Everyone can agree that writing can be one of the most cathartic processes, especially when it comes to the feeling of accomplishment from publishing a book. Of course, writing and publishing a book can be challenging in its own ways.
Sometimes, even the most minor setbacks can become the reason for people to find it harder to write their book. You can avoid such challenges by planning ahead and looking into the ways you can make the writing process easier for you.
If you are not sure where to begin, here are some of the best tips you need to make the book-writing process easier for yourself.
1. Create an Outline
One of the biggest mistakes you can make is starting to write as soon as a thought comes to your mind. You may think that transferring brilliant ideas to paper is a great idea before you forget them. However, it may be the worst approach for writers, especially beginners.
Before writing anything down, remember the power of an outline and how it can help you stay organized while writing. It can act as a roadmap for your book to ensure that you are never lost.
2. Set Realistic Writing Goals
Another important thing you must always remember is to set realistic goals. Your goals can help you establish a foolproof writing routine to ensure the timely completion of your book.
Remember to give yourself well-deserved breaks to avoid burnout and fatigue. You must ensure that every goal you set is realistic. Otherwise, you may get overwhelmed, especially if you have a very hectic lifestyle.
You do not have to judge yourself on the basis of how many words others are able to manage to write every day. It is okay to go at your own pace.
3. Take it One Step at a Time.
Another common reason for writers to feel overwhelmed in the middle of their writing journey is burdening themselves with more than they can handle. They start worrying about multiple aspects at one time, which can lead to fatigue and frustration.
You do not have to worry about the book cover, the manuscript, and the query letter at the same time. Instead, take it one Step at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
An easy mind means that you can work more effectively and keep the creative juices flowing.
4. Edit Later
Among many people who find themselves nowhere near the completion of their book, most agree that they try to edit their work as they are writing. You may think that this practice can take you closer to writing flawlessly. However, the effects can be quite the contrary.
The truth is that when you are writing, it should be the only thing you should be doing. Write now, and think about editing later. When you are writing, write freely without worrying about perfection.
You can criticize your work and make as many changes when you reach the editing stage. However, it is always a good idea not to try both things side by side.
5. Eliminate Distractions
If you figure that your reason to be unable to write your book is a distraction, you must look for a way to eliminate it. Every writer must have access to dedicated writing to create their creative masterpieces without letting setbacks get the best of them.
You must find a quiet and well-lit room to write every section of your book. Create a well-lit workspace and add some natural elements to spark inspiration.
Remember to keep your cell phone away from your workspace so you do not get carried away by notifications. This way, even simply dedicating a few minutes to writing every day can yield great results.
6. Streamline Your Writing Process
As an author, you must strategize to streamline your writing process. Working without a roadmap can make you feel lost and unmotivated while writing. Therefore, you must use all the necessary methods to unlock your full potential.
You can use a variety of writing apps to streamline the process of writing. This way, you can stay organized and make the most of your time and effort worth it.
7. Take Valid Breaks
One of the biggest reasons for authors feeling challenged while writing their books is being burnt out. They stretch their limits to a point where they become exhausted, and writing does not feel like a possible option at a point.
You can avoid facing creative exhaustion and burnout by taking valid breaks between your writing sessions. There is no shame in slowing down your pace from time to time.
As soon as you feel you are about to be overwhelmed, go for a walk, put on some music, or plan a meet-up with your friends. Do whatever makes you feel relaxed, and later, you can head back to your writing desk with a fresh mind.
8. Seek feedback
It is always a good idea for writers of all skill levels to seek feedback. From beta writers to your writing mentors, feedback from different people with a love for writing can make a wonderful difference by improving your manuscript significantly.
Everyone who sees your work from a third person’s perspective will have something to add to your work. Even beta readers and writing groups can help you see your strengths and weaknesses as a writer.
9. Stay Open-Minded
Whether you have just started your writing journey or have several published works, one of the most important things a writer must remember is that there is always room for improving your skill. You can always improve your skills as a writer.
When you seek feedback, remember to be open to making revisions and edits to improve the quality of your writing. Accept a good suggestion whether it comes from someone more or less experience than you.
In addition, do not forget to experiment with different writing techniques or prompts to keep discovering new writing styles and stay motivated on your writing journey.
