Nov 1, 2018
Have you ever felt discouraged because you started writing a book but didn’t finish it? If so, you’re not alone. Many writers, myself included, have started writing a book … only to later abandon it.
Today’s guest helps us understand how to break through procrastination and finally get that book finished. His name is Jim Woods, and he’s an author, editor, writing coach, and storyteller. Jim understands productivity and time management at a deep level. He also has a gift for seeing the weak spots in a story and knowing how to improve them.
On this episode, you’ll learn lots of practical tips for getting your book finished. You’ll also learn why you should beware of story craft books, how to be more productive, and why it’s important to be a creator and not just a consumer.
Key Takeaways
1. Focus on one scene, chapter, section, or paragraph at a time. This simple advice is easy to ignore, but it makes a world of difference in staying focused and writing in the moment. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed because you have a whole project looming in front of you. By focusing on the small section at hand, you can make steady progress until the whole project is done.
2. Write in the “spare moments” of your day. You don’t need to be at your desk in “writing mode” in order to make progress on your book or project. Take 5-10 minutes here and there to get a bit of writing done, and you’ll be amazed at the results. (If you are serious about making the most of your creative time, check out my post on how to track your time.)
3. Use “habit stacking” to get more writing done. As Jim explains, “habit stacking” is the process of linking two habits together. For example, you can use your lunchtime to write. When you link writing to an activity you’re going to do anyway, you are more likely to make it happen.
Resources Mentioned in This Episode
The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
Do the Work by Steven Pressfield
Story Maps Daniel Calvisi
Thanks so much for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the “Born to Create” podcast. I’d also appreciate it if you can rate and review the show.
For more great resources to help unleash your creative powers, visit my site at KentSanders.net.
Want to rise to your true creative potential? Check out my book The Artist’s Suitcase: 26 Essentials for the Creative Journey.
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