As business owners, we often hear that writing a book demands sacrificing our time, mental well-being, and even our business. But what if I told you that you could write a best-selling book without losing your mind or sacrificing your precious time?
In just 18 months, I wrote and published three books—two of which became bestsellers—all while managing a full-time job, starting a business, travelling, and even proposing to my fiancée. The secret? It’s all about how you prioritise your time and approach the writing process.
Debunking the Myths About Writing a Book
Before we dive into strategies, let’s address some common myths that hold aspiring authors back.
Myth 1: Writing a Book Requires Sacrificing Your Entire Life
This is one of the biggest misconceptions. When I was writing my books, I found that the quality of my life actually improved. It all starts with understanding why you want to write your book. Once you’re clear on your “why,” you can implement a well-structured plan and a manageable writing schedule that complements your business and lifestyle.
As a business owner, you’re already creating content daily—whether through emails, social media, or marketing materials. You’re a writer, whether you realise it or not. Writing a book doesn’t have to be a burden; it can actually complement your life and business.
Myth 2: You Need to Write All Day, Every Day to Become a Best-Selling Author
I published three books in 18 months by writing for just one hour a day. Some days, I didn’t write at all, but I remained consistent. The key is to write during your most productive time of day. For me, that was first thing in the morning.
Having an outline in place made all the difference. When you know your content inside out—because you’re drawing from your own business experiences—you can write effectively and efficiently. Remember, you don’t have to write all day to produce a high-quality manuscript.
Myth 3: You Have to Choose Between Your Business and Writing a Book
Writing a book can actually boost your business. By sharing your journey with your audience, you build trust and excitement. When your book is published, your audience will feel connected to you, making them more likely to engage with your business.
Additionally, your book can serve as a content creation machine. Every chapter, paragraph, or even sentence can be repurposed into blog posts, social media content, and more. Your book doesn’t compete with your business; it complements and enhances it.
Time Management Strategies for Aspiring Authors
Now, let’s talk about time management. We all have 24 hours in a day, so how do you make the most of them while writing your book?
1. Embrace Short, Focused Writing Sessions
You don’t need to spend hours writing every day. Short, focused sessions can be incredibly effective. Aim for a word count that feels achievable—500 to 1,000 words per session is a good starting point. When you prioritise these sessions, you’ll find that writing becomes something you look forward to rather than a chore.
2. Delegate Tasks to Free Up Writing Time
If you’re a business owner, you likely have tasks that can be delegated. Freeing up even a small amount of time each day can make a big difference in your writing progress. Delegate where you can so you can focus on what truly matters—getting your manuscript written.
3. Maintain Your Sanity by Viewing Writing as a Creative Outlet
Writing your book should be a creative outlet, not a burden. This mindset shift can make the process enjoyable and fulfilling. Writing can bring clarity and direction to your business and personal growth. For me, writing my first book was the catalyst for starting my business, and it gave me the confidence and vision to move forward.
