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Seven Essentials for Finishing Your Book

By thebookwright, on August 26th, 2010

I’ve just got completed and sorted out the publication of my second book this year.

I thought it would be a good idea to pause and reflect of how I did it – especially when I am thinking of writing at least one other before the end of 2010 !!

In working with other authors who are either blocked, procrastinating or experiencing life getting in the way, I am spotting the trends now between those that complete and those that don’t finish.

This is a purposely short blog as this isn’t difficult – get these sorted and you will succeed with ease. Don’t address them and you will struggle.

This applies mainly to non-fiction authors …

1. The desire to generate “me time” – and the discipline to stick to it

2. A plan for how to take the book to market

3. Either knowing your stuff or having tested your material & theories either in workshops or 1-2-1 with clients

4. Early reader reviews of a draft or a sample to ensure you’re on your path

5. A day job to keep the home fires burning

6. Adoption of some form of meditative practice even if it’s going for a walk every day or on writing days to fuel your ideas and tap into your creative muse

7. A partner who understands and believes in you

… I am sure there are more, please feel free to add your tips below

Jo Parfitt

August 27, 2010 at 8:04 am

How I agree with these seven points, above, particularly numbers 2 and 4

As the author of 27 books and one who mentors new writers to get in print, I believe it is vital that you believe in your idea, fully believe in it – no doubts. One doubt and you will fall by the wayside.

When I was creating my Write Your Life Stories home study program I meditated each morning and began with the questions: Who Am I?, What do I Want? and What is my Purpose? as suggested by the Wisdom of Healing course I attended at the Chopra centre.

It really helped me stay on track because each day, when I asked those questions I got the answers:

I am a writer who shares what I know to help others to grow

I want my life story program to be successful

I am here to help and inspire people to write about their lives

I am pretty sure that this is what kept me on track.

Thanks for this post, Tom