You want to write a story, but you haven't begun. I hate to break it to you; That book will not write itself.

Here are three reasons you haven't put fingers to keys to bring your story to life — and how to get started:

You have no time:

Life is busy. You tell yourself you'll write when things slow down or when the kids are older.

Here's a reality check: Life will always be busy. The type of busyness may change, but you won't find yourself with endless free time — and if you do, it won't be the catalyst to set off your writing career.

Creativity thrives within constraints. You have to make time for what you value, like following your writing dream. Start with fifteen minutes.

You don't know what to write: 

The urge to write a story lives in your bones, but you have no idea what that story is yet.

Solving this problem is simple: Write something. Begin by writing down ideas, character traits, compelling themes, plot concepts, and genres that interest you.

Words breed and spawn ideas. Start dreaming, thinking, and writing them down.

You don't feel qualified:

There is no M.F.A. following your name. You never learned fancy-pants literary word-weaving. That's okay.

You don't need qualifications to become a writer. You need to write and begin learning the craft. Read writing craft books to learn techniques, study your favorite novels, and join a writer's group. Be curious and keep learning.

Unleash your story.

Writing is only terrifying when you're not doing it.