Complete Your First Book with 9 Writing Habits

Complete Your First Book with these 9 Simple Writing Habits

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Your first book isn't going to happen by itself. If writing a novel or non-fiction book is something you've dreamed of, the only way to make that dream a reality is by putting it into action -- day by day. And the best way to do that is to develop some simple habits that will make the dream a reality, one step at a time. Here is a summary of the habits to help you get started; click the image for full details by the author.

1. Writing time. The most important habit you can form is the daily writing habit. Even if you only write a page or two in a day, that's OK. The important thing is to do it.

2. Simple tools. Get into the habit of focusing on the writing, and not the tools. You need to block out all distractions, especially Internet and email.

3. Writing log. This can be as simple as how many words you wrote today. Check your word count when you finish, and log it in.

4. Idea time. You will probably be thinking about your book all day, if you're engrossed in it, but it's good to make it a habit to think about your book at certain times of the day.

5. Capture ideas. You will have ideas at different times of day, in different places. You will overhear dialog that you want to remember.

6. Just start. There will be days when you don't feel like writing. That may actually be every day. But if you let that stop you, you'll never write a thing. Instead, you need to make it a habit to just start writing. It doesn't matter what you write,20or whether it's any good. Just start. Make your fingers move.

7. Write when inspired. In addition to the routine writing time you designate (in Item #1 above), there will be other times when you'll want to write.

8. Revise. The dreaded word for many a writer, but revision is one of the most important aspects of the writing process. No one gets it right in the first draft. No one. If you aren't willing to revise, you might as well not write.

9. Book bible. Most writers won't bother with this, but that's a mistake. If you are serious about your writing, a book bible is a must-have. However, you can work on that last.

10. Research.


Now this comes from Ella of EDC Creations! Before you spend one dollar on publishing your book or hire one person to work with you---go online and purchase a book about self-publishing. Even if you are going to be carried by a publishing company, you need to learn more about the industry.


Warmest regards,

Ella Curry, President/CEO EDC Creations
Black Author Network Radio-Founder
Sankofa Literary Society-Founder