I was chatting with a 45-year-old smart friend, who said one should write a book after you have done huge things in life.
In your 20s and 30s, you aren’t even born to go through life drama, that you could go on and write a book about it.
I think he had some substance. The fact that he is excellent (and the best in the field) at the book he is writing made him all the more authentic.
However, there is a different side as well:
Last month, a CA with 4-5 years of experience shared the draft of her book with me for review.
The book was about she coming from very, very difficult upbringing to moving to Delhi to becoming a CA, along with the drama of getting into a toxic relationship, and finally standing up for herself.
Honestly, I was hooked.
The CA who shared this story was perhaps in her late 20s or early 30s, however, her story of resilience and to be able to see her blind spots made me look back at a similar story of my own, when I moved out of my home town.
Which is why, it was relatable.
This CA’s book is not for that friend of mine who is decades ahead of her. This CA’s book is for a bunch of aspiring CAs who get out of their home towns to bigger cities and face similar situations.
When I shared this with that friend in 40s, he admitted that there is a lot to learn from everyone. He also shared his dog’s example, on how he learns acceptance from the frail, old, innocent dog of his.
However, I do think both sides are relevant.
You can wait to go through so much stuff in life and then write a book. Like this friend
Or you could write a book for someone who is just two steps behind you, for them to learn from your story. Like that CA.
There is no right or wrong. We are just doing what we think we must do. As with most things in life.