Did you know that November is National Novel Writing Month?
Even if you didn’t, you might have spotted the hashtag #NaNoWriMo on your social media feed, probably accompanied by a string of expletives or appeals for coffee, wine or drugs. Maybe all three, because if you’re using #NaNoWriMo, you’ve signed up to write an eye-watering 50,000 words of a novel in just one month. Not even in a 31-day month.
#NaNoWriMo or no, working on a piece of writing is hard even when you’re getting paid to do it. When you’re not (though to be completely honest, even when you are!), all kinds of distractions will spring up to block the way.
You’ve might have been saying for ages that you want to write a book – we’ve all apparently got one of those in us, after all! – but by the time it gets to the evening, you’re shattered. You know blogging is the ideal way to let people know about your thriving business or your fascinating life, but every time you go to write a post your mind draws a blank.
Sound familiar?
If you’re looking for ways to beat the block and get writing, you could always sign up to National Novel Writing Month yourself. Or you could start a bit smaller and surer, by tackling the following tasks:
Know what you want to write about
Sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people I speak to who want to write a book or a blog, they’re just not really sure what it’ll be about.
So start with that. You don’t have to go into any great detail at this point – some of the world’s greatest novels were formed from a simple idea – but you do at least need to understand your simple idea. Preferably, it’ll be one that fires you up whenever you think about it.
Commit some time
You probably knew this was coming. But committing time isn’t going to be as daunting as it sounds, because you’re going to decide exactly when you do it.
The only rules are that you need to be specific, and you need to be regular. If you decide you’re going to commit to half an hour a day for example, try to make sure it’s at the same time each day, and when you know you’ll usually be free. It’s also important to be honest with yourself: leave out weekends if you think you won’t stick to them. Do your best during the week, instead.
(Half an hour a day may not sound like very much time, but if you stick to that half hour a day, you’ll soon be amazed at how much you manage to get done).
Use your time well
Before you begin your half hour, know what you want to have done by the end of it. Sitting down with a blank screen and no plan is the surest way to give up in despair before you’ve even started.
This doesn’t mean you have to create a complicated schedule. Your first session, for example, could simply be scribbling down absolutely everything you know about your book or blog idea, no holds barred. Your second session could be shaping that content into clear sections. Your third might be coming up with a catchy title. And so on.
(Hint: don’t worry if everything you write at first is just a bit…well, rubbish. That’s what second and third drafts are for!)
Work towards a deadline
Setting a final deadline (a rough draft of your book by the end of January, for example) will give you a clear target to work towards, as well as focusing your efforts.
To keep track and show how far you’ve come, simply create a simple tally chart to mark every time you complete a writing session. By the time you reach your deadline, you should have a finished piece of work and a bursting tally chart to bring home the time and effort you put into creating your masterpiece. It’s a great feeling when that happens!
Still stuck for time, but still need to publish something? I can write that masterpiece for you in your own style, and better still, there’s time to get it done before Christmas if it’s needed. Simply call or email me to get started.
I'm a friendly and professional writer, reviewer and editor who works with warmth, humour and flexibility.
Good listening is more than just letting people talk.
Read moreStrategies to beat your writing monster into submission
Read moreHow to take the pressure off... and just enjoy being creative.
Read moreWhat's in it for me?
Read moreLet me take you back in time…
Read moreAre you waiting for that bolt of creative lightning?
Read moreIdeas to help you keep that creative well flowing.
Read moreWhy failing to plan could be just what you need to succeed.
Read moreHow not to drown in other people's opinions.
Read moreWhat are the events, loves, or random quirks of character that really make you, you?
Read moreHow to write like nobody's reading (in a good way!)
Read moreNobody else can tell a story in quite the same way you can.
Read moreGet ready to shed the skin of summer, and begin a new creative project.
Read moreIn these unprecedented times, words count.
Read moreCreate like nobody's watching... so that when they are, you're ready.
Read moreMaybe you haven’t done anything with that idea yet, because it’s just too vague.
Read moreExplaining what’s blatantly obvious to you, could turn out to be advertising gold.
Read moreThere’s something reassuring about businesses carrying on as ‘normally’ as they can...
Read moreDon't let spelling and grammar fears stop you from writing.
Read more"...it’s detail that will make you stand out, and most people aren’t mind readers."
Read moreThis is a story about a career transformation. And Take That.
