If the author felt so inadequate, what gave him the confidence to proceed with writing Sai Baba's life story?

Despite his feelings of being 'dull-witted and ignorant,' the author's confidence stems from his conviction that he is not the true writer. As he explains in Chapter 2, he believes the inspiration is ignited by Sai Baba himself. The author sees himself as merely a pretext or an instrument, asserting that 'the Saints themselves get it done.' He believes that Sai Baba is getting his own life story written through him and that the Lord loves those who write the lives of Saints. This divine mandate is the source of his resolve to continue the work.