Why Every Midlife Woman Should Write A Book

I've been thinking lately about something I've noticed about so many people I admire…thought leaders, speakers, coaches - they've ALL written books. And many of them? More than one!

For some of you, the thought of writing a book might feel scary, overwhelming, or maybe you have even said, "Who am I to write a book?" For others, it may be a dream you have always had, like me, but the editing, publishing, and finishing part feels daunting.

The Data Says...

Out of 100 people who want to write a book, 81 never start, 19 will dabble (keep it on their computer or tucked away in a drawer) but never finish, and only 1 will actually publish. Where are you? Are you the 99% or 1%?

I get it and I want to encourage you!

I wrote and published my very first book, Step Forward, at the age of 59. I had always wanted to write a book, and it wasn’t even the book I originally intended to write! It kind of happens like that.

So here are a few thoughts to encourage you: let the book unfold as you write. Have an outline, but allow the story to come to you - it will, I promise!

I have more books in me, but when I wrote my first one, I was a hot mess. The writing was fun, but getting to the finish line, publishing it and letting other's see me... HARD. What would others think? The truth is, I felt a little naked and exposed publishing my story (non-fiction), experiences, and thoughts. And then getting it all uploaded… well, that's huge hurdle too!

Just three years ago, we didn’t have AI. As a writer, I still wouldn’t use it to write my book (some will, and are - more on that another day), but I would definitely use it to help me catch all of my typos and edit! I did take a course, yet I still did so many things wrong - mostly playing small. And honestly? Instead of group coaching, I wish I had hired a 1:1 coach (or “book doula,” as I like to say) to help me bring it into the world with a lot less stress. So now, I am here for you!

The good news: I learned what to and not to do! I also learned the power of writing a book. It does so many incredible things, not just for your business, but for YOU as well.

Here are 10 Reasons Writing a Book Could Change Everything

1. Healing (The Neuroscience Behind Why Writing Works)
Writing doesn't just "feel good" - it literally rewires your brain. Research from UCLA shows that putting emotional experiences into words reduces activity in the amygdala (your brain's alarm system) and increases activity in the prefrontal cortex (where you process and make meaning). When you write your story, you're not just remembering - you're actively healing trauma and creating new neural pathways. One client told me, "I am able to finally put the pieces of my life together when I am writing my book. I feel like I can finally exhale, and it is bringing me so much joy and healing." Another said, "Everything I have been through has lead to this moment. Now I can use my voice and offer tools to help others heal."

2. Instant Credibility (The Authority Algorithm)
The moment you become a published author, people's brains literally categorize you differently. It's called the "halo effect" - one positive trait (being published) influences how people perceive everything else about you. You become a person of influence. People see you as an authority on a specific topic or experience. But here's the secret: you don't need to be a bestseller for this to work - although it helps and I have tips to help you achieve that as a self-published author. Simply having "Author" in your bio triggers unconscious respect and positions you as an expert worth listening to.

3. It's More Accessible Than Ever (But Most People Do It Wrong)
Yes, you can self-publish for free on Amazon! But the thing many don't tell you: free doesn't mean easy. It is not easy. It is hard for many reasons! The failure rate is so high because people think publishing is just uploading a file. Wrong. You need a system for writing, editing, formatting, cover design, marketing, and launch strategy. The good news? With the right roadmap, it's absolutely doable. The bad news? Without it, you'll join the 99% who never finish. I am here to help you. Learn from my mistakes!

4. Your Modern-Day Business Card (The Psychology of Reciprocity)
When you hand someone your business card, you're asking them to remember you or connect with you if they need something you offer. When you hand them your book, you're giving them value upfront. This triggers what psychologists call "reciprocity bias" - meaning people feel obligated to return favors. Plus, your book sits on their shelf or device as a constant reminder of you, not buried in their wallet or purse. And did you know that most people never read the books they purchase? Sad statistic - but true. The ones that do - are your loyal, trusted clients and followers.

5. Opens Doors to More (The Compound Effect)

Here's the career progression I see repeatedly: Book → Speaking → Podcast appearances and launch→ Higher-paying clients → Course creation → Coaching & Group programs and MORE! Your book becomes the foundation that everything else builds on. It's becomes a stepping stone to numerous opportunities, confidence and business growth (if you want that).

