9 Tips to Embrace Your Writing Feeling

Maybe you’ve never thought of yourself as a published author. But you have the itch to give it a try. And here’s the good news: you don’t need a college degree to be a writer and author. What you do need is to write. Those who write, write better. And faster. Books don’t just happen. Oh, the idea, the concept, can drop in. But their development to a book to be published … it’s a process and sometimes complicated.

Below are nine tips to earn the honored badge of a writer.

1. Stop making excuses

The best tool you have in your writing toolbox is a no-tolerance policy for excuses not to write and/or whining about having to write. The single most important thing a writer needs to do is just write. Often. It’s my #1 insight. Just do it.

2. Act like you are a writer and author

Your mindset comes into play. We writers need to take ourselves seriously. What you are writing about is your choice. When I wake each morning, I don’t think, “Should I write today?” A positive mindset helps me slay the dragons of procrastination and doubt about my ability to pull off any writing task.

Don’t let the naysayers zap your energy or thoughts. When you are writing, they aren’t allowed in your space. You are not to be interrupted unless it’s an emergency.

3. Choose your writing uniform

I confess, I have writing uniforms. Always comfy—something if I go outside, people won’t gasp, or I can zip to the grocery store or take in a movie. I would don my writing uniform every day when I was ready to work and with my “uniform” a subtle message tells my mind and those in my household: “It’s time to write!” Mine is often a velour running suit (I don’t run). I have multiple colors, alter the t-shirt for a little variety. Another must is pockets—I like them to slip whatever I need to in—including my mobile or mouse to the computer when I’m in motion.

4. Create your writing space – declutter it and the “noise”

Surround yourself with “feel good” … the right pens/pencil. Flowers. A picture or two (I imagine WHO I’m writing for). A mug of tea or my favorite peach iced tea (I drink gallons of this when working on a book). Sticky notes are a must have and part of my writing arsenal.

Sometimes I’m in my inner office—I have a conference room where I work with clients and my own inner office that is MY SPACE only—few are invited in. Other times on my deck at home… or even a cruise where I hunker down between stateroom and the balcony—rarely leaving it except to eat dinner—my reward for a day of writing. I’ve drafted an entire book in six days this way.

Decluttering doesn’t mean cleaning—it’s a remove distractions scenario. When you write, you want to be Books don’t just happen. Oh, the idea, the concept, can drop it. But their development … it’s a process and sometimes complicated.

5. Break your project down

If you are working on a book, divide it into smaller sections. One thing I always do is create the Contents page. Then, I visually lay out the book using sticky notes. Why? Until your writing/book is done—nothing is set in granite—be flexible and allow for changes. They happen. Sticky notes are portable and give me clues and cues of what I need to add within a chapter.

My Contents page (the old phrase was Table of Contents) is printed out so it’s visible. Focus on ONE chapter at a time. And I storyboard my entire book as well as create a Game Plan and Storyboards for the WHO … who I’m writing for. Get my book, AuthorYOU- Creating Your Author and Book Platforms, for a step-by-step process.

6. Set your computer up to receive and store your writing

Create a BOOK folder. It’s my main one for all things that will create the book. I then create a “short cut” for the folder and keep it on my computer desktop so I don’t have to go hunting for it. Anything I create in either folder with automatically be added to the other.

Within the BOOK folder, all the files will be created and stored. No exceptions, otherwise, it’s easy to lose track of what you have.

7. Set a writing schedule that works for you

For some, writing every day during a specific time is what they need. Others write in batches on binges—maybe one day each week, an entire week, or a combination. For others, it works better to write at same time each day.

Don’t let anyone tell you that you must write so many hours every day and at a certain time. We all have our internal clocks. Create a schedule that works best for you. Make it a habit.

8. Create a tracking checklist

When I’m writing a book, I have checklists to ease me into a writing mojo and make my writing time easier. Plus, I avoid mistakes. Lists (short ones) keep me on track and I can see “where” I am. It’s why I start all projects with a Game Plan and start a Storyboard for the book I’m beginning.

Your checklist could include things like:

• Reviewing the writing you did from the last time you wrote.
• A prompt to create/write a specific number of words to complete a chapter—maybe the current one … or tweak one that you thought was already finished.
• A short time out. Stretching. Walking the dog. Walking yourself. It’s a mind break for a few minutes.
• Speaking with someone on the phone or in person (social media a la Facebook doesn’t count).
• I’m a believer in pushing forward, not back. Most editing can come later.
• Weekly, I get a movie or two. It’s amazing that when I’m watching something, “I hear” something that will add to what I’m working on. It’s a bit of a mental break, but it opens me up to an aha or insight that happens.
• A reward—yup a reward of some sort. You choose.

9. Don’t delete pieces you reject … yet

This is where a MISC or LEFTOVER folder is used in your BOOK folder. You never know—sentences, paragraphs, sections, even chapters may become the seed for “what’s next.” Until you really know that they are useless, keep these odds and ends in a separate folder before you push the delete button.

What to do next …

Celebrate you did it … whatever “it” is. You get to pick the celebration. And then, decide on your next … What? … and keep on writing!

Remember why you write. When I’m writing nonfiction, it’s to help others; to bring awareness to a problem identified and come up with some solutions. For those who write fiction, it’s always about escaping into a story. That’s the gift, enveloped in hours of reading pleasure.

Dr. Judith Briles is a book publishing expert and coach. Often, she must roll up her writing sleeves and become a Book Doctor, juicing up storylines and author words. She empowers authors and works directly with authors who want to be seriously successful and has been writing about and conducting workshops on publishing since the ’80s. Judith is the author of 47 books and 56 book awards including Author YOU: Creating and Building Your Author and Book Platforms, Snappy Sassy Salty: Success for Authors and Writers, and How to Create a Million Dollar Speech. Her personal memoir When God Says NO-Revealing the YES When Adversity and Loss Are Present is a #1 bestseller on Amazon and her historical fiction debut The Secret Journey and The Secret Hamlet. Collectively, her books have earned over 50 book awards. Judith speaks throughout the year at publishing conferences.

Throughout the year, she holds Judith Briles Book Unplugged in-person and online experiences: Publishing, Speaking, Marketing, and Social Media. All are two-day intensives limited to a small group of authors who want to be seriously successful. Join Judith live for the “AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Publishing” podcast on the Toginet Radio Network HERE. The AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Marketing podcast is ranked in the TOP 10 podcasts for book marketing by Mashable and Feedspot.

Follow @AuthorUYOUBooks and @MyBookShepherd on Twitter and do a “Like” at AuthorYOU, and join the Facebook group Book Publishing with The Book Shepherd. If you want to create a book that has no regrets, contact her.