Unrealistic Expectations – What Writers Need to Know
When it comes to writing a book, ambition is often the fuel that gets us started. The dream of finishing a masterpiece in record time, seeing your words flow effortlessly onto the page, and crafting the perfect first draft is exciting—but it can also set you up for disappointment.
Unrealistic expectations can creep in before you realise it:
- “I’ll finish this book in three months.”
- “I need to write 2,000 words every day.”
- “My first draft must be flawless.”
While ambition is a great motivator, setting unattainable goals can lead to frustration, burnout, and even abandonment of your project. Here's how to combat these challenges and build sustainable writing habits.
The Problem: Unrealistic Expectations Drain Motivation
Imagine setting out to write 2,000 words a day but consistently falling short. Each missed target feels like a failure, chipping away at your confidence and making you question whether you’re cut out to be a writer. Over time, this cycle of over-promising and under-delivering can drain your motivation.
A common conversation that I have with potential clients is their expectation to be able to write and get their book published within 90 days. I think there is some fault placed on many courses that sell themselves on this promise. However, unless writing is your sole focus without work, family or anything else, it’s unlikely to be able to achieve that. Especially if you’re relying on working with other people on the publishing process, which would normally take 90 days alone depending on the size of the book.
Bestselling author Anne Lamott reminds writers in Bird by Bird that, “Perfectionism is the voice of the oppressor.” It’s a harsh reminder that we don’t have to get everything right on the first try.
Proven Strategies to Overcome Unrealistic Expectations
- Set Realistic Writing Goals
- Instead of aiming for an arbitrary number like 2,000 words a day, start small. Write for 30 minutes daily or set a goal of 300-500 words. Over time, these smaller goals will add up to significant progress.
- Why It Works: Achieving small, consistent wins boosts your confidence and builds momentum.
- Embrace the “Messy First Draft” Mindset
- No first draft is perfect, and it’s not supposed to be. Focus on getting your ideas down rather than polishing every sentence.
- Tip: Think of your first draft as a house you’re making a home - you’ll change things and improve it later.
“I’m writing a first draft and reminding myself that I’m simply shovelling sand into a box so that later I can build castles.” — Shannon Hale
3. Plan for Progress, Not Perfection
- Break your book into milestones, such as finishing a chapter or reaching a word count by a specific date.
- Celebrate and reward yourself when you reach these milestones—it’s about progress, not how quickly you finish.
4. Recognise Your Unique Pace
Every writer works differently. Some authors complete books in months, while others take years.
George R.R. Martin took over five years to write A Dance with Dragons, while Stephen King is known for his prolific pace. Both approaches are valid.
5. Take Intentional Breaks
Creativity thrives when you give your mind space to recharge. If you’re feeling stuck, step away for a walk, read, or try another creative outlet.
Tip: Use a pomodoro timer to create short breaks as you go.
Warning: Breaks should be intentional, not indefinite. Use them as a recharge, not an escape.
Why Managing Expectations Matters
Unrealistic expectations don’t just slow you down—they can make you feel like giving up entirely. By reframing your goals and allowing space for imperfection, you’ll:
- Write more consistently without the weight of impossible standards.
- Stay motivated by focusing on what you’ve achieved rather than what you haven’t.
- Finish your book at a pace that feels sustainable and rewarding.
Tip: Remember, even your most loved bestselling books started as messy first drafts.
If you’ve ever set unrealistic goals and fallen short, you’re not alone. Writing is a marathon, not a sprint. When Haruki Murakami wrote his first novel, he didn’t aim to finish it in months. Instead, he focused on writing every day—one sentence at a time—and eventually completed it.
Your journey might look different from someone else’s, and that’s okay. The important thing is to keep moving forward, one word at a time.
A Simple Thoughtful Action
Today, take five minutes to set a realistic goal for yourself:
- How much time will you write daily or weekly?
- What milestone can you aim for this month?
Why not share it with us here?
Writing a book is a monumental task, but you don’t have to do it all at once. Set expectations that honour your creativity and your capacity, and you’ll be well on your way to finishing the story only you can tell.
Why You Need a Clear Plan to Finish Your Book
Starting a book is an exhilarating experience, often fueled by passion and inspiration. However, somewhere along the journey, many writers find themselves stuck, frustrated, or unsure of what comes next. This is where having a clear plan becomes essential. Writing a book without a roadmap can feel like navigating an unfamiliar city without a sat nav—you might eventually find your destination, but it’ll take longer, and the journey will be unnecessarily stressful.
