The Power of Books: Why "National Book Month", Matters for Authors

Enhanced DNA Publishing
Oct 3
3 min read

October is National Book Month – a time to celebrate the lasting impact of books in our lives. Books are more than stories; they are vessels of knowledge, imagination, and legacy. They shape culture, inspire movements, preserve history, and touch individuals in ways that few other mediums can. For authors, this month is a reminder of the power our words carry and the opportunity we have to leave a lasting mark.

“Books are more than stories; they are legacies. Every page we write becomes part of the larger story of culture, community, and connection.”

— Denola M. Burton

Books Shape Culture

From novels that spark national conversations to memoirs that give voice to untold stories, books influence how we see the world. They become mirrors of our society and windows into others’ experiences. Authors don’t just tell stories; they challenge assumptions, broaden perspectives, and leave cultural footprints that last for generations. My first book, “If You Really Knew Me: The Life, The Lessons and The Legacy” was full of the stories in my life, the lessons I learned from those stories and the legacy that I am leaving because of those lessons. I have since branched into writing books that focus on my business expertise – leadership, communication and performance, as a part of the Enhanced DNA HR and Business consulting services. Just as my first book began with personal stories, your book, whether memoir, novel, or business guide, can become the spark that changes someone else’s life.

Books Build Communities

Beyond shaping culture, books also bring people together in powerful ways. Think about the way book clubs, libraries, and even online reading circles bring people together. A single book can create bonds among strangers, foster meaningful dialogue, and connect readers across distances and differences. When authors write, they’re not just sharing their ideas, they’re creating opportunities for connection and community.

Books Transform Individuals

Books often arrive at the right time in someone’s life. They can inspire courage, offer comfort, or spark an entirely new path. For many, a book becomes a trusted guide through challenges or a catalyst for personal growth. Author’s words have the power to reach someone they may never meet, at the very moment they need it most.

Why National Book Month Matters for Authors

For authors, National Book Month is both celebration and invitation. It’s a chance to honor those who came before and to step boldly into their own role as a creator. Whether you have already published or are still dreaming about your first manuscript, this month is a reminder: your story matters. The world is waiting for your voice.

A Call to Aspiring Authors

If you’ve been carrying a story inside you, National Book Month is the perfect time to take the first step. Writing and publishing a book is not only about sharing knowledge or telling a story, it’s about leaving a mark, inspiring others, and contributing to the ongoing dialogue of humanity.

Want to take the first step? Join us at the Indianapolis Public Library Central Campus on October 18th for

“Meet an Author, Be an Author”.

This is an annual event where you can meet local Indiana authors, learn about their journeys and expand your knowledge by attending some of the author and publishing related workshops on that day. During the "Meet an Author, Be an Author" event, I will be conducting a workshop, Self-Publishing 101, where participants will learn how to set clear, actionable goals for writing, publishing and marketing their book. The session will focus in-depth, on the writing process – from idea development to creating a realistic writing schedule, while also introducing essential steps for successful publishing and promotion.

Are you ready? Don’t let National Book Month pass without taking one step toward your dream. Start writing, start planning, and most importantly, start believing that your voice deserves to be heard.

“Every book is a gift of perspective. National Book Month is our invitation to honor those who’ve given us theirs and to share our own.”

— Denola M. Burton

Denola M. Burton is the Founder and CEO of Enhanced DNA: Develop Nurture Achieve, LLC and Enhanced DNA Publishing. Through Enhanced DNA, Denola develops and nurtures individuals and organizations to achieve their Leadership, Communication and Performance goals and objectives. Denola is also an author and publisher and through Enhanced DNA Publishing, assists new and newer authors in publishing their books according to the standards of the Independent Book Publisher's Association (IBPA). Denola retired from Eli Lilly and Company after 27 years where the majority of her career was focused on Employee Relations/Human Resources. Interested in becoming an author? Check out Denola's award-winning books, Enhancing Your Author DNA: Step-by-Step Publishing Guide and Enhancing Your Leadership, Communication and Performance DNA.