| Many writers and aspiring authors say that they | | | | Now it is said that every time you switch a task, |
| just don't have the time that they need to finish | | | | you waste five minutes. So in preparation for |
| (or even start) their book. | | | | writing, make sure you will not be interrupted. |
| At a recent speaking event I asked the audience | | | | Get an answer phone if you haven't already got |
| how many people wanted to write a book and a | | | | one. Switch your mobile off. You may look at |
| few raised their hands. I then asked them how | | | | your emails every time they come in. Set your |
| many would want to write a book if they could | | | | email application to get them every four hours. |
| find the time and knew how to get started - | | | | If you can be disciplined enough to write on a set |
| 95% of the audience raised their hands! | | | | day, tell all your family, friends and work contacts |
| Once you know the structure of your book, you | | | | about it as they will respect you for it and leave |
| will have a good idea of how many chapters you | | | | you alone. You may watch 2 hours of soaps |
| need to write. | | | | every evening to relax and switch off. Now it |
| For a normal paperback book, a chapter might | | | | may sound counter-intuitive but, once you break |
| run for 6 to 12 pages with each page having | | | | this habit, creative writing has many more |
| between 250 and 300 words. When you are 'in | | | | therapeutic and relaxing benefits. Who knows you |
| the flow', I would say you can write a chapter in | | | | may even write your own soap! |
| half a day to a day. To do this, you should resist | | | | By the way, if you like to learn how to stretch |
| the temptation to edit and research as you are | | | | time here is one of my best time management |
| going along. This means, for example, a twelve | | | | tip (it is also one that sounds the most |
| chapter book will take 6 to 12 days of your time | | | | counter-intuitive). Before each writing session, |
| to write. You will need to find this time or engage | | | | spend 20-30 minutes meditating. If you are not |
| a ghost writer. To find this time, answer these | | | | sure how to meditate or have trouble silencing |
| questions: | | | | your over-active mind, just go for a walk or do |
| *When are you most productive? | | | | some non-strenuous exercise - stretching, yoga, |
| *What old habits can you change in your life to | | | | Pilates or Tai Chi are especially effective. What |
| create this time? | | | | could be better than getting fit, having some 'me |
| *Do you have any 'me time' in your life and would | | | | time' and writing a book at the same time. |
| you like some? | | | | My philosophy by the way is always to create a |
| *Is it time for you to take a well deserved | | | | 'win win' if not a 'win-win-win'. You can find out |
| break? | | | | more about writing and publishing your own book |
| *Does your desk or office need tidying? | | | | in my free Ebook - How to write a book and get |
| What unnecessary clutter do you want to | | | | it published. |
| remove from your life? | | | | |