How to fool yourself into writing a book (even if you’ve not started)
You’re a coach or speaker with a huuuuge message to tell the world, and you know your book is the most brilliant way to do it. The thing is, though, it’s still a pipe dream.
You’ve started the first couple of chapters, but it’s not flowing.
You’re not sure if your big idea is … well … big enough.
And let’s face it, you’re just too dang busy to write it anyway.
Sigh. Another month goes by and you’re no closer to holding your transformational book in your hands. Surely inspiration will strike soon – yes, let’s wait till then.
The truth is, a book is never going to wing its way down from heaven into your willing arms. But it doesn’t have to be blood, sweat and tears to write it, either. The trick is to fool yourself into writing it so it feels easy.
Here’s how.
Know your why
It’s never enough to want to write a book. You have to know why. If you’re not clear on this, are you surprised your motivation is low? The truth is, you could have many reasons for wanting to be a business author – here are some ideas to kick you off:
- Getting your big message out into the world
- Skyrocketing your client leads
- Attracting better quality clients
- Landing great speaking gigs
- Leaving a legacy
- Earning more money
Some of these goals may seem a little ‘off’ to you. Do you feel bad about wanting to write a book so you’ll boost your business? You don’t need to. It’s the value your book offers your readers that will do that job for you, so enjoy the side benefits.
Grab the right idea
A great book needs a great idea at its heart. You might be struggling to come up with an idea, or even worry the ones you have aren’t up to the job. Who wants to write a book when they’re not even sure it’s on the right topic? No wonder you can’t get started.
Fear not, this handy one-page flowchart takes you through every step you need to narrow down your business book ideas. Download it now.
Get mapping
Now you know what you’re writing about, grab a sheet of paper and mind map your ideas. Put your big idea in the middle and draw links and bubbles out of that, each with a related point. Don’t worry about the order yet, just get everything out so you’re not frustrated any more.
Are those ideas flowing nicely now? Good.
Another way, if you’re more of a linear thinker, is to use post-it notes. Write a different thought on each one, stick it on a whiteboard or piece of flip chart paper at random, and then organise the notes into groups when you’ve finished.
Each method has the advantage that it feels easy – you’re fooling yourself into planning your book!
Lay a trail of candy
Now you want to make the process of writing really tempting. To do that you need to bribe yourself to get closer to your goal.
First, jot down all the main points for each chapter. If you don’t do this, you run the risk of finding out part way through that your content needs to be chopped and changed, or that you don’t have as much material for a particular section as you thought. Major aargh moment!
But you don’t want to make this hard work. Just plan a little reward for each chapter plan done and it will seem easy.
Then, give yourself a small word count to complete each day, like 3-500 words. Now you’ve got your points outlined, that’s easily achievable in half an hour – all you have to do is look at what you want to say and then write about it. It’ll feel like your manuscript is tripping off your fingers.
Keep the flow
When you’re writing your first draft, just write. It doesn’t matter if it’s terrible, you’re the only person who’s going to see it. (And for that reason, don’t show it to anyone either, there’s nothing more pointless than getting damning feedback on something that’s only half formed).
If you need to research a point or dig out a story, don’t stop. Just make a note in the text and carry on. The part of your brain you use to create is different from the one you use to edit and research, so fool your mind into getting into the flow of writing and make it easy for yourself.
Breathe and release
Once you’ve edited (and edited again), publish and be damned. Don’t think too hard about it, or you’ll never do it. Instead, spend the time you would have spent agonising over it planning your launch party and ordering in celebratory drinks. That’s much more fun and productive.
Oh and while you’re about it, self-publish. Going for a traditional publisher at this stage is like opening a chocolate box only to have your hand slapped away. It should be your book, produced your way.
Did I fool you?
It’s really not so hard to write your book if you think about it, is it? But you do need a process. And rewards. And chocolate. With those three in place, you’d be a fool not to do it :)
Are you thinking of writing a book? And if so, how far have you got? Whether you’re inspired or stuck, an Author Maker Strategy Session with me might be just what you need. Click here to apply, and let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
