August 10, 2011 61 Comments

Writing A Book – Discipline

In our Writing a Book series, yesterday, we talked about finding time. Today, let’s talk about discipline.

Writing a Book – Discipline

One of the most difficult parts of writing a book has nothing to do with the work, exactly. It has everything to do with sitting still, and putting the words down on paper (and “paper” is so quaint to say in this digital age, but when I interviewed Ryan Blair, he said that he wrote his book longhand on paper). Discipline is probably 80% of what keeps someone from writing a book. But it’s not like you can’t do it. It’s not like you can’t exercise these muscles.

Allies To Discipline

My first advice about discipline: get an accountability buddy. Find someone (or a group of someones), and make it know that you’ve got a goal of writing ___ words a day (or week, or whatever), and that you want them to hound you about it. Be really specific about what helps and what doesn’t. If shame helps, ask them to shame you (frankly, that would cripple me, but hey). If they catch you on Facebook when you should be writing, have them push you back off. Give them your cell and ask them to text you daily. Make them nag the heck out of you. (I learned this from Julien Smith.)

Discipline Comes From Early Victories

If you decide to write 2000 words a day and you’re currently writing 25 words a day, then you’re going to fail quickly. Maybe set the bar a bit lower. Agree to 500 words (less than that and you’re still phoning it in), and set your sights on getting that done a bunch of times in a row. The more you can repeat the success, the more the success treats you well, and makes you strive for even more. Rack up those “wins” with your accountability buddies. Heck, give yourself promises of rewards. Whatever it takes to get the work done, that’s what matters.

Justification Is the Enemy

There are a hundred viable excuses why you can’t get your words in today. You can write them all out in a list, if you’d like. Refer to it often. You woke up late. You slept poorly. You had to pick up the kids, even though it wasn’t your day.

Here’s a hint: the real writers have all those excuses, too. They just do what needs doing.

One of the biggest justifications I’ve heard is that inspiration wasn’t with you. That’s possibly true. But guess what happens? The moment you write, even if you’re writing crap, inspiration will catch up with your process. And besides, if you’ve kept a decent amount of notes, and if you’ve got a reasonably detailed outline, you can work without inspiration. Inspiration is something you get early in the process. Once you’re into the grind, most of the work is just that: work.

Discipline Doesn’t Mind Helpers

If you’re trying to eat healthy, fill your fridge with healthy foods and throw out “bad” foods. It’s not wrong to put up ‘bumpers’ to protect yourself from a lack of discipline. Here’s a hint: if you’re working on the ultimate playlist to write to, that’s not helpful. Yes, maybe some great tune will inspire you, but anything that’s not writing is just that: not writing.

Use whatever helpers you need. Unplug your Internet for a while. Turn off the phone for a while. Shut off the TV. Send the kids to Grandma’s. Whatever you have to do, do it. And use whatever means necessary (mostly legal, but I’m not above other means) to keep your discipline protected. Work hard, and then work hard at preserving the efforts of your work.

At the End Of It All, It’s Still Work

Writing a book isn’t as demanding as roofing. Both, however, are work. Just because writing can happen at a Starbucks, with a delicious iced coffee sitting beside you collecting droplets of moisture, it doesn’t mean that the effort of getting all those words put together in useful ways isn’t work.

Dorothy Parker famously said, “I hate writing. I love having written.”

She’s not wrong.

Tomorrow, let’s talk about structure.

ChrisBrogan.com runs on the Genesis Framework

The Genesis Framework empowers you to quickly and easily build incredible websites with WordPress. Whether you're a novice or advanced developer, Genesis provides you with the secure and search-engine-optimized foundation that takes WordPress to places you never thought it could go.

With automatic theme updates and world-class support included, Genesis is the smart choice for your WordPress website or blog.

Find out more about the framework features
Check out the Genesis demo and the wide variety of child themes
See example designs in the Genesis design showcase

Become a StudioPress Affiliate

http://resumecvservice.com/ resume writing

thanks a lot for the post i like it!
http://www.reemalbawadi.com Restaurant in Dubai

Discipline is the main thing in every field and i agree “Justification is the Enemy”.
@Mnememeaphors <Twitter

Well thought out Chris,

Here are the observations this has inspiresd:

When you think about writing in a simple abstract way (visualize) you have a piece of paper on to which you pour life in the form of thoughts which are translated to ink . You hand the paper to your buddy and he pulls, deciphers , and translates your intended ideas. Don’t you think this paper with symbols, words , ideas and story is rather a small spectrum?

