If you’re feeling the urge to write a book, it may just be that the Holy Spirit is calling you to it!
What an exciting invitation from the Lord! We can always rejoice in the work that God calls us to do.
But maybe you’re holding back because you don’t know how to write a book or even where to start. Maybe you’ve been ignoring the Holy Spirit’s gentle encouragement.
Friend, please know that you don’t have to be afraid! In fact, you can embrace writing with joy and gratitude, even when it feels hard and discouraging.
When it comes to writing a book, it’s important to remember that any task can be broken down into three easy steps, no matter how big or small it is.
Today, I’m sharing three easy steps for how to write a book and create better writing habits so you can get started on your manuscript with confidence and joy!
1. Write a Detailed Outline
It’s common practice to skip over this important step and either write it after the work is completed or just avoid it altogether.
However, the outline is actually a crucial step in the writing process that keeps you focused on your topic. It even serves as the table of contents in your book!
The outline also allows you to jump around to passages you feel inspired to write instead of feeling forced to write the chapters in chronological order.
Start with your outline and the rest of the book will fall into place.
2. Schedule Writing Time
This one may seem obvious, but it’s really not! We tend to think we’ll get to it when we can and don’t actually fit writing time into our schedules.
If we don’t schedule that time for ourselves, we’ll never reach our writing goals or, honestly, even feel like writing. We cannot rely on willpower alone to sustain us through the writing process.
However, that doesn’t mean that you can’t allow life to come in the way of your goals. Sometimes, it’s important to allow our values to interrupt our intentions.
That means that if something comes up in your life and it gets in the way of your writing time, that’s okay! Don’t berate yourself if you miss a writing appointment.
Allow yourself the freedom and flexibility to write from a place of joy and wish-power.
3. Write During Writing Time
Another one that seems obvious, but really isn’t!
Oftentimes, you just may not feel like writing. You may sit down at your desk or dining room table or wherever you write at and just feel blah. And that’s okay!
Sometimes, you’ll feel like writing but other things will keep pulling your attention away and distracting you. It could be social media, putting a load of laundry in the wash, tidying up your writing area, or even spending time in prayer.
Whatever the distraction is, whether well-intentioned or not, you’ll quickly find your writing time disappears before you’ve written a single word.
One way I love to combat this issue is to use the Pomodoro Method of working. Set a timer for a specific amount of time such as 20 minutes, and work only during that time. Once the timer is up, take a five minute break. Repeat the process until you’ve done four rounds and then take a longer break. Then, rinse and repeat.
Visit my YouTube channel where I have several videos that allow you to use this technique in real time!
I wish you the very best on your writing journey and I hope you found these three tips helpful. If so, share this post with a friend! Then, comment down below and let me know how I can pray for you as you embark on your writing journey.
Click here to hear the full podcast episode!
If you’d like to download a free sample of my latest book, Page One to Page Done, go to https://www.pageonetopagedone.com/book to download it today!
Ready to finally write that book you've been dreaming about for so long? My 5-day challenge, the Bless Your Book Workshop, is the perfect place to start! Sign up now at blessyourbook.com.