Writing

The most important part of your book is the writing. Your goal should be to write the best book you
can write.  If you are writing to make a million dollars after it's published by appearing on Oprah, or finalize a movie option, or get agents,  I'd say stop right now and find something else to do.

Writing is work. Sometimes it's enjoyable and many times it is painful and tedious. I never expected to make a lot of money on my book and the more blogs, tweets, and tumbles I read, most authors agree on that one. Often you want to scream when the right word or sentence won't come out. Persist or just move on. It will come in the next draft.

Everyone is different when it comes down to the actual writing.  Some believe in a certain number of hours per day whether morning, afternoon, or evening. Others do it whenever they can because of their schedule. I myself prefer to set 3-4 hours a day and try to stick to it. Nathan Bransford gives tips on writing on his blog and in his book, How to Write a Novel: 47 Rules for Writing a Stupendously Awesome Novel That You Will Love Forever!           


I tend to also be obsessive (good and bad trait) and become a hermit and anti-social. This too, I hear is not unusual. The answer to this is balance, but to be honest, I haven't been able to do that yet.  I think it's a good idea to force yourself to go for a walk, exercise, see a movie with friends.

Whatever you do, don't get to the point that you become like our friend Jack in The Shining.


The point of this post is that there are ways and tools out there to help keep you focus. Mary Jaksch, of Write To Done, also suggests some apps. No one else can actually write the book except you, but there are authors and friends out there who do give tips to help you stay writing. Read and heed. Experience is the best teacher.