If I’d known the value of creating a writing plan when I wrote my first novel eight years ago, I would have finished a lot sooner. They say hindsight is twenty-twenty, and I will never go without a writing plan ever again.

Well, maybe.

There are no guarantees, and we aren’t always as disciplined as we’d like to be, right? Or is it just me?

Writing a book without a plan is like driving to an unknown destination without Waze. You will reach your destination without it, but why? Why cause the extra angst and stress when you have tools to help you get there faster?

If you are the willy-nilly writer who wants to go with the flow and write when you can, I say go for it. That’s how I did it the first time, and I finished my novel in six years. No sweat.

But if you are the intentional writer with a story to tell and want to get your story out sooner, make a plan.

I have a few tips for creating a writing plan for yourself, want to hear them? Here they go:

1. Schedule a time and place to write.

In your house, in your car at the coffee shop. Wherever you feel comfortable and creative, use that space as your writing spot. Also, make sure to schedule your writing. Life is busy, and with all the things you have going on, it’s best to pencil in writing on your calendar like you pencil in dental appointments and oil changes. Your writing is essential to show its importance by scheduling time to write.

2. Be specific about your writing goals.

And honest. Do you want to be a New York Times Best-selling author? Bet. Go for it. It happens to writers every day. It will take tremendous time, energy, and work, but doable. Or, perhaps you have a story to share and want to get that story to a particular group of people without a comprehensive marketing or distribution plan. That’s fine too. Whatever your writing goals are, be specific and honest with yourself about them. This way, you can plan your writing schedule accordingly.

I ain’t Martin Luther King. I don’t need a dream. I have a plan.

~Spike Lee

3. Build deadlines.

How much time do you want to take? Three years? One year? Assess your life, obligations and determine how much time you can dedicate to writing and build your deadlines around that assessment. Block times to write your story.

4. Announce it.

This one is as hard as sharing your writing. I know. Telling the world that you are writing a book is scary, but guess what? It also keeps us accountable. So, go ahead—put it on social media, tell your family and friends, but most importantly, announce it to yourself.

These tips should help you get going on your writing journey. Remember to be kind to yourself and remember that editing will happen. Nothing will be perfect in the first draft, but the key is to get it written down. Good luck!

Write on,

Tamika