You're Almost Ready to Write

Last week we set up our sections and established some foundational pieces on which we can now build our manuscript drafts, marketing plans, and such on.

This week, we're going to take the next crucial step to prepping to get the words written. And that is to establish your writing schedule.

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"But Dana, I don't have time to actually write the book"

Uh-huh. Guess how many times I've had new writers tell me that? It's the number one excuse as a matter of fact. As someone who finished their first ever, full-length novel (just over 50K words) in 22 days, all while:

• working a full-time job that involved a 45-minute to hour-long commute, five days a week,

• going to grad school full-time (three evening classes a week),

• single-parenting an active high-school student who was involved in theater and step-club practices, shows, and competitions, and

• attempting to live my best life socially (ie. going out almost every weekend),

I consider that "I don't have time" excuse to be, if I may be blunt, bullsh**.

Trust me, I'll show you how to easily fit time to do the writing into your already full schedule. Turn to the DRAFT sub-section in your Build-a-Book, grab a writing utensil, and something to help you with the math. Then grab a calendar; any type will do as long as it covers the time between now and when you want to have your draft finished.

Speaking of which, go ahead and draw a bold circle around the date you want the complete draft ready to edit. Write that date on that blank page in your Draft subsection.

Next write down your desired, finished DRAFT word count. Here are my suggestions based on typical finished (edited, published) projects (click HERE to see those):

• Mass market fiction = 50,000 words

• Science fiction = 65,000 words

• Fantasy fiction = 75,000 words

• Non-fiction (biography, auto-biography) = 50,000 words

• YA | New Adult fiction = 45,000 words

• Children's fiction = 30,000 words

• Self-Help = 45,000 words

Again, these are suggested draft word count goals.

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Next, cross off any DAYS between now and your "Done" date that you know for sure you won't be available to write. I'm talking about where you know you're going to be otherwise occupied for 10 hours or more. For me, that's Sunday as I take Sundays off for self-care. I may still write, but more than likely I'm going to be in my PJs, relaxing around the house and letting my brain rest up for the week ahead.

For even more clarity, after you mark off the absolutely "no writing" days, drill down a level. On the remaining days, write in the time blocks that are already committed. Here, I'm referencing:

• work schedule (include get ready and commute times in those blocks)

• appointments

• family commitments

• special events

• time for sleep

• study schedule

• date night

Indicate the times during each day that you are already booked.

Notice, things like laundry, cooking dinner, doing dishes, etc. are not on the list. Here's why. Many of the day's chores can be delegated or in some cases, postponed, to make room for writing. The tip here is to block off things that are vital to maintaining your mental, emotional, and physical health.

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I'm going to stop you here and save the last couple of steps for our last blog of the month next week. If you have any questions about the Build-a-Book process so far, leave them in the comment section below so I can answer them.

Meanwhile, have you registered for the next Simply Self-Published Online Course and Coaching program? We begin on Saturday, March 9th, at 1:00 PM EST for 90 minutes of all things self-publishing via Google Meet. The 12-week program comes complete with additional 1:1 coaching. If you complete each week's task, by the end of the program you'll have a finished full-length draft as well as the resources needed to self-publish and release your book by October of this year.

Use the button below to register!

Participation is limited to 15 humans.

Investment is $150

Register NOW - Simply Self-Published

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Thank you as always, for spending time with me here on the blog. Sending my usual light & inspiration!

Dana

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PS - there's still time to register for a FREE workshop coming this Saturday.

My Sistah in Self-Publishing, Willmetta Owens and I will be chopping it up with you via Google Meet about the Top 5 Lessons we've learned in our 15 years as self-published authors.

Registration closes this Friday, February 24th.

Click HERE to reserve your seat.