Imagine the game of pass the word extending from you to your audience, what really returns to you? How many other books could you write about what your books do out in the land of audience ?

Anyways, I think our bodies fight writing because it’s not natural.

Thomas Edison said, success is 99% perspiration and 1% inspiration. What they don’t tell you, it’s that 1% / spark that ignites the 99% forest fire of effort.

Take Well thought out Chris,

Here are the observations this has inspires :

When you think about writing in a simple abstract way (visualize) you have a piece of paper on to which you pour life in the form of thoughts which are translated to ink . You hand the paper to your buddy and he pulls, deciphers , and translates your intended ideas. Don’t you think this paper with symbols, words , ideas and story is rather a small spectrum?

Imagine the game of pass the word extending from you to your audience, what really returns to you? How many other books could you write about what your books do out in the land of audience ?

Anyways, I think our bodies fight writing because it’s not natural.

Thomas Edison said, success is 99% perspiration and 1% inspiration. What they don’t tell you, it’s that 1% / spark that ignites the 99% forest fire of effort.

Take Michealangeleo ,

Imagine having to carve through giant blocks of white marble day after day. Imagine the cold steal, the pain, the dust and the sweat. White marble is like looking at a plain white paper . If you stop and view all the work that needs to be done and the stone it self, it’s like looking up at mount Everest .

Mike had to be beastly inspired. In fact, they called his temperament “terrible” The other element which he had was focus. As he said, he saw the angel in the stone . He had incredible vision and day in and day out he pursued it.

An example of a person just as inspired, what Leonardo Da Vinci, but he was kinda like a dog in the Forrest . He had real problems focusing and finishing. Mostly, because the squirrel’s, temptation & distraction got to him. Curiously, Mike was fanatically religious and quite often miserable and bitter. Leonardo was not conventionally religious and was known for his humor and charming demeanor.

Virtues and vice?. O-Boy

http://www.jonalford.com Jon

This made me think of what Seth Godin wrote in Linchpin:

“The diamond cutter doesn’t imagine the diamond he wants. Instead, he
sees the diamond that is possible.”

@Mnememeaphors <Twitter

Also Jon, the marble is not perfect. It has imperfections, fault lines. He has to gage what he can do, but often he gets into it and finds a problem and has work around it.

The stone that produced the David was passed down from the Romans. Everyone was afraid to carve it fearing they would ruin it.

It symbolizes the victory over the dark ages!

@Mnememeaphors <Twitter

Well thought out Chris,

Here are the observations this has inspiresd:

When you think about writing in a simple abstract way (visualize) you have a piece of paper on to which you pour life in the form of thoughts which are translated to ink . You hand the paper to your buddy and he pulls, deciphers , and translates your intended ideas. Don’t you think this paper with symbols, words , ideas and story is rather a small spectrum?

Imagine the game of pass the word extending from you to your audience, what really returns to you? How many other books could you write about what your books do out in the land of audience ?

Anyways, I think our bodies fight writing because it’s not natural.

Thomas Edison said, success is 99% perspiration and 1% inspiration. What they don’t tell you, it’s that 1% / spark that ignites the 99% forest fire of effort.

Take Well thought out Chris,

Here are the observations this has inspires :

When you think about writing in a simple abstract way (visualize) you have a piece of paper on to which you pour life in the form of thoughts which are translated to ink . You hand the paper to your buddy and he pulls, deciphers , and translates your intended ideas. Don’t you think this paper with symbols, words , ideas and story is rather a small spectrum?

Imagine the game of pass the word extending from you to your audience, what really returns to you? How many other books could you write about what your books do out in the land of audience ?

Anyways, I think our bodies fight writing because it’s not natural.

Thomas Edison said, success is 99% perspiration and 1% inspiration. What they don’t tell you, it’s that 1% / spark that ignites the 99% forest fire of effort.

Take Michealangeleo ,

Imagine having to carve through giant blocks of white marble day after day. Imagine the cold steal, the pain, the dust and the sweat. White marble is like looking at a plain white paper . If you stop and view all the work that needs to be done and the stone it self, it’s like looking up at mount Everest .

