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It’s a Trap

I know a fellow author who completed her book in two weeks. I must admit I tried to meet that deadline. However, she wrote her book while in a manic state. She was full of high energy with little need for sleep. Not beast mode but superhuman mode! I am reflecting on common practices to avoid as inexperienced authors.


Common Pitfalls

    Don’t aim to write your book at light speed - it’s a trap! There is a mindset we must overcome. Writing our books swiftly within a significantly short-time period. You are not superhuman! Let’s do this project right. It’s very important to you. Therefore, don’t cut corners by wrapping up your manuscript prematurely to achieve a separate goal; to write your first or second book swiftly on the first attempt.


    “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time!” I rewrote my second book at least three times. I wanted to make sure it was right. Likewise, I want you to feel confident with your finished manuscript. Therefore, if you’re a new author or working on your second book, don’t make the mistake of rushing the project.


    Don’t strive to tackle your rough draft from beginning to end. Producing your introduction and working chronologically will only frustrate you once you get stuck. It could break your morale and be overwhelmingly difficult to eat the elephant.


“Direct your pen to develop different sections of your book. It reduces feelings of being overwhelmed and intimidated by tackling a project of this magnitude” (In Her Own Ink: Strategies for Creating from Author to Author, Ashley Smith).


    Don’t rain on your own parade by repeating the dreadful fear: “I can’t do this.” Instead, repeatedly remind yourself you have a great message and you can do this. “I can do this,” I say aloud, before diving into the mental work, and you can too.


Conclusion

    Fresh authors can avoid the common roadblocks to completing their first draft by not writing their book in chronological order. Stop competing with experienced authors by making quick deadlines. Do not sabotage yourself with the infamous statement: “I can’t do this.” Buy a copy of In Her Own Ink for techniques on how to begin your writing journey.


Get Inspired. Discover More. Call Today. IN HER OWN INK. (404)369-0499
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