Why Writers Struggle Without a Plan
When writers lack a plan, they often face common challenges:
- Feeling Overwhelmed: A book is a massive undertaking. Without breaking it into smaller parts, it can feel like trying to climb a mountain in one leap.
- Writer’s Block: Uncertainty about what to write next can paralyse creativity.
- Loss of Momentum: Without clear direction, it’s easy to lose enthusiasm, especially when life gets busy.
- Inconsistent Themes or Structure: A lack of planning can lead to a disjointed story or book that doesn’t effectively communicate its message.
Even seasoned authors benefit from a plan to keep their work organised and coherent.
The Benefits of Having a Plan
- Clarity: You know exactly what to work on next.
- Efficiency: You spend less time figuring out what to do and more time writing.
- Motivation: Achieving small milestones keeps you motivated.
- Completion: A structured approach significantly increases the likelihood of finishing your book.
Proven Strategies to Create and Stick to Your Plan
1. Define Your Big Picture
Start by asking yourself:
- What is the main goal of this book?
- What message, lesson, or story am I trying to convey?
- Who is my target audience, what do I want them to gain from reading my book and what do they need to know to get started?
For example, if you’re writing a memoir, think about the pivotal moments in your life that shaped you and align them with the lessons or themes you want to share—knowing your “why” will give you a solid foundation and motivate you to keep going.
2. Break It Down
Divide your book into manageable sections:
- For non-fiction, this could be chapters centred around key topics or ideas.
- For memoirs, think of your life as a series of episodes or milestones, each contributing to the overall theme.
Use a simple outline or mind map to visually organise your thoughts. For instance:
- Main Theme: Overcoming adversity.
- Chapters: Childhood challenges, career struggles, personal growth, triumph.
Seeing your book laid out in smaller chunks makes the process feel less overwhelming.
3. Set SMART Goals
Your goals should be:
- Specific: “Write 500 words daily” instead of “Write more.”
- Measurable: Track progress with word counts or chapter completions.
- Achievable: Start small, then gradually increase your workload.
- Relevant: Focus on goals that align with your overall purpose.
- Time-bound: Set deadlines, like completing a chapter every two weeks.
Writer J.K. Rowling once revealed that her Harry Potter outlines were filled with detailed chapter notes. While she allowed flexibility, her plan kept her story on track.
4. Create a Writing Schedule
Just like appointments or work meetings, writing needs to be prioritised. Schedule regular time blocks and stick to them.
If you’re a parent, carve out 30 minutes during your child’s nap time. A busy professional? Wake up an hour earlier to write. If you work from home, allocate a longer lunch break to get your creativity flowing. These small commitments add up.
5. Stay Flexible
Your plan is not a rigid contract—it’s a guide. Sometimes, inspiration will take you in an unexpected direction. Embrace these moments while ensuring they align with your overall vision.
Stephen King, in his book On Writing, emphasises the importance of both planning and spontaneity, suggesting that writers outline their goals but remain open to discovery along the way.
6. Review and Adjust
At the end of each week, review your progress. Ask yourself:
- What worked well?
- Where did I struggle?
- Do I need to tweak my plan?
Adjustments will help you refine your approach and stay on track without feeling stuck.
Your Plan is Your Path
No one writes a book without hitting rough patches. Even bestselling authors struggle with uncertainty. Author Neil Gaiman once shared that midway through The Graveyard Book, he thought it was terrible and wanted to quit. He pushed through by focusing on the next step, not the entire mountain.
You don’t need to have all the answers before you start. But having a guide—no matter how simple—can be the difference between a half-written draft and a finished book.
Take Action Today
- Start by jotting down your big-picture goals.
- Create three milestones for your book this week.
- Remember: Your plan can evolve—it doesn’t need to be perfect, just helpful.
A clear plan is the bridge between your ideas and a finished manuscript. Take that first step today—you’ve got this!
Need some more guidance with planning? Give me a shout here.
How to Prioritise Your Writing and Minimise Distractions
Writing a book is a dream for many, but distractions and lack of prioritisation often stand in the way. The world is full of noise—from the constant ping of notifications to never-ending to-do lists and the demands of daily life. It’s no wonder many aspiring writers struggle to stay focused.
