Why Knowing Your Purpose Is the First Step to Great Writing

Before you write a single word, define your purpose. Here’s how to find the “why” behind your nonfiction book and connect deeply with your reader.

Hey, it’s Reginaldo Osnildo here!
Let me ask you something honest and simple: Why do you want to write a book?
(And no, “because I want to be an author” doesn’t count as the real answer.)

If you don’t know the deeper why behind your writing, you’ll hit blocks. Not just writer’s block—but direction block, motivation block, and connection block. Yeah… the whole creative traffic jam.

So let’s get this clear right now. In this article, I’ll help you find your writing purpose—the real reason you’re sitting down to write that powerful nonfiction book.

1. Your Purpose Is the Engine of Your Book

Without purpose, your book is just a collection of tips and stories floating in space.
But when you’re fueled by a clear mission, everything clicks:

  • Your tone feels more authentic.

  • Your chapters make more sense.

  • Your message lands with impact.

Example:
If your purpose is to help people overcome procrastination because you’ve lived it, your book will be full of heart, empathy, and real-life tools that connect deeply.

2. Ask Yourself: “What Do I Want to Change?”

Here’s a truth bomb: If your book doesn’t aim to change something in the reader’s life, it’ll probably get lost in a pile of “meh” advice.

Think about your audience and ask:

  • What are they struggling with right now?

  • What do I want them to feel, learn, or do differently?

  • What transformation do I want to deliver?

The more specific you are, the more powerful your message becomes.

3. Your Experience = Your Superpower

You don’t need to be a university professor or a 20-year expert to write a personal development book. You just need authenticity + experience.

So dig into:

  • Challenges you’ve overcome

  • Lessons you’ve learned the hard way

  • Systems or strategies that worked for you or your clients

Example:
If you’ve dealt with anxiety and found ways to manage it, that’s gold. Tell that story. Someone out there needs to hear it from someone like you.

4. Avoid the “Look at Me” Trap

Yes, your personal stories are important—but remember: the book isn’t about you.
It’s about how your story serves the reader.

So when you share an experience, always link it back to a lesson or actionable insight they can use. Otherwise, it starts sounding like an autobiography instead of a helpful guide.

5. Match Your Passion With Their Pain

Your purpose and the reader’s needs should meet in the middle.

Let’s do a quick exercise together:

My passion is: Helping people live more intentional lives
My reader’s problem is: Feeling overwhelmed and scattered
My book’s purpose is: To give people simple tools for building focus and clarity

Boom! That’s a purpose that guides the whole book.

6. Turn Your Purpose Into a Clear Goal

Now that you’re feeling inspired, make your purpose actionable.
Here’s a simple structure to follow:

Problem: What issue is the reader facing?
Solution: What answers or tools are you offering?
Transformation: What will they gain if they apply your ideas?

Example:

  • Problem: The reader lacks confidence in social situations.

  • Solution: The book offers mindset shifts and conversation tools.

  • Transformation: The reader becomes more socially confident and relaxed.

7. Keep Your Purpose in Front of You

Tape it to your wall. Scribble it in your notebook. Whisper it to yourself before you open that writing app.

Why?
Because writing a book is a marathon—and you’ll need that reminder when your brain starts questioning everything.

“Why am I doing this again?”
Oh right—because I want to help people stop living on autopilot and start taking charge of their lives.

Now that’s the fire you need to keep going.

Let's Recap: How to Find Your Purpose as a Writer

  • Know exactly who you're helping and why

  • Use your own experiences with humility and service

  • Define a clear transformation for the reader

  • Focus less on “sharing everything” and more on what matters

  • Revisit your purpose constantly—it’s your internal compass

Want Help Turning That Purpose Into a Real Book?

If you're ready to take your purpose and turn it into a structured, clear, and impactful nonfiction book—I’ve created the perfect guide for you.

Grab my book now:
The Basics of Writing Nonfiction Books: How to Write About Personal Development with Clarity, Practicality, and Direct Conversation with the Reader

Inside, you’ll discover how to:

  • Plan and organize your ideas

  • Write in a voice that connects with readers

  • Avoid fluff and deliver real value

  • Build a book that transforms lives

So don’t wait. If you’ve got a message inside you, let’s shape it into something the world needs.
Click here to get the guide on Amazon and let’s write a book that matters.

See you in the next chapter,
– Reginaldo Osnildo

🔥 MOST ACCESSED CONTENT 🔥

How to Be a Journalist and a Neighbor: Building Trust in Local News

Running a local newsletter? Here’s how to blend reporting and community connection to build trust, engagement, and long-term impact. Hey there, Reginaldo Osnildo here—cheering you on as you build your local Substack newsletter! Let’s finish strong with a reminder of the real magic behind this work: You’re not just reporting the news. You’re part of the community. That’s your superpower. Because when trust in media is low… When people feel unheard… When national stories dominate the headlines… You get to say: “Hey, here’s what’s happening on your street, in your school, at your local market. Let’s talk about it—together.” Let’s explore how to balance reporting with relationship , so your newsletter becomes more than just content—it becomes community infrastructure. 1. Write Like a Human, Not a Headline Generator You don’t need to sound like the New York Times. You need to sound like you. Write like: You’re talking to a neighbor You’re explaining something to a fr...
Read more