Do you want to stand out as the writer who finished, and not just the writer who started? Then it’s time to get REAL with your writing and thinking habits.
I just finished writing a memoir, and let me tell you, when the excitement wore off about two-thirds of the way through the book, I had to make some changes. When the memories were too painful to recall, I had to give myself frequent pep talks. And when I found myself doing anything in order to NOT sit down and finish my manuscript, I knew it was time for me to look reality straight in the face.
I literally packed my bags and took a ten day trip to my mom and dad’s house in Illinois (and stayed in that cabin pictured above). I needed less distractions (limited internet and phone reception), a new writing environment (the woods vary greatly from my surroundings in Brooklyn), and a place where I could have complete focus on the task at hand.
The good news is that I returned from “my cabin in the woods” with a finished manuscript. It has been sent to my editor!
Below is what I learned during the final stages of writing my manuscript. I hope that these five tips are helpful in helping YOU finish your book!
5 Habits and Beliefs That Are Killing Your Focus and Determination
1 – Silence the excuses.
I get it. Your life is busy. Writing is hard work. But your excuses are holding you back. They are crushing your dreams. They are leaving you uninspired to write. They are negative thoughts that are manifesting themselves into bad habits.
2 – Clean up your diet.
Drinking numerous cups of coffee and chomping on sweet treats is killing your creativity and focus. Your brain needs proper food to properly function. Keep hydrated with 6-8 cups of water each day, and choose decaffeinated teas over coffee.
3 – Set strict standards around your writing time.
You must inform your family of your commitment to finish your book. Make a sign for your writing space that says, “Writing and in the Zone: Do not disturb.” Turn off your cell phone. Disconnect the internet. Set the timer and write for the duration.
4 – Remove the word trying from your vocabulary.
You either do. Or you try. Are you wanting to finish that book of yours? Or are you wanting to try and finish that book of yours?
5 – Speak Your Goals.
There is nothing wrong with sharing your writing goals aloud, as long as you do so with people who love you and believe in you. And when you do speak them aloud, they become a little more real, a little more tangible, and much more believable.
If you are “stuck” in the manuscript writing process, and want more than anything to finish with a BANG, here is what you should do next:
- Take a close look at what is holding you back.
- Become brutally honest with yourself and make some changes.
- Have you considered working with a writing coach? I help writers become laser-focused and work with you to set realistic goals, as well as identify obstacles which are blocking your writing journey.
- I invite you to set up a complimentary 20 Minute Writing Strategy Session. We will work together during this call to get a plan of attack in place – so you can be the writer who finished the book, and not just the one who started.
Contact me to schedule a complimentary, 20 minute writing strategy session