Mike had to be beastly inspired. In fact, they called his temperament “terrible” The other element which he had was focus. As he said, he saw the angel in the stone . He had incredible vision and day in and day out he pursued it.

An example of a person just as inspired, what Leonardo Da Vinci, but he was kinda like a dog in the Forrest . He had real problems focusing and finishing. Mostly, because the squirrel’s, temptation & distraction got to him. Curiously, Mike was fanatically religious and quite often miserable and bitter. Leonardo was not conventionally religious and was known for his humor and charming demeanor.

Virtues and vice?. O-Boy
http://linkedin.com/in/joesorge Joe Sorge

I love when your posts have nothing to do with the topic that was the basis for them. This is so NOT about writing. :)

http://chrisbrogan.com Chris Brogan

Shhhhh. Don’t tell people.

http://www.freelancewriter.co/ Harleena Singh

Love your series Chris! - as more and more of it I read, beside simply about writing a book, it speaks and tells us things about what we need to do in our daily lives, where work is concerned. Just like discipline is needed to do any kind of work- and yes, you just need to get into it by giving yourself that one BIG PUSH!

http://chrisbrogan.com Chris Brogan

That’s the secret, Harleena. : )

http://twitter.com/NancyD68 Nancy Davis

An accountability buddy. THAT is truly what I need. Once I get going I am okay with writing. I need someone to answer to. That would be a huge help for me.

Encouragement, not shame for me too. Shame would not work well for me. I need someone to hold me accountable, but to cheer me on as well.

http://chrisbrogan.com Chris Brogan

Shame’s not that useful for most people. : )

http://netvibes.com/monikahardy monika hardy

Steve Pressfield’s The War of Art. high recommend if you haven’t yet read it.

http://chrisbrogan.com Chris Brogan

I haven’t, but downloaded it a short bit ago. : )

http://www.windows8update.com windows 8

It’s an awesome book. Highly recommend.

http://thewritecafe.com Nancy

Love it! Also, the reference to writing at Starbucks makes this a favourite for the week! Thank you Chris. My goal is to hit 1000 words tonight! Someone hound me :)
http://www.suitacommunications.com Paula

Makes me realize the same holds true for getting into the exercise habit or anything else you want to accomplish. My husband and I painted (yes actually painted) our house last year. We did it in bits of one and two hour segments. There is definately a thing called “muscle memory” that kicks in to whatever the chore is. Thanks for inspiring me, yet again, to take that first step and keep on walking.

http://chrisbrogan.com Chris Brogan

It’s all the same, you’re right. I agree that it relates to many things. : )

http://www.familyarchaeologist.com Lindagartz

I find it fascinating that what I thought was my very own original reply to the comment “do you like writing” was, unbeknownst to me, also said by Dorothy Parker! How did you write To Kill a Mockingbird, a fan once asked Harper Lee. “By applying the seat of my pants to the seat of my chair!”

These reminders are always good refreshers. Nothing gets accomplished in any field without discipline! Now to stop commenting on blogposts and get writing!

http://chrisbrogan.com Chris Brogan

A great quote. I love it. : )

http://twitter.com/susangiurleo susangiurleo

Now you need to tell us what the “other means” that may or may not be legal are. Sheesh, what a tease and leaving the best parts out isn’t fair : ).
Anonymous

Clearly, I’m one post behind. In an effort to get ahead, I’ll give you William Goldman’s Roman Numeral Two: Screenplays are Structure.

Hope this helps, in some small way….

http://chrisbrogan.com Chris Brogan

That’s very cool. Thank you for this. : )

http://twitter.com/CharlesTaggart Charles Taggart

I like your key point about Discipline & realistic goals Chris!!! Not only with Writing, but any Creative Endeavor is about setting the time for thought, the creative concept and execution and then implementing that time and effort into what you are creating…

You wrote of a writer writing his book longhand on paper in this digital age… I have always designed on paper the workings of a website before to sit at the computer… Even to the point of mapping it all out with colored markers with all of the links to whatever pages…

I think it is also the same with creating a business- it’s easy to say, but really takes time, money and effort to truly put it together- some being more complex in the background work than what people really see… Like Food, might take several chefs and hours to create, but eaten in 15 minutes…

http://chrisbrogan.com Chris Brogan

You’re exactly right, Charles. It’s about creative endeavors of all kinds. : )

http://twitter.com/CharlesTaggart Charles Taggart

I like your key point about Discipline & realistic goals Chris!!! Not only with Writing, but any Creative Endeavor is about setting the time for thought, the creative concept and execution and then implementing that time and effort into what you are creating…

