Top Tips to Write (& Finish!) Your Book 📚 | student author advice

TL;DR

Jade shares her journey of writing a non-fiction book during university and offers valuable tips for aspiring writers.

Transcript

let me tell you there is nothing more intimidating than a blank page you've not met your writing target for the day you sit down you're just not feeling it you know you should write but like everything you read back is just not good so you want to write a book hi or maybe you're interested in the book that i can now say i've written which is insane... Read More

Key Insights

• ⌛ Writing a book while studying is possible with careful planning and time management to juggle academic demands.
• 🥳 Breaking down chapters into manageable parts can alleviate the overwhelm often associated with starting a book.
• ✍️ Developing a writing routine and designated writing spaces can help enhance focus and productivity.
• 😨 Procrastination may be more deeply rooted in fear than in a lack of interest, making it vital to confront those fears head-on.
• 🏁 Establishing accountability through regular check-ins with peers or editors can provide motivation when self-established deadlines feel insufficient.
• 😑 Writing should primarily be a personal endeavor, offering fulfillment and self-expression rather than merely seeking external accolades.
• ✍️ Utilizing resources like online courses can help aspiring writers improve their craft and gain confidence before diving into their writing projects.

Questions & Answers

Q: What inspired Jade to write her book while studying at university?

Jade's motivation stemmed from her desire to create a helpful resource for students. The book, "The Only Study Guide You'll Ever Need," reflects what she wished she had access to during the challenges of her own studies, particularly during GCSEs and A-levels. Writing the book allowed her to synthesize her insights and experiences into a single narrative that could assist others.

Q: How did Jade manage her time while writing a book alongside her university coursework?

Jade emphasizes the importance of meticulous time management. She created high-level plans to identify when she could dedicate time to writing amidst her university deadlines. Breaking down her chapters and establishing self-set deadlines each week allowed her to balance the demands of essays and research, ensuring she had quiet periods to work on denser parts of the book.

Q: What role did Skillshare play in Jade’s writing process?

Jade found Skillshare incredibly helpful for developing her writing routine and voice. The platform offered her access to courses on productivity and writing, which inspired her to start her writing sessions with low-pressure prompts or journaling. This approach helped her overcome the initial resistance to writing and ensured that she continued developing her skills throughout the process.

Q: How did Jade handle fears and imposter syndrome during her writing journey?

Jade experienced significant fear and doubt while writing, particularly concerning how her work would be received since she had a publishing deal. She recognized that these feelings could lead to procrastination, so she worked on addressing them through routine and accountability. Regular check-ins with her editor and self-reflection helped her push through these challenges.

Q: What advice does Jade offer to aspiring writers regarding their writing process?

Jade urges aspiring writers to focus on the act of writing itself rather than obsessing over external validation or the final product. She encourages writers to create a sacred writing space, establish a routine, and build good habits around writing. Most importantly, she emphasizes the significance of writing for oneself and embracing the joy in the creative process.

Q: How does Jade recommend addressing the issue of procrastination when writing?

Jade believes that procrastination often stems from fear rather than boredom. She suggests recognizing these fears and not allowing them to derail writing time. By having designated times for writing separate from research or reading writing advice, writers can maintain focus and discipline, ultimately prioritizing the act of writing over idle distractions.

Q: What is the significance of developing a writing routine according to Jade?

A structured writing routine was crucial for Jade. She found that consistency helped her get in the right mindset to write. Establishing specific times and environments for writing allowed her to create a "sanctity of space," reinforcing her dedication to the task and minimizing distractions, which ultimately improved her productivity.

Q: How does Jade’s experience of writing her book reflect the broader challenges faced by student writers?

Jade's journey illustrates typical challenges student writers encounter, including time management, balancing academic responsibilities with creative pursuits, and grappling with imposter syndrome. Her candid sharing of struggles and strategies provides a relatable framework for others who might be trying to juggle similar pressures while pursuing their writing aspirations.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Jade discusses her experience of writing a book titled "The Only Study Guide You'll Ever Need" while navigating university life. The book focuses on revision techniques and viewing education beyond mere grades.

• She highlights key strategies she employed, such as breaking down chapters, managing time effectively, and the importance of developing a writing routine to stay productive amidst university pressures.

• Jade encourages aspiring writers to embrace the process, confront fears of inadequacy, and find joy in writing, ultimately emphasizing that writing should be a personal and fulfilling journey rather than just a goal for external validation.