find time

1. A notebook: paper or virtual.

2. Something to write with: his own hands, a pen, a stylus, a keyboard.

3. Sleep: You can cheat short term, but long term, this one is crucial!

4. Desire: And a good night’s rest supports your passion–see #3.

5. Time: Yes, we all have this. It’s just how we choose to use it. You have 24 hours, just pick one or a half or a quarter.

6. Belief in herself: okay, most people doubt themselves to some extent. Just fake it till you make it. Somewhere deep inside you is belief. Keep showing up until doubt becomes belief and then transcends to knowing. Repeat.

7. Trust: Without trust you try to control. And you never get to the juicy stuff. let it all out on the page. You can pick through to discover the juicy stuff later.

8. Source: This is where the juicy stuff comes from. Good news–it’s part of all of us. You don’t need to strive here. Just discover.

9. Fans: Before you have fans, you need to be your first fan–or at least your advocate and cheerleader. Go, team, go.

10: A Place to Write: A comfy chair, a grassy spot in the sun, a dock along the river, a sun-filled porch. Go–find your spot and write.

11. A copy of Get It Done: From Procrastination to Creative Genius in 15 Minutes a Day by Sam Bennett. Don’t have a copy? Add to my “things a writer needs list” as a comment below and the best answer will receive a free copy! (others can buy it here or other online booksellers).

12. Guidance: Join me and Sam Bennett on March 18 for a free teleseminar: Jump Start Your Book: 3 Insider Secrets to Easily Write & Finish Your Book This Year!

On the call, you will discover:

The secret to getting started, staying motivated and finishing your best book in record time.
A fool-proof formula for finding time to write, no matter how busy you are.
How to have fun and stay connected to your inspiration throughout your book-writing journey.
And more.

And, we’re giving away prizes on the call! CLICK HERE to reserve your seat.

How to Write a book in 2009:

You’ve pictured yourself on Oprah and run through the interview a million times. Now it’s time to actually write the book that’s going to prompt the interview.

1. Make the commitment: Hey, if you don’t commit, it won’t happen. Good intentions are like snowflakes. They eventually melt. Commitments can birth stars–you can count on them to sparkle for a few billion years or so–provided you follow steps 2-5, as well.

2. Enlist accountability: Who are you accountable to? Find a writing buddy (someone else who’s writing a book), a supportive family member, a writing group, a course, a writing coach or a social networking group online to help keep you accountable.

3. Make it fun, so you actually do it: Create a fun ritual around writing–envision your success before beginning the writing, light a candle, pick an angel card, treat yourself to a double latte or some simple luxury after you complete a couple of hours of writing, a few pages or a chapter.

4. Find the time: What will you cut out of your busy life to make it happen? Shorten e-mail time, chat less on the phone, cut out video games…you decide where the time will come from. Then schedule it into your calendar and make it sacred.

5. Write a plan: Put your plan in writing for added power. When will you start? When will you write each week? How much? When do you plan to have a first draft? How will you edit the manuscript or book proposal? How will you publish? Your plan should answer all these questions. Your plan may also include hiring an editor or book coach to help you polish your book or book proposal.

Now it’s your turn. Make the commitment for 2009 and post your commitment as a comment to this post!!!!

Have a question about any step above? Post it as a comment and you will get an answer straight from the writing coach!

A Dozen Things a Writer Needs

Is 2009 the Year for Your Book?

Write a Book

Courses + Programs

Services + Successes

Contact Lisa