11 of the best book writing habits
If you want to make a change in your life, you have to create new habits. If you want to write a book, you need good book writing habits.
In January, I did Veganuary and dry January. Yes, that’s quite a tall order, I can tell you – both at the same time. And whilst there are times when I thought to myself ‘Whatever was I thinking?!’, this change in behaviour has started to become a habit and conscious choice.
When it comes to habits, over the years, I’ve heard various pieces of research, like ‘it takes 21 days to form a habit’. In reality, if we really want to do something, we just have to make the decision to do it. As Jim Rohn says “Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going”.
But with any habit, we may have a blip every now and then, so it helps to get some guidance and advice. That’s why I’ve put together some thoughts and ideas to help you with your book writing habits.
1. Make the decision to write your book
You need to decide that you want to write your book before you even start to think about making writing a habit. Is it the right time? Do you really want to do it? One of the questions I like to ask is: How important is your book right now on a scale of 1-10? If it’s anything lower than an 8, now’s probably not the right time to do it!
2. Don’t write a word until you have a plan
There’s a reason why there are four principles in Becoming An Authority that I suggest you follow before you start to write your book. The same applies to any writing in my view, even a blog or a social media post to some extent, otherwise you’ll be sat in front of a blank piece of paper or write thousands of words you may never use.
3. Work out when, where and how you write at your best
We focus on this in the Get Started workbook. I prefer to write in blocks of time and ideally in any place that’s not my office! That’s why I took myself away for a few days to write my sixth book last year and many people book onto our writing retreats. Some people prefer to write for an hour a day. What works for you?
4. Schedule writing time and stick to it
If you’re writing a book, it’ll only happen when you make the time to do it. When you’ve worked out your writing preferences, schedule at least half a day a week for your writing (or equivalent) and ensure that this time is non-negotiable. And if now’s not the time, when will it happen? If it’s likely to be the end of 2020, what needs to happen to make sure it doesn’t slip into 2021, 2022 or beyond?
5. Make sacrifices
If it feels like there’s not enough time in the day, have you looked at what sacrifices you can make? Most of us can find more time if we delegate tasks, ask for help, set expectations with loved ones and friends, get off social media, check emails at regular times during the day (rather than constantly) or watch less TV.
6. Minimise distractions
It sounds obvious, but it’s worth mentioning anyway, that I suggest you minimise distractions during your scheduled writing time. Clear your desk or writing space. Turn your email and social media off, put your phone on silent (and turn it upside down so you can’t see calls or notifications!) and shut yourself away if you prefer to work by yourself in silence.
7. Take proper and regular breaks
As well as removing distractions, set a timer so that you take regular breaks and then take them. Move your body, stretch, get a drink, go for a walk, and everything else you need to do to get refocused again after your break! You might want to set a timer for the break, so that you don’t start to get distracted…
8. Write something. Anything
If you have scheduled time to write, but the words simply aren’t coming, then you’ve got a couple of options. I suggest you start somewhere – which is where a plan can help, because you can pick something that may be easy. Set a timer for 30-45 minutes and see what happens. If it flows, great. If it doesn’t, move to something else. On a personal note, if I’m stuck with my writing, I’ll often go for a walk. During that walk, I start to write in my head, which makes it easier when I get back to my desk. And I have been known to dictate it on my phone whilst walking!
9. Get an accountability partner or coach
One of the reasons why clients want help from a book mentor is to keep them on track and give them feedback on their writing. But even if you’re doing it alone, get someone to report into. A well briefed buddy or accountability partner will nudge you when you need it and ask for regular updates.
10. Celebrate wins, however small
If you’ve written a hundred words today, it’s still a hundred words more than yesterday. Rather than berating yourself, celebrate wins, however small and especially the big ones – like the first full draft, getting your manuscript out for peer review, and definitely the publication of your book!
11. Work to mini milestones
Whenever I work with clients, we break the book journey into bite sized chunks with mini milestones along the journey. Normally we work back from their proposed launch date to work out which chapters need to be completed by when, and what needs to happen on which date. It’s far easier to know that you have to write a chapter in a fortnight rather than be daunted by the thought of writing the whole book!
What are your book writing habits?
What works for you when you’re writing a book? Do you need to put new habits into place?
Please comment and add your tips on this blog.
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