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Writing a book is a time game

March 14, 2022 by Nathan Bransford 3 Comments

We’ve been through a lot in the past few years, and I don’t know anyone who has experienced smooth sailing. I’ve heard from so many authors who have stalled out creatively and aren’t getting as much writing done as they would like.

Here’s what I tell authors who want to get going: It’s just a time thing. Throw time at a writing project even if you don’t know where it’s going. You’ll sort it out if you just spend time on it.

We often attach a lot of mysticism to the writing process. There’s always a temptation to ditch writing when we’re not feeling inspired, and we end up sitting around and passively waiting for inspiration to strike.

It’s just time. You’re not going to feel inspired every day. Some days will be magically productive days, some days will be slogs. You need them both.

Block off time in the calendar and stick to a certain number of hours a week. You’ll get going, trust me.

Often though, time is actually a surface problem for deeper blockages. Are you actually giving yourself permission to prioritize yourself and your writing? Are you finding reasons to put other things first that aren’t as important to you?

So ask yourself: What is stopping me from spending the time I need to push this forward?

Throw time at your writing. It will move forward.

Need help with your book? I’m available for manuscript edits, query critiques, and coaching!

For my best advice, check out my online classes (NEW!), my guide to writing a novel and my guide to publishing a book.

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Art: Anton Faistauer – Stillleben mit Uhr

Filed Under: Writing Advice

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Eva says

    March 14, 2022 at 9:38 pm

    You are right Nathan, it is a ‘time thing’ – so enjoy it folks.

    Reply
  2. Kristin Wolfgang says

    March 16, 2022 at 4:38 pm

    Hey Nathan, it’s Spring Break (and I’m a teacher) so that means I’m writing more than usual. I just wanted to reach out and say thanks for your blog! I’m using your “novel outline spreadsheet”, your blogs about mysteries and so many of your writing how to blog posts. I so appreciate you! Mahalo!

    Reply
    • Nathan Bransford says

      March 17, 2022 at 11:51 am

      I appreciate the note, and enjoy your spring break!

      Reply

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About Nathan

Hi, I’m Nathan. I’m the author of How to Write a Novel and the Jacob Wonderbar series, which was published by Penguin. I used to be a literary agent at Curtis Brown Ltd. and I’m dedicated to helping authors achieve their dreams. Let me help you with your book!

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How to Write A Novel
Cover of How to Publish a Book by Nathan Bransford
Jacob Wonderbar and the Cosmic Space Kapo
Jacob Wonderbar for President of the Universe
Jacob Wonderbar and the Interstellar Time Warp

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