Sitting down and writing that book is the first step for any author as they embark on their self-publishing journey.
I have had a great week writing. On Sunday, I completed draft 1 of my new project – Am I Really a Secret Alien Spy. Aimed for 8 years +, coming in at just over 32,000 words. I finally got around to sending my non-fiction book out to a few beta-readers, book 2 of the Puzzle Train series is nearly ready to be uploaded to Amazon and I have started the edit of book 4 in the Puzzle Train series. Phew!
It’s a holiday and the sun is shining, which brings me to today’s topic – motivation. Ever heard the saying that genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration? Put simply, that means you might have a great idea for a book, but until you get out there and write it then no one will ever read it.
How do you get motivated?
Here are five ways you can stop procrastination and start writing:
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Accept the present
Are you waiting for that perfect day to write? Where you wake up and feel good, bursting with energy, there are no chores and no distractions. If you have it, great. For most of us it doesn’t happen.
Accept the present for what it is – imperfect, but write anyway. Section off blocks of time to do other chores.
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Start writing
Are you thinking that’s the most stupid thing you’ve ever heard? But, yet, if you just started writing, then you would have words on a document.
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Overthinking can be your enemy
You may want some kind of plan to start you book, but if your writing isn’t following that plan, don’t worry. Linked with number 2 above, stop thinking and start doing.
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A little goes a long way
What if you did just a little every day. Ten minutes here, fifteen minutes there. Even writing a list of ideas or describing a character can help. Just try to get in the habit of doing a little every day. Before work, with breakfast, lunchtime, before bed, whatever works best for you.
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Avoid distractions
Have you ever seen a Facebook post that says something like “how do you find time to write?” and have you ever thought to yourself “get off Facebook and start writing”? Today’s digital age is distracting. Block off some time, turn your phone off, disconnect from the world and connect with your writing.
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Be in the present
Don’t worry about the future, don’t look back on the past. Be in the present. There’s an old Chinese proverb – the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time is now. Imagine if you had started writing 20 years, 10 or even 2 years ago – where would you be now?
Just following a few of these for just a few minutes every day can see you well on your way to writing your novel and starting your self-publishing journey.
