#22. Procrastination and Perfectionism: On Writing My First Book
The face of “I swear I’m writing.” One cup of tea, ten tabs open, and a thousand ideas waiting their turn.
When I started The Sunday Tales, I wasn't completely sure how I would use it.
I only knew that I wanted to write about storytelling for designers. I wanted to explain some of the frameworks I put in place – and that had worked extremely well – during my career.
I also wanted to share the know-how that took me 10 years to collect, in many ways and with as many people as possible.
These are also the reasons why I have spent the past few years teaching workshops, giving talks in universities, schools and private companies, and using my original methodologies while working with clients old and new.
Wouldn’t it be great, I kept thinking, if I could write a book that would bring all of these interesting ideas and lessons together?
Writing a book is a simple idea – in principle. In practice, it is not so easy!
Following my editor's advice last year, I planned and wrote a table of contents for my book, in a way that was easy to follow and get me started on the writing!
But here’s a confession: since then, I haven't written much.
In reality, I was procrastinating and constantly distracted. I read other, similar books and came up with the ready excuse that I needed more material before I could really begin.
I also started to feel that others have already written a lot about storytelling. So, shouldn’t I read more and start documenting my processes, before even thinking about writing my own book?
If so many others have already written about storytelling, how could I make MY book unique and perfect… mine?
(If you have ever thought about writing a book, some of this may feel familiar!)
I probably don’t need to tell you that, so far, attempting to write a book has been extremely difficult for me.
My book’s first drafts? They’re visual, messy, and live in notebooks like this one.
Important note:
I do not procrastinate when I work for my clients. I am extremely methodical, organised, punctual, and I always go the extra mile. That only makes writing my own book feel more challenging!
So, what's going on? Why am I procrastinating now?
Journalling has helped me understand a few things. Namely, that I am afraid of judgment.
I am also afraid of writing a book that is not perfect, interesting, or useful to designers in the way I really want it to be.
All of this means that I haven't started writing: not because I don’t care, but because I care too much. Perfectionism has been busy whispering in my ear… saying unhelpful things like “you are not ready,” “who are you to write this?”, or “what if it’s not good enough?”
During my workshops and talks, however, I have seen and heard how interested and engaged people are in my process of approaching UX through storytelling. The fact that my newsletter has attracted 200 subscribers in under a year is a good sign (thank you for being one of them!)
Considering this has created a stronger sense in me that while my book may not be perfect, it will offer something fresh, new, and creative to our design world.
Caught in the act. Me, journaling my way through self-doubt and perfectionism.
I have made a decision.
Instead of looking at this book as if it were a mountain that I must climb alone, I want to bring you on this messy and imperfect journey with me.
Here goes… my goal is to have the first three chapters finished by the end of Agust 2025. You’ll be the first to read them, completely free.
In exchange, I will simply ask for some feedback, encouragement, or just a kind nudge to keep me going when I disappear into the land of overthinking. You don’t have to say much – even just a few words will keep me motivated, and help more than you know!
You could even help me shape the book into something that will be even more useful to you in your work.
The first three chapters will be presented to a publisher (I have one who may already be interested), and then, if things go as planned, the full book should be released by next year.
This is my invitation to a conversation… one I can't wait to have with you.
Holding this card feels a little scary, a little bold, and exactly right. Let’s write this book together. :)
Want to read the first chapters of my book – for free?
I’m currently writing a book about storytelling for designers. It’s been years in the making, and I’m finally ready to share it, one chapter at a time.
Join my newsletter The Sunday Tales to become one of the first readers. You’ll get exclusive access to the early drafts, plus the chance to help shape the book through your thoughts and feedback.