How to write a book fast – writing hacks

Over the past few weeks we’ve been discussing all things book writing. From the 7 reasons why writing a book will benefit your business, to what you need to do before you start writing and 6 ways to make the book writing process easy. 

Now today I want to share some ways you can speed up the writing process to actually get your book written.

We’re all busy and fitting writing your book into your life can be a real challenge.

How to write a book fast 

In order to make the most out of the time you do have, you need some processes, systems and hacks to get it done.

1. Plan for success

Being prepared before every writing session sounds obvious, but it’s often overlooked. It takes time to plan, but planning exactly what you’re going to write the following day means you’ll hit the ground running. Consequently, you’re far more likely to get things done.

Never sit down to ‘write your book’. Instead sit down to produce X number of words. Focusing on what you will actually achieve will give your work far more intention.

2. Simplify the possible

The more steps there are in a process the lower the likelihood of you completing it.

If you have to clear the dining table, find your laptop, retrieve the laptop charger from wherever your kids have hidden it and then find your notes. Every writing session is going to be painful and you’ll probably start missing some sessions.

If you want to set yourself up for success, reduce the number of steps in the process. Set up your workspace and have everything ready to go for each session.

3. Forget your feelings

We all have days when we don’t want to do something. When we’re feeling low or ‘off’ and we’d rather not write. The second we start to ‘think about how we feel’ our mind stops us taking action. We need to keep taking action and ticking off our small steps along the way. 

Don’t let your ‘low days’ stop you from achieving what you set out to achieve. In the words of Mel Robbins, ‘5,4,3,2,1’ and do it anyway.

4. Finish each session on a good note

Some writing sessions might be more difficult than others. One thing you don’t want to do is end a session in a tricky phase. Even if it means writing a little longer to get back in flow. It will be much easier to start the next session if you end on a good note.

5. Get ninja later

When you’re deep in the writing process there might be times you need to do additional research or add more detail. However, in doing so you will lose focus, which will interrupt your flow. When these moments happen, just decide to get ninja later. You will then diarise the time to dig into these sections and carry on writing.

6. Stop wasting time

Before you say ‘hey I don’t waste time, I’m really busy’. I know you do. We ALL do. There will be time wasted aimlessly scrolling, vegging out in front of the TV watching shows you don’t actually like. Sitting in the car waiting for your kids to finish their gym class. Wasted time!

Stop doing everything you don’t need to do or particularly enjoy and focus on writing. 

You want to write a book, so make the sacrifices and quit the things you don’t actually even like doing. I promise you, you will have enough time.

7. Break up your session into multiple sessions

If you’re super busy than you might have a few minutes here and a few there, but no big chunks of time. One idea is to break up your writing over a few sessions each day. Maybe you write a couple of paragraphs each time. You will be using all the pockets of time you have and you WILL be making progress.

8. Make writing an event

Doing anything every day for a significant amount of time won’t always be rosy. There will be days when it’s a chore. Instead of waiting for this to happen, make it an event that you’ll look forward too. Put on your favourite music, get a cup of something you enjoy and set the scene in any other way you like to make it a really fun and enjoyable time in your day.

9. Know your nemesis 

You know what takes you off track. You’re an adult. You’ve tried to stick to things before and most probably failed at some. Is it online shopping? Playing games on Facebook? Scrolling Instagram?

When you’ve identified what your nemesis is you can work with it.

Use this nemesis as a reward for writing a certain number of words. Write the words, take a ‘nemesis break’, then write more words. 

---

You don’t have to implement all of these 9 ideas. Even implementing a couple will help you claw back more time. Time to get your book finished and out into the world.

Which of these tips will you use? 

Need help? I have a programme for women like you who want to finally write and publish their book. The exact step by step system I used to write and publish my own book in just 90 days. I can show you how to do it too. Check out the details here.