Many authors, novice and professional alike struggle to finish their books. Often, they feel overwhelmed, and self-doubt creep in, and they shut down. Sometimes, writers get lost because they don’t have the right approach. Then they spend YEARS working on the book.
I assure you that you’re not alone in feeling this way. Everyone from high-earning coaches, corporate consultants to fiction writers struggle. The idea of getting published can seem so faraway. It doesn't have to be this way. Here are three simple steps I use, and I encourage others to try.
Break It Down with a Timeline
If you’ve already started writing, break down what you have left in a timeline. Haven’t started yet? Perfect! Create a timeline into bite-sized chunks that YOU can manage. Work at the times that are best for you. If you do more than you planned, then GREAT.
For me, I set my writing times up and plan to write a specific number of words. For others, it's writing for a certain amount of time. Choose a path that works for your. Perhaps it's a mix of both.
I recommend a 90-day writing process. First, it gives you an end date that’s not far into the future. And you stay in the same creative space mentally and emotionally. If you get to the 90-day mark and you’re not done, tack on another 30 days.
Writing your book can be can be manageable in 90 days. I promise. I’ve done it. Stephen King does it, Jen Sincero does it (she writes in 30 days). A lot of creatives work with a 30 to 90-day process.
Embrace Imperfection in the First Draft
Don’t try to get your first draft RIGHT. Just write. The first draft is for you, and the second is for your reader. If you aim for perfection, you will NEVER finish. The goal of the first draft is to get your ideas out.
Turn off your inner critic. Let the words flow out of you. You don’t have to write linear, either. You have your TIMELINE, and it’s okay to skip around.
The inner critic is the first thing to kill a writer and the writing process. As you write your crappy first draft, remember it’s just that–a crappy first draft. As you write, you will refine and reinforce your voice.
Establish a Support System
A support system can offer motivation, feedback, and encouragement, helping writers stay on track and feel less alone in the process. I encourage my writing clients to find other writers in their area or online. Make sure they are writing the same genre as you and are the same level writer or better than you.
From your support system, you will gain mentorship and encouragement. If you can work with a coach like me, that would be even better. Writing your book, can be like working in a vacuum, you're unsure and wonder if you'll ever get published.
When you surround yourself with others who are like-minded, you will get that boost you need when you need it.
These are three simple steps you can do, no matter what level of writer you are. Each one has its own advantage. Together they are a powerful force. Getting your book published doesn't have to be a dream or an idea - you can do it.
Here's a guide I created for you - SIX Mindset Shifts to Finish Your Book and Get Published. It's yours - it's free - it's a click away.
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