The Only 2 Things You Need to Start Your Book Today
“I don’t have time to write a book.”
“I don’t know where to start.”
“I’m not a good writer.”
“Writing a book will take too long.”
“I’m not organized enough.”
“I will lose momentum.”
I hear statements like these all the time from bloggers and creative entrepreneurs. Or they say they want to write a book but that “now isn’t the right time.” That might be true for a small number of people, but for others: nope. These are all just excuses.
The truth is, you only REALLY need two things to start your book today: a plan and accountability. (Tweet)
A Plan
Just like a book will be a foundation piece for your message, a plan will provide the foundation for your book. (Tweet)
Accountability
Accountability is based on commitment, right? Saying it out loud (verbally or in a newsletter to your list, for example) means committing to writing a book. People will then ask you how it’s going. That’s public accountability. And that accountability comes in all shapes and sizes. Maybe you can find a writer’s group or a writing partner. I’m starting a book writing mastermind later this spring with some pretty amazing entrepreneurs working on their books. (We have room for a few more people. If you’re interested in learning more, let’s talk!) Maybe you just want to tell your sister for now; that’s okay — as long as she will hold you accountable until you’re ready to tell others.
That’s Really It?
Yes. Don’t get me wrong. Of course there’s a lot involved with writing a book (time and energy being two of the keys). I am not minimizing the scope of such a project. If you’re organized from the jump, though, with a solid plan, writing a book is totally do-able — and dare I say fun?! — without turning your life, schedule, and business upside down.
If you're organized from the jump, though, with a solid plan, writing a book is totally do-able. (Tweet)
Just to humor myself, I’m going to break down these other excuses from the beginning of this post for you.
“I don’t have time to write a book.”
That’s true. But you can make time. A plan lets you do just that.
“I don’t know where to start.”
You need a plan to get started. I suggest starting with a brain dump on your general topic area. (Think of the questions you’re most often asked in emails or from clients. That will help you identify the area.) If you need more guidance, feel free to schedule a complimentary Book Brainstorm Session, during which I can help you get a plan in place.
“I’m not a good writer.”
You will become a better writer with practice. Guess where you can find a daily writing habit? That’s right: built into your plan!
“Writing a book takes too long.”
How long is “too long”? This may seem to be the case if you aren’t realistic when you decide to write a book. If you want to write a 10,000-word ebook, then sure, a weekend might be enough time. If you’re writing a standard-length nonfiction book, though (let’s say about 60,000 words) and set aside a weekend, you’ll be disappointed that it didn’t get finished. Again: You need a plan!
“I’m not organized enough.”
There are lots of organizational tools to keep you on track. (In fact, did you see last week’s blog about using Trello to organize your writing project? I even included a template board you can copy.) But it starts with — you guessed it — a plan.
“I will lose momentum.”
Here’s where accountability comes into play. Following your plan, you’ll make progress. You’ll have something to report when people ask how the book is going (whether those people are friends/family members, a writing or business coach, accountability buddies, members of your mastermind, etc.). Your progress will make them excited for you, so your momentum isn’t in danger of going MIA.
Have I convinced you that you don’t need to have it all figured out to get started? Let me know in the comments.