How I did it:

1. I wrote nearly every day for five years. Most of what I wrote was worthless, but the process limbered me up. Writer's block still happens but I developed the attitude needed to plow through it.
2. I committed large blocks of time to working on my book. Every Sunday all day and 4-6 hours every night Monday through Friday. It's not easy. 
3. I learned to accept that nothing will be perfect the first time, probably not the second time, and possibly not the third time. Keep going.

Lessons & tips:

1. You've read it before: Don't try to edit your own writing. There's a reason that editors exist.
2. When you need a break, just take it. Don't waste time and energy making excuses. That will just make things harder. Take your break. 
3. When you lose focus, try to connect with that thing which inspired you to start.  

Resources: I emailed things to myself using gmail on my blackberry, so that I wouldn't forget later. I've also kept text (privately) on Google Docs so that I could get to work no matter where I was.

Feb 05, 2010, 07:05PM PST | 0 comments | 7 cheers