Get Your Book Done to Build Your Business

In order to get your book done and therefore get your message out there, your ideas have to connect to something important for your readers. Many (most?) people are looking for solutions to help them solve the problems that keep them up at night. How well do you know your ideal reader? What problem(s) do they want help with?

Coming up with a clear statement of your vision for your book puts you on track. What are you offering them that directly addresses their problem? I'm currently working on an ebook to guide adult caregivers who are struggling with the aftermath of their parent's being victimized in a scam. I've had to clearly articulate how I want my readers to feel after reading my book and offer them concrete ideas for what to do and how to do it. It can be tough, and I've been through quite a few drafts, but it's worth it!

Here are some questions to ask yourself to build a clear vision for your book:
1. What problem, SPECIFICALLY, are you helping your reader solve?
2. Why do you want to write this book?
3. How do you want your reader to feel when she finishes your book?
4. What do you want your reader to say when he finishes your book?
5. What sets your book apart from others in your field?

But, what if you're not trying to help your reader solve a problem? That's great! Wanting to help people have a better life is a fantastic mission for your book. Heck, I'm a counselor in my "day job," so I'm all about people having a better life.

In this area you still have to have a clear vision. My friend Lynne Klippel, who you'll hear more about in a little while, is working on a book about people who overcome difficult times. The point? A better life is on the way through how you think about and respond to tough times, and her book is about inspiring people to do just that. If she helps even one person have a better life, she (and her book) is a success. How cool is that?

Think about a time when you REALLY helped someone. See it in your mind, feel it in your heart and body. Wasn't that awesome? Develop this mental picture in your mind and make it super-vivid. Use lots of high-powered feeling words, details, and involve all your senses. The feelings you feel will help you sustain your energy and effort so you get your book done. Write down or audio record your mental picture and keep it close by for those times when your energy starts to go flat and you need a boost.

Don't you just love it when you find some simple, easy answer to a complex challenge? Yep, me too. Still looking for those simple, easy answers? Yep, me too. Sometimes you just have to let go of the all-too-human desire for the easy way. Instead, make the tried-and-true work for you through 2 simple ideas: make it fun, and swing between the work and energy-restoring breaks.

What makes you laugh? That's a question to ask yourself as you set yourself up for sustained effort. Make your writing sessions fun through playing your favorite "move music," keeping a favorite photo that makes you smile handy, or having a special treat beverage or food nearby. Chocolate is a particular favorite of mine!

Another way people make it fun to work at something is to give themselves a reward of some kind at the end of a work session. Go for something beyond the usual if you can--our brains are enlivened by novel and/or surprising stimuli. How about a water balloon fight with your kids? Maybe a round of finger painting? Get a little silly with this. It will likely get your creative juices flowing again and you'll get more done.

I heard a very interesting cd program a few years ago in which the author spoke about the idea of "pendulation" as a way of keeping yourself going during periods of sustained work. This is really just a fancy word for swinging back-and-forth between writing and taking energy breaks. The key to success here, though, is to make your energy breaks count! You can do this by thinking about those activities that truly recharge you. It could be stretching and doing some yoga, going for a walk, running in place, petting your dog or cat, or whatever. What recharges YOU? Make a list and refer to it for ideas to keep you going. Be mindful about your practice -- when you're writing, write, when you're recharging, recharge.

Now, what about those times when your mind wanders off? Some people set a timer for themselves every 15 minutes or so to train themselves to stay on task. When the timer goes off they check to see that they are on track. If they're not, it's time to go back to work!

I know, accountability can sound scary: "What! I actually have to WRITE this thing?" Yep, ya sure do. The world and your readers are waiting! God knows, I love to procrastinate just like anyone else. What I have found to be pure magic in my own life is what I call "Gentle Accountability." I'm not talking drill sergeant here, but a kind and firm presence that says, "Stop making excuses. You can do this. I believe in you. Now, why didn't you keep your agreement, and what can you do today to get back on track?" Hear the emphasis on support, learning, and change in there? Remember, you have to do something different the next time. Same old, same old, just doesn't cut it. At those times in my life when I've been working on stuff (like now-I'm working on a book and an ebook as I write this), having people I trust to challenge my excuses and procrastination has made the difference between "I wish..." and "I am..."

THE BEST WAY I've found to use the magic of gentle accountability is to gather your very own "book success team." These are people who will firmly and kindly get you back on track toward your goal: Get your book done! Where do you find such people? Consider the power and value in hanging out with folks like yourself-knowledgeable people with important things to say and real contributions to make to the world. Who else will "get it" in the way they will?

Now, where do you find them? One of the best places I've seen is In the Get Your Book Done How-To Program from Love Your Life Publishing. Lynne Klippel and Christine Kloser have created everything you need to find YOUR book success team, get your book done, and start making an even bigger difference in the world. The next Get Your Book Done Program begins in March, so check it out, Click here. Take your time to look over their other products, including the "Book Blastoff Kit," which can get you ready to go for the March program. You could be a published author by this time next year!

I've personally known Lynne for 5 years, and I can tell you there is NO ONE better able to help you Get Your Book Done! Do it now! The world is waiting...