Lessons from Writing a Book

Courtney Rioux. Ashland Thomas Photography.

Last year, I wrote a book. This year, I’m getting it published. Here are a few lessons I’ve learned along the way:

• In order to call yourself a writer, there are a few rules:

  1. Write.

  2. Nope. That's it. See rule number one.  

• Just write anything. Write for the garbage can, write nonsense, write stream of consciousness.

• If you have no time to write, do it in fifteen-minute increments.

• Getting started is the hardest part. Trick your brain into starting. Tell yourself you only have to write for fifteen minutes. Set a timer. If you feel like it, keep going after fifteen minutes. If you don’t feel like it, stop.

• Writing can be isolating. Find writing buddies to be in the same room and work on their own stuff at the same time.

• Learn from someone who’s done it before. Ask for help. Take a class. Hire a coach.

• Make your goal public. It will keep you accountable.

What are your tricks for writing? Leave a note in the comments below! If this helps, share it with a fellow writer.