It's a new year so write that book!

As we start the new year many will be thinking that now is the time to write or even finish that book that’s within themselves, it’s become the resolution that many commit to (but only few complete). So, for those who have decided to make it happen, what strategy should you be considering in order to be successful?

There are many books and blogs that you can read on the subject and every forum will give advice on where to begin, but the most important element is that you have actually made the decision and commitment, once YOU have decided (and believe) that you’re going to write a book the rest becomes good planning.

Your belief becomes the foundation of the book’s success, once you get past the first few weeks (and the novelty of writing has worn off) your true passion and commitment are put to the test, for some this is the point where the book stalls and no more is written, it simply ends up as a file in a directory never to be opened again. But with focus and a plan you can keep going until you have a completed manuscript ready for publication.

So, what should you consider in order to finish that book? Here are our top tips to help any writer finish that novel.

1. Be realistic – A big mistake that many new authors make is over committing to a writing schedule, thinking that you can write 10,000 words every day when you work a forty-hour week or have young children to look after is simply setting yourself up to fail, remember, writing should also be a pleasure to you. You should look at the objective long-term, if you can realistically commit to writing one page every two to three days or even per week you will still be able to write a great novel within twelve to eighteen months.
   
2. Have space – Choose a space where you can write and keep it free of distractions (if you can), for some this may well be your local library or even café, it could be a kitchen table or your own home office, it’s also easier if you’re sat at a table.
   
3. Turn it off – We live in an age where instant stimulation is just a click or finger swipe away, Social media is one of the biggest killers of time and productivity to any author, so whilst you work make sure that your Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and all of the other pages are switched off and away from temptation. You could put your computer or laptop into ‘Airplane’ mode whilst you write so that all distractions are placed on hold until you’re done.
   
4. Tell people – Letting family and friends know that you are working on a book helps you stick to that commitment, it also warns them that on certain times of the day or week you’ll be writing and shouldn’t be disturbed.
   
5. Take breaks – Working for too long or forcing yourself to be creative can push you towards a block, if you’re tired or not ‘feeling-it’ simply stop, you can always go back to it the following day, creativity should never feel like a chore, don’t turn it into one!
   
6. Notes – Always keep a note pad and pencil on you (if you’re keeping it old-school) or download a good memo app to your smartphone, ideas will always hit you when you least expect them, by having a way to record them you’ll always remember those great thoughts for your book.
   
7. Use social media – Even before you complete the first chapter of your book you should be thinking about promoting and building an audience, this shouldn’t be looked upon as a major headache either, promoting should be simply sending out teasers and small bits of information to build awareness of your forthcoming book (it also forces you to follow through on its completion).
   
8. Mindset – Don’t be too harsh on yourself when you get closer to the end of your book, many successful authors view their first draft as simply a guideline for the book and go back to edit the original once done. You will find issues so expect them and move on, every edit, re-write, adjustment and tweak sharpens your book and helps to elevate it, don’t lose faith, just keep going.