Have you ever dreamed of writing a book but didn’t knowwhere to start?
Buckle up! I’m going to share my tips for staying motivated, focused, and on track to write a finished 35,000-word manuscript in just 90 days. These actionable steps not only worked for me but have become my formula for embarking on my next book, so you can begin your own authorial journey. If I can do it, anyone can do it. I don't have a degree in writing or journalism. I’ve never written a book before, and the last story I wrote was three decades ago in GCSE English at high school.
Define Your Purpose and Audience
Before your pen hits paper, it’s crucial to understand whyyou want to write your book and who you’re writing it for. Define the core message or purpose your book will serve. Is it to inspire, educate, or entertain? Perhaps your motive is to showcase your brand or establish authority in your field, drive sales to your business or open doors to opportunities like paid speaking gigs. Let’s be honest—we all have an ego, and there’s an element of vanity in wanting to leave a legacy. Putting your story, expertise, or advice out into the worldis a beautiful thing, akin to a bird sharing its song. Not everyone will resonate with it, and that’s okay—only your intended audience matters. But who are they? Spending time understanding your customer demographic is crucial. What problem are you solving for them?
To help clarify your purpose and audience, think about thefollowing questions:
What unique experiences or knowledge do you bring to yourbook?
How will your book make a difference in the lives of yourreaders?
What transformation or insight do you hope to provide?
Create a Writing Schedule
I cannot stress enough how important it is to have astructured schedule that supports a consistent writing habit. I started writing my book in September 2023 and completed it 90 days later in December. Despite the cold, dark, and often miserable winter months, it was the perfect time for me to write. Those based in the UK can relate—social engagements slow down during this time, and the shorter days mean leaving the comfort of home becomes
less appealing. Even the post-work drinks often fell by the wayside. My birthday falls in winter, and trying to gather friends for a dinner party feels like pulling teeth—I’ve since resorted to celebrating in the summer months. But I digress!
The winter months meant my social calendar had slowed down,making it feasible to write a book while juggling a full-time job. Consistency is key to achieving writing goals. I committed to writing 5-7 days per week, primarily Monday to Friday at 5am. I allowed myself the weekends off, though sometimes my writing habit spilled over, even if just for an hour. There’s something about writing by the fire with rain tapping against the window panes that
romanticizes the writing journey. With a full-time job, being logged on by 8:30am meant I was already in a routine. Initially, I attempted writing at more sociable times—duringlunch breaks or in the evenings. However, by then, my mind was cluttered with the day’s events, looming deadlines, or demanding conversations that made focus challenging. Going to bed by 9pm, even if only to read, ensured I was wide awake by 5am. To minimise distractions, I stayed in my pyjama’s, limited myself to feeding Michael Macintyre (my tabby cat), and brewing a pot of coffee before settling down to write. Surprisingly, the early morning hours became my most productive time. My mind was clear and focused—after a few days, I even enjoyed waking up at this hour, with the world still asleep and the darkness comforting.
Create a writing environment free from distractions. Whether it’s a cosy nook or a quiet corner, make it conducive to creativity. For me, it was my dining room table overlooking the front garden and road adjacent, where I could watch foxes and, as time passed, hear the dawn chorus of birds.
Establishing a routine not only fosters discipline but alsocultivates your creativity as you progress. Writing is a journey that requires both dedication and perseverance. Strangely, you’ll find that not only do you come to enjoy it, but you may also miss it once this period of your writing journey concludes.
Use Writing Techniques
Start each session by letting your thoughts flow freely.Don’t worry about perfection; just get words on paper. I found freestyling effective. I would jot down the topic of each chapter on a Post-it note—don’t spend time finalising chapter titles; focus on the problem you’re addressing in each chapter. All my Post-its remained stuck to my dining room window for three months and often got reordered until the chapters flowed.