Why Prioritising Writing Is Crucial
Imagine this: You sit down at your desk, determined to tackle the next chapter of your book. But just as you open your document, your phone buzzes. Ten minutes of scrolling later, you remember the laundry needs folding. Before you know it, your writing session is over before it even begins.
We all have the same number of hours in a week. Some have time to write, others don’t. It all comes down to what you see as a priority. I keep saying I could do more exercise, but I prioritise other things, so it often falls off the bottom of the list and doesn’t get done.
Without prioritisation, writing quickly gets pushed to “later,” a time that rarely comes. The truth is, if writing isn’t made a priority, other responsibilities will always take over. Studies show that focused, consistent effort—even in small increments—yields far greater results than sporadic, marathon sessions. Prioritising your writing is about treating it as a commitment, not an optional hobby.
Common Distractions Writers Face
- Technology distractions: Constant notifications from social media, email, or messaging apps.
- Household responsibilities: Laundry, cleaning, or meal prep can suddenly feel urgent when you sit down to write.
- Work obligations: The never-ending tasks from your day job can drain your energy and focus.
- Family and social demands: You might be ‘needed’ to run family around, or loved ones might not always understand how important your writing time is.
- Mental distractions: Inner doubts, procrastination, or overthinking can derail progress.
With the right strategies and support, you can take control, minimise distractions, and give your writing the time and attention it deserves. Here’s how you can take control and create a conducive environment for writing:
Proven Strategies to Minimise Distractions and Prioritise Writing
Create a Writing Schedule:
- Block off dedicated writing times in your calendar, just as you would for a meeting or appointment.
- Start small—20-30 minutes per session—and gradually increase as you build the habit.
- Use your peak energy hours. If you’re a morning person, write early; if you thrive at night, save your writing for the evening.
Bestselling author Haruki Murakami wakes up at 4 a.m. to write for several hours before the distractions of the day begin. His strict schedule has helped him produce a prolific body of work.
Eliminate Technology Interruptions:
- Turn off notifications on your phone, computer, or smartwatch during writing sessions.
- Use apps like Freedom or StayFocusd to block distracting websites and social media.
- Consider a “distraction-free” writing tool like Scrivener or Ulysses, which minimises on-screen clutter.
Designate a Writing Space:
- Find a quiet corner, café, or library where you can focus.
- Make your space inviting with good lighting, a comfortable chair, and minimal clutter.
- Set boundaries with family or roommates, using signals like a closed door or headphones to indicate you’re not to be disturbed.
J.K. Rowling famously wrote parts of Harry Potter in a café to escape the distractions of home life.
Balance Writing with Other Life Responsibilities
Balancing writing with work, family, and other obligations can be challenging but achievable with the right approach.
- Integrate Writing into Your Daily Routine: Find ways to incorporate writing into your existing schedule. For example, write during your morning coffee or after dinner.
- Delegate Tasks: If possible, delegate household chores or other responsibilities to free up time for writing.
- Self-Care: Ensure you’re taking care of your physical and mental health. Adequate rest, exercise, and relaxation can enhance your productivity and creativity.
Picture your day as a balancing act. Properly managing your time ensures that writing doesn’t tip the scale but rather sits harmoniously alongside other responsibilities.
Reflect and Adjust Regularly
Regular reflection helps you understand what’s working and what isn’t, allowing you to make necessary adjustments to your routine.
- Weekly Reviews: Set aside time each week to review your progress. Assess what strategies are helping and which ones need tweaking.
- Flexibility: Be open to adjusting your schedule and methods as needed. What works one month might need modification the next. I am a big fan of Motion for helping move my calendar around.
- Celebrate Successes: Acknowledge your achievements, no matter how small. Celebrating milestones can boost your motivation and reinforce positive habits.
“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.” — Albert Einstein
Take Control of Your Writing Journey
Distractions and lack of prioritisation can derail your writing dreams, but they don’t have to. By implementing these strategies, you can create a writing routine that fits seamlessly into your life and keeps you moving forward. Remember, writing a book is a marathon, not a sprint. It requires patience, persistence, and the right tools to overcome the inevitable obstacles along the way.
Prioritising your writing and minimising distractions is a continuous process. It’s about finding what works best for you and staying committed to your goals, even when life gets busy.
What’s your biggest distraction when it comes to writing?
Take a moment to identify one thing pulling you away from your work and create a plan to address it this week. Let us know over on …