By far, I have found that the lack of discipline is the biggest hindrance for most people, when it comes to writing a book of any kind. Although I urge you as a would-be writer to develop a theme because once you are clear on "why" you want to write a book, your motivational level will shift into a higher gear, I also urge you to get an accountability partner. This person will be the most important asset you can have as a writer.
However, choose carefully, because the role of the accountability partner is to make sure that you are following your commitment on a daily basis. The partner is responsible for calling, e-mailing you or talking to you by phone or in person every day to check the progress of your book. This person should be gentle enough to keep you encouraged, but forceful enough to not be afraid to chastise you.
In other words, your accountability partner will "hold your feet to the fire" to make sure you keep moving forward. Believe me; this person is worth his or her weight in gold. Why?
Although I promise you that writing a manuscript is easier than you might think—you don't need to be a seasoned writer—it is not the easiest thing in the world to do. There will be plenty of times when you will want to scratch the whole idea. Your accountability partner is your cheerleader, telling you, "We have spirit, yes we do!" and exhorting you on to "V.I.C.T.O.R.Y.," even when it seems like you are in the waning minutes of the game and your team is losing 42–0.
Games are played, one at a time. If you lose today, unless something tragically happens, there will be another one tomorrow. Television's Dr. Phil said, "Everyone wants to be a hero on Saturday. The big difference between winners and losers is that the winners work hard every day to do what it takes to win."
If you fail your writing task today, you can start again tomorrow. However, losing seasons occur when in the end, you have lost more than you have won. Most new writers and seasoned ones as well, don't write as much as they can on a daily basis.
Even writing part-time, two pages per day is a good start, and more can easily be done if the effort is put forth. However, most of us need that extra push from someone who genuinely cares about us and our project, to keep us in the game. Although it is good to find a like-minded individual, in some ways, your accountability partner's character should be diametrically opposed to your character.
For example, if you know you need a lot of hand-holding, your accountability partner should definitely be a self-starter. If you are a pessimist, your partner should be an optimist. However, if you are an optimist, it is usually better for you not to pick a pessimist for your partner.
How New Authors Can Keep Their Manuscript Coherent
In large publishing houses, many manuscripts penned by first-time authors, never make it past the "first reader" who for all practical purposes is a gatekeeper of sorts. This person's job is to weed out manuscripts that do not fit certain established submission criteria. However, many never make it to the editor's desk, simply because they are badly disorganized and downright incoherent.
Understanding The First Rule Of Writing—Before You Start The Great American Book
Chaos and confusion come when established rules and procedures are not followed. Even mixing and matching systems to favor one’s own position can cause a great deal of consternation. In writing a book, the first rule is to know and understand why you want to write in the first place.
The Three Decisions Writers Must Make Before They Start A Book Project
First, the bad news: there is no magic formula, potion or pill that will turn the story idea in your head into a manuscript. Words will not automatically appear on paper. All of the necessary elements for a “purpose-driven” book will not fall from the sky and converge in your lap as a completed literary work. It is entirely up to you.