Use this initial plan to stay on track. It’s your roadmap toensure your book remains cohesive and on-message. Aim for a daily word count that suits your schedule and writing style, whether it’s 300 or 1,000 words. Ideally, aim to draft a manuscript of 40,000 words. Don’t edit as you go along; instead, continue freestyling. Once you have 40,000 words, edit it down to
about 35,000—don’t delete anything outright; strike it through. You may need to
refer back to it later. Your editor and copywriter will aim to trim your
manuscript to 30,000 words—the average book size. Anything longer increases
printing costs.
Experiment with different techniques to find what works bestfor you. Some writers thrive with structured outlines, while others prefer a more organic approach. The key is finding a method that sparks your creativity and keeps you motivated. Don’t panic if you experience writer’s block—it happened to me for ten days. Initially, I panicked, desperate to stay on track
to meet my 90-day goal. I became so demotivated that even thinking about the
book seemed impossible, let alone sitting down to write.
Instead, three things worked for me to reduce anxiety andeventually rediscover my mojo. Walking in nature to my local park, beach, or even the shop in the crisp winter air got my creative juices flowing. Sections or chapters I’d been stuck on for days shifted in minutes simply by being outdoors and moving. Secondly, I used this time to research. Using my Post-it
topics, I spent the time that would have been spent writing Googling. Lastly, I
found inspiration from reading books on the same topic, as well as listening to
podcasts to kick start ideas.
Build a Support System
Writing a book is a journey best travelled with support. For years, I wanted to write a book, but the accountability and motivation were lacking. Connect with a mentor who has authored a book to gainguidance and motivation. A mentor can be a powerful support, especially if you check in with them every two weeks. They have the benefit of hindsight and
understand the challenges you face not just as a first-time author but also your motivations and goals for writing the book. I was fortunate; my mentor had published five best-selling books. Accountability matters. Join or create a group of writerswho can keep you on track and celebrate milestones with you. I cannot stress this enough. Through my mentor, I was introduced to a writing group—a collective of first-time authors committed to a weekly Zoom call and WhatsApp group. We cheered each other on and shared tips and tricks. In truth, it instils healthy competition when everyone shares the 90 day deadline. My writing buddies were my cheerleaders, not just during the writing stage but also post-launch. We’ve continued to stay in touch to this day and I’m grateful for their support.
Stay Accountable
Thanks to my mentor, I also had the opportunity to work witha writing coach. We met weekly to discuss my progress, challenges, and, most importantly, the message I wanted to communicate to my readers. Unlike a mentor, who provides more direct guidance, a coach uses thought-provoking questions to help you explore and clarify your ideas. As a certified coach myself, I can’t emphasise enough how invaluable coaching is—even coaches have
coaches. We truly understand the transformative power of this support.
Track your progress and celebrate your achievements
Utilise apps or spreadsheets to monitor your word count andwriting milestones. Honestly, my Post-its worked for me, but seeing my word count increase in my Word document was motivation enough. Boost productivity with time-management techniques like the Pomodoro Method. If focus is challenging amid distractions like children, pets, or life, a fellow writing buddy swears by writing in 20-minute chunks during busy periods. Commit to short bursts if daily 60-90 minutes aren’t feasible; you’ll soon see your word count rise. Setting measurable goals and tracking progress not only keeps you accountable but also highlights how far you’ve come. Celebrate small victories to stay motivated throughout your writing journey.
Receive Feedback and Take Action
Feedback fuels growth and improvement. Create a group ofbeta readers; avoid picking family and close friends if possible, as they may sugarcoat feedback to avoid upsetting you. Instead, reach out to trusted individuals who can offer constructive criticism.
Incorporate feedback to polish and refine your manuscript, enhancing its impact. Remember, feedback is an opportunity for growth. Embrace constructive criticism as a stepping stone toward refining your manuscript and resonating more deeply with your audience.
Ready to make your writing dream a reality? Are you prepared to unleash the writer within you and become a published author? Click here to embark on your authorial journey and unleashthe writer within you.
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