You wrote of a writer writing his book longhand on paper in this digital age… I have always designed on paper the workings of a website before to sit at the computer… Even to the point of mapping it all out with colored markers with all of the links to whatever pages…

I think it is also the same with creating a business- it’s easy to say, but really takes time, money and effort to truly put it together- some being more complex in the background work than what people really see… Like Food, might take several chefs and hours to create, but eaten in 15 minutes…
http://raulcolon.net Raul Colon

Discipline is something we have to all struggle with. I remember when I left the military how I hung on to many disciplined things like exercising in the morning, having all my stuff in a ridiculously compulsive order, and many other things.

Over time I have to start from scratch on many things I leave behind. I think going back to the basics over and over again is critical to stay disciplined in many of the things we do daily especially with so many distractions.

http://chrisbrogan.com Chris Brogan

Starting again is still part of discipline. Surrendering is the only way to stop being disciplined. : )

http://www.realityburst.com Eugene Farber

“I hate writing. I love having written.”

So true, the “after-the-fact” is always so much more pleasant than the “during.” But as all things in life, you have to work for it.
@Mnememeaphors <Twitter

A while back, POST IT had post it wallets . << Love them! … I kept a fine point pen and wrote micro stories, love notes, drawing, and I even drew cartoons as private anger management . Christ, even mini paper air plains that delivered notes.

DOES ACCESS / ACCESSIBILITY BREAD PRODUCTIVITY ?
http://twitter.com/YMIDoing YMI Doing This

I see it all the time with my kids and school. If they could just concentrate, and focus their grades would show significant improvement. It was only after I decided to go back to school for an MBA that I realized I have the same issue. Even though I know the benefits in the end, it’s hard to sit down and write a research paper.
http://getbusylivingblog.com Benny Hsu

It’s getting rid of excuses and just doing it. Love this series you have going. I’m publishing a post tomorrow about excuses and linked to the first post in this series to show there’s always time to get stuff done if you make time. You’re a great example of that.
http://twitter.com/PowerSellingMom Danna Crawford

Thanks for the inspiration! I did not read this by accident as I have been working on a book and actually pushed it aside about a week ago so THANK YOU!
http://justindupre.com Justin Dupre

Thanks for sharing this. It’s definitely helps writers focus on their work.
Jmcummins7

Finding the time to do anything takes making lists and creating priorities. I like the part about adding a friend to keep you motivated.
Maureen

I recently completed a book that should be published in the next month. Discipline and tenacity. I thought I was done so many times just to have more edits and revisions. I cannot say it was a fun process but much better to get input before it is published and produce a great product. I personally did not have daily goals but wrote like crazy when I had and experience to write about. I edited using the discipline tools you mentioned – specifically someone making recommendations that I wanted to keep engaged and committed so I need to stay committed. It has been a great process and one of the more challenging things I have done professionally.
http://cashwithatrueconscience.com/rbblog Ryan Biddulph

Hi Chris,

Either you do or don’t will a book into existence. It’s always the individual’s choice.

You either sit down before your work day starts and set aside X number of hours to write, or you don’t.

Sounds simple but many struggle with the sit down. Too many “more important” things to do, but the importance of your acts is based entirely on your priorities. You choose.

Thanks for sharing.

RB
http://www.thewritedesignco.com/ Marcie_Hill

I think discipline is the hardest part of any project. We all “say” we want to do something, but the only way it will get done is through discipline. I personally dedicate between 1 to 5 hours per week on my roller skating project, and encourage my book writing clients to dedicate at least 1 hour per week, just to keep their flow going.
Anonymous

I would also recommend that people put in bigger milestones as well. For example, today is May 1st and by June 1st, I’ll have two chapters written. This gives you a very specific date to work toward.  But, to Chris’s point, you must have a daily or weekly schedule so you’re not writing last minute to make that big milestone.

When you get a book deal with a publisher, they will have very specific milestones the author has to meet. This varies from publisher to publisher but our milestones are 25% increments.  As the acquisitions editor I’m your “buddy” but you still have to reach deep to keep on track. Sending in three chapters that you wrote the night before the milestone due date is not going to end well – trust me on this.