Read more"You can’t be on somebody’s side, if you don’t know what they think or how they feel".
Read more...they were learning how to express their true feelings in words, and the results were honest, uplifting, and totally magnetic.
Read moreNo matter how scary it seems, learning from difference will benefit you much, much more than the comfy mediocrity that similarity brings.
Read more"If you want to grab readers’ attention, you have to start with the heart."
Read moreMy journey from terrified mumbler to casual speaker, in easy-to-follow steps.
Read moreIf you have trouble motivating yourself to write that next blog post, whisper a little reminder: this could be a book one day.
Read moreBlogging basics to help you create a rip-roaring read.
Read moreRevamping your web copy will give your business the gift of reconnection.
Read more"If you really want to change your career, you have to be determined, and you have to be selfish."
Read moreThis is a blog post unlike any other.
Read moreAs a freelance writer, taking a break is always a challenge. But I push on through the guilt, and here's why.
Read moreReviews get read, because people assume they might be useful. Don't disappoint them!
Read moreHas your marketing strategy got room for some unexpected magic?
Read moreSome surprising insights about blogging...
Read moreDon't write for search engines, write for people.
Read moreIf you've always wanted to write a book, but were put off by the people who already have - help is at hand!
Read moreWhere's the value in empty business gurus?
Read moreBeing original is easy as pie.
Read moreHow do you eat yours?
Read moreHow to sell your amazing ideas to a brand-new audience.
Read moreHow regular blogging will boost your business - as if by magic!
Read moreIf you're too embarrassed to give (or receive!) compliments, writing it all down can work wonders
Read moreIt's Universal Letter Writing Week - how will you celebrate?
Read more"The right person will help you come across as yourself, but in a prouder, more polished, 'look what I’ve achieved' kind of way"
Read moreWhen you give people a piece of yourself, you will naturally engage them.
Read more"If you like someone, you might be tempted to look for excuses to work with them, even if their particular skills aren’t what you need."
Read moreFocus on telling interesting business stories that reflect your ideal customers’ lives back to them.
Read moreYou can always learn from other people's insights - good or bad
Read moreMy advice to freelancers: never lose sight of what freelancing is all about!
Read moreKeep your summer content fresh and updated to be remembered all year long.
Read moreHow to become every freelancer's favourite client!
Read moreSometimes, just putting the work in is enough.
Read moreHow setting a speaking challenge forced me to talk confidently about the work I love.
Read moreJust like building the perfect snowman, carving out your freelance identity can be tough!
Read moreDon't let bad spelling put you off writing the next bestseller!
Read moreFinding the 'what's', 'whys' and 'hows' of your business will help people connect with you.
Read moreIt takes time to craft compelling
November means #NaNoWriMo - so whatever you're working on, it's time to get it done!
Read moreIronically, it's when you're writing about yourself that you will sound least like you. Hiring a writer to do it for you can bring a whole host of benefits.
Read moreLearn how to live happily ever after through the power of storytelling
Read moreWriting books is big business - or at least it can be, if you get it right. For starters, this means not rushing the process!
Read moreA how-to guide for writing the ultimate downloadable guide for your business.
Read moreHeadlines are always difficult to write, so here's an easy way to craft something original for your personal and professional profiles.
Read moreDo you edit your work before you publish it?
Read moreStanding up and presenting to a group of people is something that strikes fear into the hearts of even the most confident people - so if you're an introvert like me, it can really be the stuff of nightmares! Here's how I tackle my nerves head-on, with some careful preparation and relatable content.
Read moreCreating a schedule can be a difficult task, especially when you're planning for work you're not being paid for - or that nobody is expecting! Here's how to get started on crafting a time plan that will work for you.
Read moreWhether you want to hire a copywriter, or just want to give it a go yourself, it can be hard to know where to begin. My experience on the copywriting trail has helped me discover a few handy insights.
Read moreThis week I'm responding to the questions people have asked since my Careershifters' Success Story was published recently - all about creating a writer's life.
Read moreYou don't have to be a professional writer to discover a unique writing voice that speaks to its readers. Finding your own voice is often easier than you might think, and it all starts when you write from the heart.
Read moreIf you know someone who already has everything, give them something truly unique - special words.
Read moreDid you know that so-called 'job-hopping' can be an asset to your career search? Whether you prefer stability or excitement in your career, planning your next move is all about packaging your skills and making the right kind of approach.
