Procrastinating on writing a book is one of the biggest hindrances to writers reaching their writing goals and dreams.

And yet, all writers procrastinate. We just do.

There are many reasons why we stall out on writing our books… a big reason begin that writing takes a lot out of us. Writing can be just plain difficult at times.

As I’ve been writing this pen name romance, I’ve procrastinated a few times too.

It’s been incredibly frustrating to feel stuck and unsure of where to go next in the story(most likely because I’ve changed it so many times…) or to run on the never-ending hamster wheel of wondering if my story is any good.

So, I wanted to share some simple steps that have helped me get unstuck and start writing…

How to Notice When You’re Procrastinating…

First, I thought it might be helpful to learn how to be aware of when you are procrastinating.

If you’re anything like me, somethings you do throughout your day – particularly during your writing time – are so habitual that you might not notice when you are procrastinating.

Here’s some ways I can tell I’m procrastinating. Maybe you’ll relate to one of two of them 😉

• Scanning through social media: Scrolling through Facebook, Twitter or any of the other social media platforms, is a sure sign I’m struggling with the story(or my mindset) in some way.
• Checking email for the 10th time in 2 hours: This has happened to me more than once… I’m not kidding. Uggh! When I can’t think anything to write, I will – yet again – check my email. A sure sign of procrastination.
• Run downstairs and make more tea: Even though I just finished the last cup of tea 30 minutes ago and have needed to use the washroom 3 times in the last hour, yep… I’ll still tell myself I need another cup!
• Find another blog to read that talks about writing: I tell myself, maybe there’s a secret ingredient I’m missing… maybe that’s why I’m stuck in my writing today. Hint: there is no secret ingredient… it’s just a matter of asking questions until you figure out where you’re story is going.
• Cleaning off my desk, so that I’m all prepped and ready to write:  This is a sure sign I’m procrastinating… because cleaning my desk is something that I don’t usually like to do.

If you can relate to any of the above actions that you take throughout the time you’re supposed to be writing, then it’s probably a sign you are procrastinating. Read on, to learn simple steps to begin writing.

Listed below are a few simple steps to help you stop procrastinating and start writing:

STEP 1: Remind yourself of the compelling reason of why you write.

What is your big why for writing this book? There are many reasons to write your book, some include: you want to earn a full-time living from your writing; you want to make a part-time income from writing books you love; you want to attract a growing base of readers who love similar stories that you love to write; you want to use your book(s) to build your authority in your niche to draw people to you and what you offer(coaching, online courses, etc); you want to leave a legacy.

Choose your compelling reason for why you are writing this book. The reason you write, needs to be only compelling and personal to you. When it’s personal, you’ll be more excited and motivated to get your book done.

Something to try: I encourage you to take a minute right now, and write down your personal reason for writing. Now, let your big why motivate you to write for at least 15 minutes today!

STEP 2: Break down your writing project into tiny steps.

No matter how big or small the book you’re writing is, you can always break it down smaller. For myself I like to start with a mind-map or sometimes I’ll begin to brainstorm the book ideas using scapple.  I like to let the ideas flow and see where they take me. Lately, I’ve been writing a 3 to 4 page backstory for each of the main characters in my romance, which has really helped me understand not only who they really are, but it has also inspired a breakthrough for me in the rest of their story.

Something to try: Try to break down the book you’re writing using one of the above 3 ideas. Set a timer for an hour for each idea you try. I think you’ll find that you have new ideas that come to you and you’ll be excited to start writing your book once again!

STEP 3: Just start writing.

Begin right now, or schedule when you’ll write for 15 minutes. It is much too easy to put off writing until we have everything else done for the day.

However, I’ve noticed in my life, that for most of us there are a lot of things still left to get done by the end of each day, and the writing doesn’t get done. Usually what happens is that day after day or week after week you promise yourself that when you’re less busy, you’ll sit down to write your book. Weeks or even years can go by without finding that ‘perfect time’ to write your book.

I want to encourage you to write it in your schedule that you will write for 15 or 25 minutes at the start of the day(I’ve found mornings are best for writing) or that you’ll take write during your lunch hour or you’ll write after supper. If you plan ahead you’ll find that you’ve got more time than you realized.

Something to try: Plan for this coming week, a time when you’ll write each day. Set aside at least 15 minutes to write and decide that this is a really important appointment that you will keep.

STEP 4: Use a Timer every time you sit down to write.

If you find it difficult to really focus as you write, then try using a timer. I find it helpful to set a timer for 25 minutes, using the Pomodoro Technique. I write for 25 minutes and then take a 5 minute break. Then I start to write for another 25 minutes.  I use count-down timer online, but there are other countdown timers like egg-timer, or just use the timer on your smartphone.

The most important thing, is that once the timer is going, that you just focus on writing. The emails or social media can wait for 30 minutes. You can get a cup of your favourite cup of tea later. But right now, it’s time to focus on getting the words onto the page. Don’t worry if the words you write are wonderful or not and do your best not to go back and edit what you wrote. Just write.

Something to try: Practice using a timer the next time you sit down to write. Set it for 15 or 25 minutes and decide that you will only focus on writing during that time. I’ve found that using a timer really helps to stay focussed and get more writing done.

STEP 5: Write from the heart and just let the words flow out of you.

Most of us as writers, are too critical when we write. We ask ourselves: is this good enough; will readers really like this book; who will read this book anyway and the list goes on.

I want to encourage you to don’t let your critical brain step into the driver’s seat the next time you write. Tell “Mr.Sourpuss” to sit in the back seat and that if you need him, you’ll let him know, but other than that he’s to keep silent.

Then, just write down a short paragraph of what you want to write. I find this helps to get your brain back into the story. Then you have more creative freedom to write from the heart and the words will flow more easily out onto the page.

Something to try: Practice telling “Mr.Sourpuss” that he has to sit in the back seat, that you’re in charge and that all critical voices must be silent. Next, write a brief paragraph of what you want to write that day to get your head back into the story. Then, set your timer and begin to write.

I hope the above 5 steps have helped you to push past procrastination so you can write your book.

One of the biggest keys I’ve found that has helped me is to “trick my mind” and tell myself, I’m only going to write for 25 minutes. I know I can at least do that much. The beautiful thing, is that I’ve never just wrote for 25 minutes. I usually write for way longer than the time I’ve set, because what happens is you get into the story and you’re excited to write it and the story ideas just come to you.

I encourage you to set a timer and promise yourself that you will write until the timer goes off. I think you’ll find that you want to keep going, because the excitement for your story will be back! 🙂

 

Do you struggle with procrastinating with your writing? How do you overcome it?  Please do share in the comments below, I’d love to hear your ideas ~ we can learn from each other!