Great series, Chris!
Pingback: Writing a Book - Chris Brogan
https://www.macrobusinesscapital.com/business-grant-funding.html business grants

The more you can repeat the success, the more the success treats you well, and makes you strive for even more.
http://www.ManagementPro.com www.ManagementPro.com

Every writer will benefit by discovering the structures and processes that maximize productivity. Choices about the mix of electronic/print tools, when and where you write, and standards you set all contribute to production.

I’m old school, preferring to edit print-outs by pen, then rinse and repeat until I’m satisfied. I set my computer for letter and print out on colored legal paper. The variety of paper colors (I use five — yellow is best) keeps my right brain happy, and the blank space below the text gives room to scribble new sentences with arrows pointing to where we go. This got me through my last book in record time — STRATEGIC PROJECT MANAGEMENT MADE SIMPLE.

So spend some time to identify what supports you to be your best — tools, lighting, furniture, background music. Utilize your own writers neuro-triggers, eccentricities and all.
http://www.i95dev.com/ecommerce Ecommerce Solutions

I am too a kind of Dorothy Parker who hates writing. One of my friend had recently resigned his job to start her novel. I am going to share this article with her – hopefully it helps in building discipline in her.
Pingback: Writing a Book – Marketing and Promotion
http://blog.marcbinkley.ca Marc Binkley

Great advice Chris. I’ve been ‘writing’ my book for 7 months now. At first things were humming along. I’d hired an author coach to find out what the heck I was supposed to do, after 8 sessions I had a manuscript template with some research and trigger sentences ready to go for 10 chapters. I figured the book would write itself from there.

Then a week passed, then a month and before I knew it 3 months passed without a single word added to this project.

By chance, i met a guy who has written a few books. He told me that his routine is to wake up at 4:30 and write everyday for 2 hours. It sounded crazy to me but there was a good idea in there.

I decided a few weeks back that I’d wake up at 6am, make some toast and coffee and write for 45mins each weekday before my 9 month old daughter woke up. I dreaded the 6am alarm, but now 3 weeks later I find myself excited to get back to it.

In all, I’ve nearly finished 2 chapters and I am excited to get the rest of my ideas down on paper. It wouldn’t have happened with a little discipline.
Atamsdhillon

Wow, great article n comments here. I am writing a book and again, not penning down as often as I should. Buy when I do, I am a couple of thousands that day. Also is there a link to read about and prepare for things one need to do in terms of publishing part of book.
http://twitter.com/PX4mktg Jamal Beck

Simple, yet effective! Great food for thought as I ponder whether to set aside time to delve into writing a book or step up my golf game:)
http://mattreport.com Matt Medeiros

This is what I’m struggling with right now. Thanks for the reminder ;)
Pingback: Writing a Book – Marketing And Promotion
http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/social-media-and-search-engine-optimization-why-they-work-together/#disqus_thread eunice

Great suggestions. I can relate on this matter. I need to balance my time and set goal for me to get my work done.
Pingback: Larry Ferlazzo’s Websites of the Day… - So, You Want To Write A Book? Here’s The Best Advice…
http://www.friendshipquotes.in/ Friendshipquotes08

Be really specific about what helps and what doesn’t.discipline is a main thing.Thank you for post this.
http://www.nahzu.com Mark Smith

Persistence is the cornerstone of any success because it never comes easy. Those that fail are often the ones who give up too early. We never see the setbacks and failures of successful people. We often only see them at the top of their industry. Persistence is the reason we call many “genius.”
Pingback: On Writing: Just Do It … But Smartly | Literary Sketches
Pingback: I’m Going To Be A Published Author! | Sam's blog
Pingback: NaNoWriMo: It's Okay To Suck
Pingback: What the Daily Discipline of Writing Does For Me | Simple Life Habits
Adammarleymtts

I personally dedicate between 1 to 5 hours per week on my roller skating project, and encourage my book writing clients to dedicate at least 1 hour per week, just to keep their flow going.
Darlene Hildebrandt

Chris it would be good if you linked to the “next” page in this series. I am having a hard time figuring out which one came first and how to find this next one on structure without doing a search. Make it a bit easier for us will ya?!
Pingback: What Do You Have to Say? | Thoughts On Writing - David Starkweather
http://www.keystrokecapture.ws/ keylogger

Very good this blog, Thank you

Writing A Book – Discipline