Before you go any further, I am no editor. So if you see a bunch of grammatical errors…don’t judge me-lol
I’ve only had my new blog design up for a couple of days now and the response to it has been amazing. Thanks for all the encouraging emails!!
My book writing career began in 2005 and to date I have authored 6 books (2 self published, 4 published) and I get asked often how I schedule my day in order to get all of my writing projects finished.
The truth is, I don’t.
I’m kind of ALL OVER THE PLACE (aka A.D.D) when it comes to having a set schedule and my days are usually filled with interrupted surprises and lot of UNproductivity.
You: Give me a break Tiph (insert eye roll here). You have to have some kind of set schedule to sit still long enough to push out 75,000 word books.
Me: Nope. I’m just a genius with super powers!!
Despite the fact that I really am a genius with super powers (smile), I have developed some really great habits over the years that have contributed to my success.
Habit #1- Prayer
Without it, none of this would be possible and I give God ALL the glory!!
Habit #2- Planning
I may not have a set daily schedule, but I make sure that I at least PLAN to write-lol.
Habit #3- Discipline
I work really well under pressure, which normally means that I start and finish things at the last minute. Unstable, yes, but I’ve grown to embrace the fact that that’s when I feel the most inspired. I also realize that if it weren’t for self discipline, I’d be in the “I’ve always wanted to write a book!” club.
And what a crowed club that is.
At bare minimum, I write 1000 words a day, 5 days a week.
Habit #4- Risk Taking
I graduated high school with a 1.7 GPA and never finished college. If I would have listened to the (wrong) people I shared my dreams with (be VERY careful who you share your dreams with), I would be working at McDonalds (ok, maybe not there, but you get my point).
I took a risk in spite of what my reality said, in spite of who I thought would laugh at me and I made it.
Habit #5- Persistence
My first self published book was my introduction to the sales world and I hated every second of it. I started off begging selling my books hand to hand to complete strangers and what a TORTOROUS process that was.
Most said yes and supported my beginning stages, but the small majority that said no, pissed me off…BIG TIME!
Enough to make me want to quit.
But I had a dream to be an author that was larger and stronger than any obstacle and I kept pressing through despite my opposition. Persistance is key if you’re going to make it in the publishing industry.
Habit #6- Setting High Goals
My goal to be an author was simple.
I wanted to make the Essence Best Sellers List.
And then I did, 8 times, but there were no other goals left for me to reach for after that because my dreams were fulfilled.
Then I became bored.
It wasn’t too long after that did I learn that in order for me to stay in the game, I had to set higher goals. So I’ve changed my path. This time around I’m aiming for a Noble Peace Prize in the literary category which means, I have to write books that will get nominated for it. It’s taking a lot of study time to figure out what they require, but it will be worth it in the end.
Habit #7- Managing My Money Wisely
You write a HOT book.
Get a BIG check.
Splurge on all the LUXURIES you weren’t able to afford before.
And then you’re BROKE again.
Because you didn’t MANAGE YOUR MONEY WISELY.
And now you’re a BEST SELLING AUTHOR who struggles to pay the bills.
Believe me, that happens more often than not in the publishing industry and I learned through other peoples trial and errors how NOT to do the same thing with my money. Even though I am HORRIBLE at math, I took some accounting classes and learned the basics of how to deal with my money properly. I also read up on Suze Orman’s books, which were a tremendous help when it came to building a great relationship with my $$$!!
Hope this helps all of you who are beginning your book writing journey!!
xoxo,
