “
2. Kobo Writing Life/KWL (retailer)
Kobo has a similar setup as Amazon, so it’s hard for them to compete with them in the US; however, if you are a fiction author or looking for distribution outside of the US, like Canada (where they are based), then Kobo could be a good fit.
3. B&N Press (Barnes and Noble)
Barnes and Noble was around (since 1886) long before Amazon was a twinkle in Jeff Bezos’s eye. Despite the volatile book market and the many changes that have taken place, especially over the last two decades. Barnes and Noble has remained true to its brand which is a testament to how long they’ve been in the game.
4. IngramSpark (aggregator)
IngramSpark is the self-publishing arm of Ingram Book Company, the largest book wholesaler in the world. IngramSpark was formed to provide independent publishers and self-publishers access to expanded distribution, tools, and other services previously only given to traditional publishers.
As a side note, Amazon partners with Ingram Content Group to print paperback books.
5. Draft2Digital (aggregator)
For new authors who want to use an aggregator, D2D provides an easy-to-use dashboard that allows you to upload your book’s metadata, description, and author info effortlessly. It also provides a formatting tool to convert your file to EPUB automatically or you can upload your own formatted copy. They provide a wide range of distribution options (select your own stores), make pricing setup simple, and offer transparent reporting.
6. BookBaby
BookBaby has garnered a solid reputation as a book aggregator. Where some aggregators focus on ebooks (like Draft2Digital), BookBaby sets itself apart by offering print-on-demand books well. They’ve positioned themselves as a full-service aggregator, so you can not only upload your books for distribution, but you can also get genre-specific support, help with your manuscript, print and digital conversions, and marketing support.
Often, our goal is to grow readership rather than selling books. While using Substack, Medium, or Wattpad, patience is essential. Building an audience on these platforms can feel like planting seeds— starting with ten or fewer readers, but with persistence and clarity, the reach may grow into something extraordinary.
The path forward—whether it involves running a final race or facing the weight of age-related decisions like caring for aging parents or dying friends, a knee replacement, or accepting chemotherapy for a potentially terminal cancer—is deeply interconnected with the decision to write. Writing mirrors the rhythms of life itself, accommodating challenges, setbacks, and triumphs. It’s both a practice and meditation, allowing the framing of experiences and the development of enhanced insight into our lives.
Consider inviting readers into the interplay between physical and spiritual milestones and their emotional echoes. I have written much about overcoming toxic masculinity and religion, addictions and intergenerational trauma, among many other subjects, and these stories make for compelling reads. Articulating these dual perspectives isn’t just cathartic—it’s necessary.
Writing a book is much more than simply leaving a trace of existence. It’s an act of facing ourselves —our fears, hopes, and the culmination of our decisions. And it’s an invitation for others to do the same.
Much like life, this endeavor will be messy, nonlinear, and sometimes discouraging. But it will also be profoundly rewarding, bringing layers of clarity and purpose we never anticipated.
Will the call be heeded? The world awaits all voices, including my own—not perfect, but honest and enduring.
I have ten works awaiting publication, but I am focusing only on one of my latest writings for now.
I commit to having that book published by November 2025.
It is named:
An Electrician’s Guide To Our Galaxy–Living On Life’s Widest Frequency
What better ghost could we leave behind than the power of our truth, preserved in written form for all generations to come?
Our writing is worth acknowledging, too, even if few see its amazing value to us.
