Did you know that 82% of the people say that they want to write a book, but only 2% actually write a book?
I am an Accountability Writing Coach and today, we are discussing advice that I give to my clients and the students in my Creative Writing Classes.
- Be A Winner When Setting Your Goals
You must set goals you can easily achieve. I set weekly goals.
Start out with a simple goal: Within One Week I will… Example: Within One Week, I will write the outline for my fiction book.
As you progress you can make bigger, smarter goals. Years ago, I learned about S.M.A.R.T. Goals. (I can’t remember who to give the credit to, but I didn’t come up with this idea.) These goals are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time-Bound. Example of a SMART Goal: I will write the first chapter of book title with 1,500 words by December 15, 2017.
You want to be successful in reaching your writing goals. I would rather that you write 250 words a day and reach your goal, than strive for 1,000 words a day and never reach your goal. Now, if you write 479 words today and only 251 words tomorrow that is okay, because you still reached your daily goal of 250 words. Note: I advise you not to end your writing session until you have achieved your goal. And that is why a smaller goal is better than a big/fast goal…like writing a book in 30 days. Yes, it can be done, but are you the one to do it.
Remember: A successful author set goals (and deadlines-another blog post).
- Be Diligent in Managing Your Writing Time
Did you know that when you write something down, you are 42% more likely to make it happen?
Ask yourself: How often will I write? How long will I write? And then write your goals down.
You must be very specific with yourself about the time you will commit to writing, especially if you want to go from a writer to an author. You must write on a regular schedule—write every day at the same time. Whether it is early morning, late night, or all day, the key is to be consistent in your daily writing. If you need help, keep a chart of daily writing times.
Remember: Writers write.
| Month |
Day |
Word Goal |
Words Written |
| August |
1 |
250 |
250 |
|
2 |
250 |
593 |
|
3 |
250 |
649 |
|
4 |
250 |
255 |
|
5 |
250 |
407 |
|
6 |
250 |
1,528 |
|
7 |
250 |
1,751 |
3. Be a Finisher and Complete Your Draft
Ask yourself. What type of writer am I? Am I a pantser? Am I a planner?
A pantser makes the story up as they go along. A planner plots the story, usually with an outline.
Regardless of what type of writer you are, you need to completely finish writing the entire first draft, before you start self-editing!
Remember: A carpenter doesn’t polish the table before he attaches the legs.
Every writer wants to become a successful author.
Remember: Alice Walker, Walter Mosley, Danielle Steel, James Patterson, Nora Roberts and Stephen King were not an overnight success—it took years for them to reach that status.
I hope this short blog post helped you better understand developing good writing habits.
Note: Clip art compliments of the Internet and Cheryl Holloway.
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On this blog, I “Pay it Forward” to other authors by spotlighting them with a Guest Author Interview. I only ask that they too “Pay It Forward” to any other author. ~ Cheryl Holloway
Questions? Comments? Interviews? Contact :
AuthorCherylHolloway@gmail.com or Cheryl@CherylHolloway.net
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