Which of these scenarios best describes you?
Scene A: You wake up refreshed to start your day and can’t wait to sit down to write another chapter (or four!) or your latest book. You adore the writing process and can easily enter your “zone” where time just stands still and your fingers move like the wind across the keyboard.
But how many Scene A’s turn into the next scenario?
Scene B: You wake up refreshed to start your day and you do everything on you-to-do-list first instead of writing a chapter of the book that you know will boost your business.
Procrastination is your friend and the “reasons” you give yourself for not writing are simply excuses.
Besides, if writing a book were easy, everyone would be published.
Writing a book is a great way to boost your credibility, increase your name recognition, and increase your profits. Take a moment to understand your writing fears and habits can improve the writing process so that Scene B can be replaced by Scene A.
Examine your writing habits.
Are you a procrastinator or a “get it done” person?
Are you an early morning person or night owl?
Can you write with music or podcasts playing in the background or do you need total silence?
Every writer has a different method of working and you might just discover something new about yourself during this process.
Maybe you prefer nature sounds or white noise opposed to music with lyrics. Or maybe you can focus better in a coffee house setting instead of in complete silence.
No matter what your preferences, use those to your advantage to be more productive.
Discover your fears about the writing process.
Do you dread that blank page staring back at you?
Do you fear hearing negative feedback or reviews?
Do you fear hiring an editor only to get your manuscript back marked up or changed considerably?
Remember that once upon a time even big name authors had to start with a blank page and editors who changed their words. Start your manuscript with a chapter outline and remember that you’re paying an editor good money to “elevate your words” and make your book the best it can be.
Analyze how disciplined you are when it comes to writing.
There’s no right or wrong method here but can you work in the zone for hours on end? Do you get easily distracted and need to take breaks?
If you need breaks, try the Pomodoro method into your day. Simply set a time for 25 minutes and focus on your writing until the time goes off. Take a 10-minute break, then get to writing for another 25 minutes. It’s a simple method that allows you to stay fresh and focused during your writing sessions.
Is writing your passion or do you fear this will be a wasted effort?
What if you don’t make book sales or the response from your audience isn’t as glowing as you had hoped?
This is a valid fear, especially if you’re depending on this book to increase your earnings, but you’ll be prepared to conquer this fear by doing market research prior to writing the first page.
Is the book topic something your market needs and wants? Can you offer a different spin on this topic that other may have already written about? Whether you feel a passion for writing or you’re certain this will be your only book, you’ll always benefit by doing research.
Writing a book is a wonderful self-discovery tool in addition to a business-builder. Take these discoveries and work with them during the process; you’ll only improve your writing habits going forward.
About Rebecca
Rebecca Camarena is a Book Coach, author, self-publishing expert, editor. Helping elevate your words and you’re books message so you can share your story with confidence. From refining your narrative to navigating the complex world of publishing I provide tailored editing and publishing strategies.
Let’s bring your book to life – your story deserves to be told. Connect with me here, www.rebeccacamarena.com/contact
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