6. Books Last (The Legacy Factor)
Your Instagram, Facebook and other social media posts gets seen for hours (if you are lucky) and then disappear into the wild open world of the algorithm. Your book, however, gets discovered for decades. I just had someone reach out and tell me she bought my book for several friends! More importantly, books become part of family legacies. Your grandchildren might never see your social media, but they'll have your book.

7. Your Story Matters (The Representation Reality) We ALL have a story to tell!
Did you know that many people say they want to write a book... but never do. Data shows that out of 100 people, 81 say they want to write but never do, 19 will start and dabble but never finish (that book sits on a computer or stashed in a drawer for 'one day') and only 1 person will actually have the courage to publish! Yes- I said courage. It is hard, friends. Having done it - absolutely worth it! To encourage you.... your combination of experiences, insights, and wisdom has never existed before. Someone needs your specific way of explaining things, tools you used to overcome something and a way of offering hope and connection!

8. No Age Limit (The Wisdom Advantage)
Bertha Wood is the oldest woman to date, at 100, to publish a book! Awesome, right? And what's really powerful about being a midlife author is that you have something younger writers don't - wisdom! You've lived through enough to see patterns and hard things to understand what really matters, to separate wisdom from information. Your "late start" is actually your competitive advantage.

9. It's Your Intellectual Property (The Asset That Appreciates)
Unlike a business you might sell or a job you might lose, your book is an asset that can generate income indefinitely. It is your copyright information. Someone may copy your ideas - but they can't copy your words! It can be licensed, translated, turned into audiobooks, courses, workshops, or speaking topics. You're not just writing content - you're creating intellectual property!

10. Builds Unshakeable Confidence (The Identity Shift)

It is a transformative process and journey for you and others! I saw this for myself and every client I help - you start with finding your voice, possibly "someone who is thinking about writing a book" and end as "a published author." That identity shift changes everything - how you price your services, how they show up, how you view your own expertise and the impact you make. The confidence from completing something only 1% of people do is life-changing. Be part of the 1%! It is truly life changing.

The Ruby Slippers Moment

As I shared, I was a hot mess when I started my book. If you are too - it is normal! This is all part of the writing journey and process. It stretches you. It challenges you. Don't get stuck swirling in perfection or you will never step forward. Just keep going and get support. Remember: done is always better than perfect. Every. Single. Time.

My book, Step Forward, uses shoes as metaphors for the steps I needed to take when my life was unraveling: stepping into my courageous cowboy boots to be audacious and brave; finding my tenacious tennis shoes to keep going when I wanted to quit; struggling to put on my resilient rain boots to rise up, start again and let others' opinions wash over me; and finally - proudly stepping into my ruby slippers to come home to myself, to believe I'd always had the power within - the courage, intellect (a brain) and a big heart full of empathy and compassion.

And so do you!

Books Build Trust Like Nothing Else

Daniel Priestley talks about—the 7-11-4 rule. It takes 7 hours of content, across 11 touchpoints, on about 4 different platforms before someone really knows, likes, and trusts you enough to do business with you.

Writing a book is one of the best ways to build that trust, because it's long-form content. People get to sit with your story, your wisdom, and your heart. They see themselves in your words and your story. And if you can offer hope and help through your story - well, that's gold! You show them that if you can overcome that situation - so can they!

As I mentioned at the beginning of this blog, think about the people who’ve had the greatest impact on you through their writing - both famous and those who are not. You could name many amazing women like Mel Robbins, Brené Brown, Jamie Kern Lima, Marie Forleo, Jen Hatmaker, Oprah, Michelle Obama, and many more. You could likely also think of friends you greatly respect who have written books as well. I have several.

Why Not You?

If you've ever thought about writing a book, this is your time. Your story deserves to be told. You don't have to have it all figured out - you just have to take the first step.

And if you're ready, I'd love to help you bring that dream to life. I'm helping a client right now, and I'm having an absolute blast walking with her through this process. I've become the coach I needed when I wrote my book. It doesn't have to be overwhelming. Get help & support from someone who has walked this path.

Ready to start your book journey? Contact me here. I'd love to hear about the story you've been carrying. Remember, your voice matters, your story matters, and so do you. It's time to step forward.

Want more ways to connect with me:
Listen to my podcast on APPLE | SPOTIFY
Click here to get my book, Step Forward
Click here to get on my waitlist for my private community - The Redlo Women Circle

At Redlo Women - We are Reclaiming | Embracing | Defining | Leading | Owning who we are now, in this season of life!

If you found this helpful, please share it with someone who has a story worth telling (spoiler: that's everyone).