Writing a book requires a stroke of genius—or maybe just a stroke of inspiration. Potential stories are everywhere, just waiting to be told by someone who has something unique to say about them. Perhaps you’ve been through an experience so hilarious that people wouldn’t believe it happened to you unless you put it on paper. Maybe you’ve dreamt up characters itching to escape your brain. Or maybe there’s a life lesson you feel called to share with others, helping to make the world a better place one reader at a time.
If you’re ready to write a book but are stuck asking yourself “. . . about what?”, hearing from other authors who have been in your shoes (because trust us—every author has been there) may help get your creative juices flowing. Check out the inspiration behind these four Ballast Books titles, directly from their authors.
Maura McGee, author of It Is What It Is: “I resisted writing my story for a long time while surviving after Dave’s death, even though I had many people ask me to write a book. But it finally hit me that I could help others going through similar pain by sharing our experience. It was the people who had been through it before me who helped me through, and I would be happy to do the same for others. I also realized that by telling our story, I could honor Dave’s suffering while at the same time also help my children understand, remember, and deal with the trauma they experienced at such young ages, which could assist them in continuing to process their own grief.”
Beau Dooley, author of You, This Is Me . . . Over?: “I wanted to create a story that would allow other veterans to open up about their traumas in order to prevent veterans from committing suicide.”
R. H. Emmers, author of The Secret History: “I was interested in seeing what my main character would do in an extraordinary situation. Beyond that, I’ve always been fascinated by the real-life murder of a DEA agent in Mexico. Who was responsible?”
Derek Adametz, author of Unbreakable Wings: “For years, friends, family, colleagues, and countless individuals I’ve met and shared my journey with made a point to say that I should tell my story and write a book. I used to laugh it off. But over time, I realized that what I’d been through wasn’t just rare; it was deeply human. Becoming a navy pilot, beating cancer, and fighting every inch of the way to overcome tragedy and return to the skies weren’t just milestones. They were hard-earned chapters in a story of resilience, purpose, and grit.
“What ultimately motivated me was knowing there are other dreamers and fighters out there—people facing their own battles or chasing dreams that feel out of reach, who need the same kind of encouragement and support I received when my own future looked dark and uncertain. I wrote this book because someone out there might be stuck between diagnosis and hope, or they might be standing on the edge of a dream they’re not sure they deserve.
“Why now? Because I finally had enough distance to reflect with honesty and enough clarity to write it with both vulnerability and perspective. The timing also felt right. After everything the world has endured in recent years, stories of endurance, humor, and hope matter more than ever. This is my way of giving back.”
You never know when inspiration will strike, but when it does, we’ll be ready to help you capture it like lightning in a bottle. Find out more at www.ballastbooks.com.