Tips to Start Writing and Finish Your Book
In the world of writing and publishing, many aspiring authors find themselves grappling with a familiar obstacle: writer’s block. While the urge to bring their ideas to life is strong, navigating the process of starting, completing, and releasing a book can be overwhelming.
In this Authors Who Lead podcast episode, I provided invaluable insights and strategies to help writers overcome these hurdles. I share strategies and explore practical tips to help you overcome writer’s block and actualize your writing goals.
Tip 1: Focus on Writing the Manuscript First
Any aspiring author’s first and foremost focus should be writing the manuscript. Instead of getting caught up in the intricate details of publishing, such as self-publishing, finding an agent, or creating a proposal, writers should channel their energy into developing the manuscript—a lump of clay waiting to be shaped. By prioritizing writing and creating this foundational piece, authors lay the groundwork for their future publishing endeavors.
The Pitfall of Overthinking and Research:
Be cautious against overthinking and becoming entangled in endless research. While a well-researched book is valuable, it’s essential to differentiate between the act of writing and the research process. By refraining from diving too deep into research before laying down the manuscript, writers can prevent themselves from being immobilized by information overload.
Practical Insights: Overcoming Procrastination Through Action:
To overcome the allure of procrastination and indecision, I advocate for taking concrete action. I encourage writers to refrain from permitting themselves to pivot toward activities that deviate from the fundamental task of writing. By consciously committing to set aside distractions and prioritize writing, authors can eliminate the barriers that impede their progress.
Tip 2: Utilize Accountability as a Motivational Tool
Accountability plays a pivotal role in fostering writers’ productivity. Authors can effectively set writing milestones, word count targets, and designated writing periods by enlisting someone to hold them accountable. Whether through public declaration or private arrangement, having an accountability partner can provide the necessary impetus to keep writers on track with their goals.
Embracing Public Accountability and Sharing Your Writing Journey:
By publicly sharing the endeavor of writing a book, authors can create a sense of responsibility and harness the support of their audience. This method instills a personal sense of commitment and generates a network of encouragement that propels writers toward their objectives.
Tip 3: Impose Self-Set Deadlines
Creating self-imposed deadlines is a powerful strategy to maintain writing momentum and galvanize the completion of a manuscript. By setting a definitive date for the book’s draft to emerge, authors infuse their writing process with a sense of urgency and purpose.
Defying Perfectionism and Embracing Imperfection:
I implore writers to relinquish the pursuit of perfection and instead champion the act of completion. By acknowledging that imperfections and uncertainties are integral to the creative process, authors can liberate themselves from the paralyzing grip of self-doubt and criticism. In doing so, they can overcome writer’s block and move forward with their writing ambitions.
The journey from a fledgling idea to a published book faces challenges, doubts, and hurdles. However, by adopting these strategies, writers can surmount writer’s block and steer their creative endeavors toward fruition.
Authors can unleash their writing potential and transform their aspirations into reality by steadfastly focusing on writing the manuscript, leveraging accountability as a motivational tool, and imposing self-set deadlines. As you embark on your writing odyssey, may these insights serve as guiding beacons, illuminating your path toward authorship and literary accomplishment.
That’s all for this week. If you have a message inside of you that needs to be written, today is the day to start. Don’t delay — take action.
Episode Resources:
Authors Who Lead
AWL Membership Community
TEDX
Fiction with Purpose Group
Mandala Tree Press Publishing
AWL Coaching Programs