Read moreGoing freelance doesn't mean you have to accept every piece of work that comes your way. Being discerning with your time and effort will help you reap the rewards of being your own boss...and you'll get to work with some great people too!
Read moreAre you reading this over coffee, or maybe as you wait for a late train? Blogging for business is a handy way to keep in regular contact with your followers and show them the human side of your company, but it can be difficult to keep it going once you've started. It's worth it, though - so here are a few tips to keep your blog posts consistent and entertaining.
Read moreWriting a CV is tough enough when you've got years of experience under your belt, but when you're just leaving education it often feels like you haven't got anything to shout about. Here's how to write a first CV that will stand out from all those bland lists of education dates and shop jobs!
Read moreThere's a new trend sweeping Silicon Valley - giving honest and direct feedback to your colleagues. Before you go rushing in, focus your message by writing it down first...your colleagues and your career will thank you for it!
Read moreAll those celebrated business gurus had to start somewhere...and the most successful ones know how to tell their stories in a relatable way that inspires others to act on their dreams and ideas. By writing a business book, you can do just that yourself!
Read moreWriting a recruitment ad is often a rushed activity, with the words used ones you've read many times before ("dynamic" anyone?) Here's how the Banks children managed to recruit their ideal candidate - Mary Poppins! - by using clear and creative words that stood out.
Read moreWhat better way to kick off a new year by getting out into the fresh air? Here's how I manage a busy working life as a non-driver - and it's not as hard as you might think!
Read more'Greatest Hits' countdowns are rife at this time of year - so now, here's one featuring the best CV advice. This list will give you the ultimate steer if you're looking to get your CV on track for the new year job hunt. Wishing you a very happy 2017!
Read moreIf you're stuck in a job you don't particularly like, mindlessly searching job boards for something else, it can be hard to dredge up any enthusiasm to make a change. But that little bit of rest time between Christmas and a brand new year beginning is perfect for considering exactly what you want, and how to take the very first step towards making 2017 your happy work year!
Read moreWith a new year on the horizon, why not make a resolution to tell your life story? Committing your personal tales to paper can be a rich and rewarding experience for you to write and others to read...for generations to come. Here's how to get started.
Read moreHave you ever thought that making a few tweaks to your working life would help make living it much easier? Harness the power of well-chosen words to state your case and win better work-life balance in the process.
Read moreAre you often left with the feeling that you don't quite know enough about all the online tools you can use to promote your business? How about website analytics...shouldn't you be checking them every five minutes just like the experts say? Relax - here's how to take advantage of all the advice available online, by defining exactly what YOU want to know.
Read moreIs time getting the better of you? With a growing business, several passion projects on the go, books to read and friends I'd quite like to see, I was starting to feel overwhelmed...until I decided to take a closer look at planning my time more effectively. Here's how you can do the same.
Read moreLooking for ways to sound consistent and authentic in your written communications? Here are a few tried, tested and original ways to do just that.
Read moreBOO! Like a ripe pumpkin Hallowe'en has rolled around yet again, so what better time to extol the benefits of ghostwriting, definitely not just the province of bargain-bin bound celebrities.
Read moreI'm very proud indeed to be featured as this week's 'Quiet Revolutionary' - a celebration of all things introverted.
Read moreAn encounter with a corporate headhunter made me question my career - why was I still doing something I didn't love? Here's how I formulated my corporate escape plan and found a career I truly enjoy.
Read moreAre your online profiles a bit lacklustre? Don't waste a perfect opportunity to speak directly to the boss or partner of your dreams - use the power of personal copywriting to describe what makes you, you - and get ready to reap the rewards!
Read moreGoing it alone, releasing yourself from the shackles of a traditional nine-to-five, is exhilarating. It's also incredibly scary! To celebrate my first quarter-year in business, here are some of the most important lessons I've learned from the front line.
Read moreRegular blog posts - especially if you run a business - can drastically increase your following, as well as helping you beat the competition by describing how you do things your way. Read on for a few more great reasons why you should join the blogging revolution!
Read moreGreat speeches vary in tone and content, but they all consider the same elements - who they're for, what they're about and why they're being heard. Here's how to plan yours effectively, so you can conquer any nerves and make your speech memorable for all the right reasons!
Read moreSpeaking up in networking groups used to bring me out in a cold sweat. So I sought out the people I really wanted to talk to and introduced myself in the way I'm best at - in writing.
Read more