You need a plan
The only way a book ever gets written is when someone sits down and
writes. The words simply must be put on paper. Assuming you're writing
your book yourself, getting those words on paper takes some
self-discipline.
Self-discipline often carries connotations of deprivation or of being
forced to do something we don't want to do.
There is, however, another way to frame it and that's to embrace
self-discipline as a way to get what you really want. If you want to get
a book written, the discipline of writing regularly is your path. You,
however, get to design how that path looks.
What your discipline looks like
How you define writing regularly is up to you. Some of the
choices include:
- Writing every day at a particular time for a specific stretch of
time. For example, you might love getting up early and writing for
an hour; maybe your best time to write is late at night.
- Writing x number of words a day. Or x number of pages.
- Writing every other day or on the weekends.
- Writing during your lunch hour three days a week.
The possible variations are many. What doesn't work is waiting for
the muse or mode to strike.
The trick is to look at what you want to accomplish, then chunk it
down in to manageable bits or mini-goals.
Set up a trial schedule
If you're new to setting up this kind of writing schedule, take a
pass at it. Decide what kind of time you're going to spend writing and
when. Put it in your calendar for a week or two and see how it goes.
If you're keeping to your schedule, great, keep it up. If, however,
you find you're not meeting your timetable, don't give up. Instead,
revisit the plan and see what needs to be changed, and try it again.
Persistence pays
Persistence doesn't mean forcing yourself to do something you don't
like, or that isn't working. There's no percentage in that. Persistence
means keeping on but with flexibility. Here's what I mean.
Suppose you want to get a book written. You initially decide you'll
write 500 words a day, five days a week. The first day goes well, the
second goes reasonably well, but by the end of the week, you realize you
haven't written for three days.
Instead of beating yourself up, look at why you didn't write. Be kind
and gentle with yourself, as well as honest. Give yourself credit for
the two days you did succeed and figure out what needs to be adjusted.
Maybe it's the number of words, or the time you write, or some
combination.
Remember, you're in charge, and if you really want to get a book
written, you'll have to figure out how to get the 50,000 or so words
actually written. But there's no one "best" way to do that.
Design you ideal day
Every now and again, I take a hard look at what I think my ideal day
would be. I start with a blank page and fill in my ideal. I include
writing time of course, but I also include things like naps, long baths,
and meeting with friends... whatever I think will please me as well as
move me toward my goals.
Right now my ideal day includes 15 minutes picking up my studio
apartment as well as blocks of time for writing for my clients and a
block of time for my own writing. It also includes reading the forum,
blogging, some exercise, etc.
I use my ideal day as a basis for planning the week... it's a guide,
not set in stone, because life is what happens when we're making plans.
But my ideal day provides a frame for my planning and a reminder of
what's important to me.
Know too, that even though you get a schedule working, there are
times when it simply won't work. Maybe there's a family emergency, or
you get the flu. Again, be gentle with yourself.
Since a book is a long project, don't be surprised if you need to
change your schedule from time-to-time. Again, your circumstances are
likely to change. Flexibility is the key.
With self-discipline, whatever that looks like to you, and
persistence, your success as a freelance writer is almost guaranteed.
Write well and often!
