There are some essential elements to writing a book – researching your audience, planning, structuring, writing, editing, proofreading, publishing, launching and marketing. But no matter how dedicated an author you are, you’ll almost certainly come up against one or more of these challenges.
#1: Distractions
Writers love distractions! You’re just about to get started and your email pings or a message arrives on your WhatsApp. You suddenly remember that LinkedIn message you haven’t answered, an appointment you need to book to get your boiler serviced, the list of diversions is endless!
The Fix! If you want uninterrupted writing time, put your phone on ‘stun’, close down your email and other things that will pop up to divert your attention. Have a notepad handy and when your busy brain remembers things that need doing, just scribble them down on your notepad and put it out of sight, so it doesn’t attract your attention. All these tasks can be done AFTER you’ve finished writing.
#2: Procrastination
This is a very common author’s challenge. There are always displacement activities to put off getting started. And these can sound like really important things that need to be done!
The Fix! Get your diary out and block out writing time in 90-120 minute blocks. Choose a time of day when you’re at your sharpest and then keep the appointments. Like all appointments, prepare beforehand, ensure you have a clear desk, all the information and tools are handy and then get stuck in.
#3: Perfectionism
What is perfect? Your definition of it may be very different to mine – and every reader will have their own take on what they read. So, if you’re thinking ‘it’s not perfect’ stop and define what perfect actually is.
The Fix! Ask yourself ‘Will the reader be able to understand this easily and get the right message?’ If the answer is ‘yes’ – it’s as near perfect as you’re going to get.
#4: Over-editing
This doesn’t trouble every writer, but it’s a challenge that many writers suffer from. The first draft is written, then you read it through and tidy it up. That’s fine, but when you’re on the third or fourth read through and still tinkering, there’s a problem. There is never a single way to say something and the English language is rich and colourful, so it’s very easy to change things – endlessly.
The Fix! Allow yourself one edit, then get someone else’s eyes on it. When you’ve just written something you’re probably too close to it to be objective. A partner, friend, or beta-reader are much more likely to be able to offer constructive advice.
#5: Impostor syndrome
This is down to self-confidence and your belief in your subject. Most authors have concerns about whether they have the credibility to write a book. However, if you’ve been in business a few years and have successfully helped your clients and customers, you have evidence that you can walk the talk. Remember, you don’t have to be THE expert, just AN expert. It’s all about your unique take on the subject.
The Fix! List all the clients and customers who you’ve helped. If you haven’t asked them for testimonials recently, do that. Reading the positive feedback people have provided is a great way to give your confidence a boost.
#6: Generating ideas
If you’ve decided to write a book you’ve almost certainly got a subject in mind – and that will be something you know a lot about and have well-formed opinions about. This will be your catalyst for generating the ideas to develop your book.
The Fix! Planning may not sound creative, but a good book needs a strong skeleton to build on. Two core plans are needed – the chapter plan; what each chapter is about and the chapter structure; what elements will be in each chapter (e.g. quotation, story, model, case study, etc.) Once you’ve mapped out these, developing the actual content will almost write itself.
#7: Writing consistently
There are millions of authors who have a book part-finished that’s stalled at some point. Don’t let that be you! The enthusiasm that gets you started can get diluted by busyness and other ‘urgent’ activities.
The Fix! Two things – already covered above: A book plan outlining the content for each chapter and a schedule in your diary, with writing time blocked out. If you have a genuine emergency and can’t make a writing session – don’t just skip it – reschedule. That means that you’re going to have to find that couple of hours to complete the session. This discipline will ensure that you keep writing and will eventually arrive at the final full stop.
