Everyone Has What It Takes

A Writer's Guide to the End of Self-Doubt

By: William Kenower

Narrated by: William Kenower

Length: 6 hrs and 32 mins

Publisher's summary

An insightful guide for any writer who's ever wondered if they're talented, creative, lovable, or worthy enough. Spoiler alert: You are.

As hard as the craft of writing is, the greatest challenges writers face are often within ourselves. Comparison, self-doubt, isolation, and other internal struggles can derail a writer's progress, at any stage in the writing life. Author, essayist, and speaker William Kenower knows these struggles firsthand and hears them from writers everywhere he teaches and appears. In this candid and encouraging book, he dismantles the myth that some writers have talent and others don't and shares relatable stories, wisdom, and best practices for reengaging with our passion, following our curiosity, and staying connected to what matters most.

If you've ever wondered whether you're "really" a writer or should retreat to a safer, more conventional path, this enlightening and accepting book will spark renewed purpose and joy on your writing journey.

©2021 William Kenower (P)2021 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"I wish I’d read Everyone Has What It Takes when I was starting my first book. Or my second. Or, for that matter, my hundredth magazine article. For me, as for most writers, self-doubt is never in short supply. Wisdom is. The wisdom of someone who’s walked the whole discouraging, uplifting, terrifying, exciting road of a writer’s life. Bill Kenower has that wisdom in abundance. Everyone Has What It Takes is a quietly powerful guide to both writing and life that will help you get past your psychological roadblocks and into your craft, whatever that may be. This book is a treasure." (Martha Beck, New York Times best-selling author, sociologist, and life coach)

“I always look forward to hearing what William Kenower has to say about writing. In his latest book, Kenower explores what it means to be a successful creative as he examines the equality of personal talent. As usual, I felt energized and validated by his intellectual discussion of prose and life. Kenower reminds us to enjoy the whole writing journey, not just the high points. Everyone Has What It Takes will give your creative side a much-needed boost, which is good, because, as Kenower says, ‘... the page is waiting for you.’” (Windy Lynn Harris, author of Writing & Selling Short Stories & Personal Essays)

“Like Elizabeth Gilbert in Big Magic, Bill Kenower teaches us that sometimes the simplest ideas are the most profound. Follow your curiosity. Lead your life. Write your books. In honest, accessible prose, Kenower takes us past craft and into the psyche, where all writing starts, and gives us the core lessons that every writer needs to hear, and probably every day.” (Erica Bauermeister, best-selling author of The School of Essential Ingredients and The Scent Keeper)

True and awe inspiring

I read books about writing all the time, about how and when and where but, this one, this one reminded me WHY i write. It seems, like he said, you forget and i didn’t realize you could. Thank you is all i can say, i had been living too much in the future, and in the middle of my shift at work he reminded me to live breath and be in this moment. I hope the author reads this because he has shone a light in a dark place and i will practice every day how to be in the moment and love everything i do, not just writing but living 😁

A Jolt of Can-do Straight to the Heart

In person, William Kenower is as uplifting and encouraging as a happy title wave. In writing, he’s no different. If ever a writer loses faith, a quick jaunt into the heart of Kenower’s world will provide the needed boost.