Eight Secrets for Writing Your Book Quicker

We all have hectic lives taking care of families, jobs, extended family, chores, school involvement, and a host of many other responsibilities. Yet, writers must write. In addition, if we don’t write, we become desperate with feelings of failure that we aren’t accomplishing what our heart relentlessly prompts us to do. We are creative personalities with an inherent need to write. Our creative juices urge us on, even torments us at times, as the potential of that creation inspires us to envision the waiting success.

Ignoring or procrastinating our creative abilities and needs can lead to mental confusion. The Muse is never-ending in its refusal to allow us sleep at times, and nags even while attending to life’s demands. It becomes difficult to think of much else but getting back to the keyboard. The Great American Nonfiction Book waits impatiently.

So how do successful authors find the time to pluck out a book and make it successful?

1. Priorities. We can’t ignore our children, spouses, and chores. But we can prioritize. Write when the babies are asleep or at school. When everyone is asleep stay up an extra hour or two and write. Plan play dates for your small children, or get a neighborhood teenager to baby-sit for a few hours, and take that time to write. The dishes and vacuuming will wait – don’t worry they aren’t going anywhere. It’s amazing how much we can accomplish with just two hours a day of peace and quiet even if that means going to bed later, or getting up earlier. If you’re young, you have more stamina. If you are older, then some things in your daily housekeeping will have to wait.

2. Get a notebook and flesh out your ideas and chapters in general. That way you aren’t staring at a blank screen trying to figure out what comes next. As you consult your notes, more ideas will come. Keep a small notebook with you at all times. One to keep with you at all times and one on the nightstand for those sleepless nights when the Muse won’t be ignored. Be organized.

3. Write most of the book proposal first. That way you will have down on paper the beginning, middle and end. This will keep you focused, and keep you from going off on tangents that waste time. Write the first three chapters to be included in your proposal so that you can submit it. The anticipation of publisher or agent replies will keep you writing.

4. Get a notebook dedicated to your novel. List your ideas, the facts you need to make your book credible, jot down pertinent thoughts when talking to people, and anything else that comes to mind during the day. This will save you a lot of time. When you’re out shopping, doing errands, waiting in line, read the headlines from newspapers and magazines. Subjects that are popular can stand out like a neon sign. Set a certain amount of words to write each day.

5. Do your research for the book on designated days each week. That way you aren’t wasting time researching when you’re supposed to be writing.

6. Having your own space to write and concentrate is of utmost importance. Quiet is imperative as the Muse’s influences are felt where there’s less chaos. Any outside noise and confusion will chase off your muse in a hurry. Establish your own office area where no one else will bother you. Instill boundaries so that your family knows that this is your personal space, and you aren’t to be bothered unless there’s an emergency. This is difficult when you have small children. Going to the library is a good option if you can’t establish your own space at home. Suggest to your spouse or older child to take charge a few days a week. In return, you will give them a treat they’ve been wanting.

7. What fosters your muse?  Some writers must have solitude without any background noise. Others need favorite music, the radio, or TV on in the background. This is purely an individual choice. There is no right or wrong. Take a few moments to meditate about the success you want for yourself, and how your book will help others. Whatever it takes to foster your muse, do it.
   

8. And finally – NEVER GIVE UP. Life will always threaten to get in the way of your passion to write. Good organization, making sure you get time for you, and being positive will keep the Muse alive. Confidence in your abilities and self-affirmations are necessary to keep going in spite of any odds. First books are published in spite of all the naysayers out there who say it’s almost impossible nowadays.

The next first nonfiction published author could be you!