How I Wrote My Book in 1 Week

I was inspired. All the ideas flowed. I never had to “work” to get an idea to come. This is not always the case. Sometimes you have to work for an idea, or do some major research. Whatever the process, make sure the inspiration can flow. Create a setting, create a mood. Get inspired.

I was open. This is related to the previous one. To be inspired, you have to be open. I had an idea of the message I wanted to get out, and the end result I wanted the reader to have — which was to feel better about themselves, and have concrete tools in hand for creating a better life for themselves. The creative process is unpredictable. So many authors get stumped because they say “No” to creative ideas, rather than exploring them. Sometimes you have to lead your ideas by the hand, other times, you have to let them guide you.

And more…

I had the time. Actually, I didn’t have the time. I made the time. I stayed up until wee hours of the late night or early morning. I skipped the gym a couple times (a big sacrifice for me). I put clients off for a little bit. (So irresponsible!) The point is, you must make the time to write.

I didn’t hesitate. I wrote down ideas as soon as they came to me. I wrote them on paper, on my computer, on my phone, or recorded them on a voice recorder. Always have something available so you can write your ideas down, and flesh them out later.

I sat down and did the work. When the ideas stopped flowing, I knew it was time to really sit down and flesh it out. This can be the hardest part, because we all want to be inspired about our ideas. The fact is that writing can take some elbow grease. Be ready to get dirty!

I didn’t let fear stop me. It’s easy to start a new project. We are convinced we have a good idea and work feverishly on it… at first. But doubt can creep in and start to gnaw on our nerves. “What if it’s not such a good idea? What if it’s not original enough? What if no one likes it?” Don’t let doubt stop you. Doubt and fear are only shadows. If you’re a writer, then do what you’re here to do — write!

I left well-enough alone. You can nit-pick a book into so many bits that you no longer have a book. Many of us have a mean perfectionist streak. It can be like a firing squad, shooting down idea after idea. Keep your inner perfectionist in check, and keep your eye on the goal. Step back and look at the bigger picture, and pat yourself on the back for a job well done.

I got lucky. All the above elements came together at the same time, which made finishing my book quickly possible. This is not to say that you can’t create the elements for yourself — you CAN! If you’re running into difficulty with your process, see if any of the above is missing. Give that particular element your attention. And don’t forget the most important element:

Have fun! I had a lot of fun writing and publishing my first book. The best thing you can do for you and your book is to enjoy yourself while writing it. Have fun, and happy writing!

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Peter J. Ferguson helps individuals and entrepreneurs grab life by the horns and create lives of pure awesomeness! He is a Personal and Business Coach at Supreme Self Coaching, and ringleader at Web.Ninja. His book, How To Love Yourself: A Guide To Loving and Living Well, can be found at HowToLoveYourself.me.

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