What Gets Scheduled Is What Gets Done

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The idea of writing a book is a tantalizing one. If you’ve been around Inspira long enough, you will know we believe everyone has a message, story, or memoir to share. Maybe you are currently writing a book, or maybe you just like the idea of writing a book and you are planning on getting around to it someday . . .

“Someday” does not exist. While we are at it, the vague “tomorrow” doesn’t exist either. These are words we use to dream and procrastinate. Only when “someday” gets changed into July 28th at 3:00 p.m. does it became a reality.

If you want to write a book, you need to actually schedule time to write it. (I know, this seems obvious, but we all need the reminder.) Don’t rely on inspiration. It is a beautiful gift when it comes, but it is unreliable.

 
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Setting Deadlines:

In order to schedule your writing time, you will want to determine the approximate length of your manuscript. Take into consideration that a shorter book may have more impact, as the shorter a book the higher the percentage of people who read it all the way to the end.  Suggested lengths:

When setting your deadlines and calculating how long it will take to write your book, consider the following variables:

  • Special interest non-fiction (40,000 – 50,000)

  • Business book (50,000 – 60,000 words)

  • General non-fiction book (60,000 – 70,000)

  • Fiction (75,000 – 120,000)

  • E-book opt-in (2,000 – 10,000)

When setting your deadlines and calculating how long it will take to write your book, consider the following variables:

  • Date you plan to start writing

  • Desired manuscript length

  • Words you can write on average per hour

  • Hours you plan to spend writing per week

Also consider real life situations like vacations, holidays, when the kids are in school, etc. Have a Plan A (finish the book in a year), a Plan B (write four hours a week), and a Plan C (write on Saturday mornings). Be optimistic and realistic. The fact that you are reading this blog means you are already one step closer than you were before!

Action Step:

Once you have determined your writing plan, write down your goal in a statement form and post it as a reminder. Example: I will finish a 50,000-word manuscript on organic gardening by 11/30/2020.

Bottom line:

  • Schedule your writing time.

  • Don’t rely on inspiration to strike; appreciate the need for discipline.

  • Remember, what gets scheduled is what gets done!

(c) 2020 Inspira Literary Solutions. All rights reserved.