Monday, April 5, 2021

My 6-Step Process for Writing a Book while Working Full-time

“Go from wanting to become a Writer” to “being one.”


You have been toying with the idea of taking that plunge into writing.

But you work full-time.

You can't find time to write.

I get you...

I work full-time too.

I have a 6-step process that helps me

accomplish my writing goals.

Want to adopt them?

Let's begin...

Step 1: Guard your time: Practice Saying No




Scenario one: 

You have fixed working hours. A colleague asks for help.

You agree. He is a friend, after all. You slog at the computer for hours

solving another man's problem.

Scenario Two:

A get-together is being planned. You are unanimously chosen as the organizer. 

They say you are the smartest of the bunch.

You agree. 

You devote your free hours to planning and making the event a grand success.

Scenario Three: 

Your friend calls whenever you are both free. You spend

hours on the phone discussing other people's problems and despairing

where the world is going.

Are you someone who can relate to any of the scenarios mentioned

above?

Do you have difficulty using the word 'No'?

Shield your time. A second gone is lost forever.


Step 2 : Prioritize: Fix a writing time

Even if you are a productivity superstar, writing can often get sidelined.

So, make writing your top priority.

Fix a time that suits you.

Promise yourself that you will write daily.

You don't need to dedicate hours to a writing project every day.

A few minutes at a time. Half an hour daily. A dedicated hour.

It can be anything.

Write a sentence, write a paragraph, write an entire chapter.

Get some writing done.

Remember, little drops of water make the mighty ocean.


Step 3: Plan


Like any project you undertake, your writing project also requires careful planning.

Whenever you get time, think about your book.

Allow it to get completely formed in your mind before you even start
writing.

If you are writing a novel, think about what you want to happen in the opening scene.

Think about the dialogues your characters might say.

Ponder on who your characters are? What makes them tick?

Decide how you want the story to progress.

Get clear on how you want the story to end.

Make post-it notes and pin them above your writing desk.

 Record voice memos if an idea comes to you while you are driving.

Keep a journal to jot down all new ideas.


Step 4: Create a blueprint ( Learn to plot)


Writer's block is one common problem that most writers face.

One of the reasons this occurs is because they do not know how to take the story forward.

Just like how an architect needs a blueprint to carry out construction,
you need a clear outline for your book.

In step 3, you must have created the necessary building blocks for your book.

In this step, you will arrange them and create a clear blueprint for your story.

Write down in detail what happens in each chapter of your book.

This will help you enormously when you sit down to write.

Step 5: Focus, Write!



Now that you have your blueprint ready, it is now time to get some serious writing done.

Switch off the internet.

Put your phone in silence mode.

Set the timer for 30 minutes and just write.

Let nothing distract you when you write.

Laser focus.

Enjoy the process!


Step 6: Set clear writing goals, reward yourself


Every day, set realistic goals according to your schedule.

Work towards it as much as you can.

Relax. Put on a piece of soothing music, and conquer your daily goal with a smile on your face.

If you achieve your daily word count target, pat yourself on the back.

If you reach your weekly word count target, reward yourself.

It can be anything.

A book you have been planning to buy.

A long bubble bath. A walk in the park.

Dinner at your favorite restaurant.

A quick weekend getaway.

Keep your writer self happy!

Onward!

So let's recap...