
Synopsis:
Writing has become a core part of my professional journey, helping me clarify my thinking, simplify complex topics, and contribute to something that will outlast me. Over time, I’ve realised that writing not only helps my own understanding but also helps others by making difficult subjects more accessible. Ultimately, writing allows me to leave a legacy – creating lasting value that continues to contribute to my field long into the future.
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Key Takeaways:
- Writing creates a lasting legacy: Books have permanence, and writing them contributes to the long-term conversation in your field, creating value that endures over time.
- Writing clarifies your thinking: The process of writing forces you to organise vague ideas into structured, actionable thoughts, sharpening your understanding of complex topics.
- Books help others: Writing allows you to simplify difficult subjects and provide practical insights that others can immediately apply.
- Just start, even if it’s not perfect: Taking action helps break through mental barriers. My first book wasn’t perfect, but completing it was more important than waiting for it to be flawless.
About Alastair McDermott:
AI Business Consultant · Author · Speaker · Podcaster
I help business leaders and employees use AI to automate repetitive tasks, increase productivity, and drive innovation, all while keeping a Human First approach. This enables your team to achieve more, focus on strategic initiatives, and make your company a more enjoyable place to work.
Contacting Alastair McDermott:
You can contact with Alastair via email, see his work on AI Powered, listen to his podcast or see his guide.

By Alastair McDermott
Writing books has become an essential part of my professional journey, though I certainly didn’t set out to do it for the purpose of leaving a legacy.
I remember writing & publishing my first book. It was 11:30pm one early November night in 2015. I was scrolling through Twitter watching writers share their progress for NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month).
I’d been frustrated with myself for not writing and publishing a book, despite it being on my mind since 2007. That night, I decided enough was enough, and I committed to publishing something by morning.
Twelve hours later, after repurposing a fairly detailed blog post and hammering out several thousand more words, I had my first “book” live on Kindle.
It wasn’t perfect, but the process of sitting down and just getting it done helped me clarify my thoughts and break through the barrier. I wasn’t thinking about legacy.
Over time, however, I’ve realized that writing achieves multiple goals for me. Notably, it clarifies my thinking. I think that’s the single most important thing for me personally. It also helps others understand complex topics, which is useful (literally). I want to write useful books. And the idea this Congregation is prompting me to consider – the books are something that will outlast me, contributing to a “legacy”.
Clarifying My Thinking
One of the most valuable aspects of writing is that it forces clarity. When you sit down to write, you might start with vague ideas or high-level concepts. The act of writing demands that you take those abstract ideas and make them actionable. It’s like an engineer building a bridge from theory to practical application.
Writing gives me the space to reflect and refine my thinking. Whether I’m diving deep into AI, content marketing, or business strategy, writing helps me organize my thoughts and develop a solid point of view.
Helping Others Understand Complex Topics
Beyond the personal benefit, I write to help others understand challenging subjects. Whether it’s AI or marketing strategy, I try to make complex ideas simple and accessible. That’s why I focus on short, practical books – concise, no-fluff reads that offer value immediately.
My shorter books are focused, easy to digest, and designed for quick wins. However, they’re often part of a larger picture. For example, while I’m working on a short beginner’s guide to AI, I’m also developing a more comprehensive book on AI and thought leadership. Each book is designed to give readers something they can apply right away.
Books also enable me to reach a much wider audience than workshops or consulting sessions allow. A book is something that people can refer to whenever they need it, and they can share it with their teams or colleagues.
Leaving a Legacy
The permanence of a book is one of the most compelling reasons to write. Unlike a blog post or a podcast episode, books are long-lasting. While digital content often fades over time, I hope that my books will be useful long into the future.
I didn’t start writing with legacy in mind, but it’s become clear that books are a way of leaving something behind – creating value that others can benefit from for years to come.
Writing books is my way of contributing to the long-term conversation in my field and leaving something meaningful for the next generation.