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

1. 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. 
2. 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

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.

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.

Writing non-fiction or a memoir is both an exciting and daunting task. You may feel a deep urge to share your knowledge or life experiences, but when it comes time to organise your thoughts, it can feel like trying to untangle a ball of yarn or reveal intimate parts of your life. Where do you start? What do you include? How do you structure your words so it’s compelling and clear?  

For many writers, the challenge lies not in having too few ideas but in having too many. This abundance of material can lead to overwhelm, leaving your creative energy scattered. Whether you’re sharing professional expertise, recounting personal triumphs, or shining a light on lessons learned, the process requires structure to transform raw ideas into a cohesive narrative.  

As a writer of non-fiction or memoir books, you also have the unique responsibility of presenting your insights in a way that both educates and resonates. The good news? There are strategies and tools that can help you untangle those thoughts, focus your message, and ultimately create a book that your readers won’t want to put down.  

Let’s dive into some helpful tips to organise your thoughts while writing and bring your book to life.  

1. Start with a Solid Outline

An outline is your roadmap. It doesn’t need to be overly detailed at the start, but it should capture the core structure of your book.

• Identify Your Key Themes: Ask yourself, What are the main ideas or messages I want readers to take away? For example, if your memoir focuses on overcoming adversity, list the key moments that best illustrate your journey.

• Break it Down by Chapters: Think of each chapter as a building block. Each one should address a specific aspect of your theme, creating a logical flow for the reader.

If you’re writing about starting a business, your chapters could move from your early inspirations to the challenges you faced, to your eventual success. Each chapter should feel like a step forward in your journey.

Every writer knows the thrill of starting a new project. The ideas flow effortlessly, and your vision seems so vivid that it feels like nothing can stop you. But then, it happens. The excitement fades, your mind goes blank, and even the thought of sitting down to write feels exhausting. That is inspiration burnout, and it’s a roadblock that almost every writer faces.

Inspiration burnout is more common than many writers realise. According to a 2020 study by the Authors Guild, approximately 60% of writers report experiencing creative blocks or burnout during the writing process. This number is even higher for aspiring authors, with nearly 70% admitting that burnout stalled their progress on a significant project.

Burnout doesn’t discriminate between seasoned authors and first-time writers—it’s a universal challenge. The difference lies in how individuals navigate it.

But here’s the good news: burnout doesn’t mean your creativity is gone forever. It’s just a temporary lull, and there are ways to reignite your passion for writing. If you’re feeling stuck, here are some proven strategies to help you get back on track.

1. Step Away to Recharge

When you hit a wall, stepping back can feel counterintuitive. But sometimes, the most productive thing you can do is take a break. Writing is a creative process; creativity thrives when it’s given room to breathe. I’m taking some time out with friends just this weekend; it should be just what I need to get my head back in the writing game next week. 

• Read for inspiration: Pick up a book in your favourite genre or explore something new. Seeing how others craft their work can remind you of why you wanted to help people with your words in the first place.
• Engage in other creative outlets: Painting, cooking, photography—exploring different forms of creativity can recharge your mind.
• Spend time in nature: A quiet walk in the park, a hike, or even sitting in your garden can provide the mental clarity and peace you need. I’m fortunate that we live right on the river and can get straight into nature. I don’t make as much use of it as I should!

J.K. Rowling famously shared that some of her best ideas for Harry Potter came during long walks through the countryside. The fresh air and change of scenery helped her visualise iconic scenes that later became pivotal in her books.

Self-doubt can sneak up on any writer, making even the most exciting project seem impossible. That little voice in your head might say things like, “Who are you to write this?” or “What if it’s just not good enough?” But self-doubt doesn’t have to be a roadblock; with the right strategies, you can keep going despite it.

What Self-Doubt Can Do to You

Self-doubt can be crippling for an author, casting a shadow over their confidence and creativity. It often leads to overthinking and second-guessing every word, which can slow down or completely stall the writing process. Instead of focusing on telling your story, if you’re caught in self-doubt, you might worry about judgment, question your worth, or compare your first draft unfavourably against others’ end results.

This constant inner criticism can drain joy from the creative process and even make authors abandon projects they once felt passionate about. If your self-doubt has crept in because there are similar books out there. They’re there for a reason - because people want to read that type of book. If left unchecked, self-doubt can stop you from sharing your unique voice and message with the world.

Here are some ways to overcome self-doubt and keep your writing dreams alive.

Strategies to Combat Self-Doubt

1. Connect with Your ‘Why’

Remind yourself why you started this journey in the first place. Are you writing to share a life experience, help others, or fulfil a personal goal? Whichever it is, you are likely trying to help others or enable them to escape in your book for a while. When doubts arise, reconnect with your purpose.  

Think of your purpose as your compass. When you feel lost in doubt, go back to that reason. It will help steer you back on course.

Time is a huge hurdle for so many changemakers when writing a book. Life’s demands can feel never-ending, and finding moments to write might seem impossible between work, family, and other commitments. But if you’re serious about finishing your book, the secret isn’t endless hours—it’s using the time you have consistently and effectively. Here are some proven tips to help you get closer to the finish line, one page at a time.

Strategies to Carve Out Time and Keep Writing

1. Start Small, Stay Consistent

The goal isn’t marathon writing sessions; it’s about consistency. Try using a Pomodoro timer. Set it in blocks of 15–20 minutes and focus solely on writing during that time. You may start with just one block one day but try and build it up to an hour if possible (or even more!) You’ll be amazed at your accomplishments, even in short bursts.

As author Anthony Trollope famously said,

"A small daily task, if it be really daily, will beat the labours of a spasmodic Hercules."

Over time, these small chunks add up to real progress.

I used to wait for hours of uninterrupted time that never came. Writing always dropped down my list of priorities and ultimately fell off the bottom. Then I started using a Pomodoro timer, 20-minute sessions over an hour, and I was amazed at how much I got through with that focused burst of time. Sometimes it may have just been notes, others honing the words on the page, but bit by bit, I saw my book come together. That was enough to keep driving me forward and find more writing time. 

2. Designate Writing ‘Appointments’

Blocking off specific times on your calendar for writing can make a huge difference. Treat these blocks like you would any other commitment—protect them from interruptions. It could be early in the morning, a lunch break, or late evening; wherever your creative energy is most effective. This reserved time becomes your creative sanctuary.

I recently started using Motion, I can set out times of the day that I want tasks to sit in, and my calendar re-arranges itself to help ensure I get it done each week. Consistency builds momentum, helping you establish writing as a habit.

Perfectionism can feel like a double-edged sword for writers. While it pushes you to deliver quality work, it can also stop you from reaching your end goal, keeping you stuck in an endless cycle of editing, rewording, and trying to reach that ‘perfect’ status. Many writers fall into this perfectionism trap, which can make finishing a book feel impossible. It may be one of the reasons you are sitting there with a half-written book that hasn’t been published YET.

But here's the truth: your book doesn’t need to be perfect; it just needs to be good enough. By letting go of perfectionism and embracing progress over flawlessness, you can finally complete your book. Below are some proven strategies to help you overcome perfectionism and reach that final chapter.

Why Perfectionism Holds Writers Back

Perfectionism sets an impossible standard. Constantly tweaking every sentence and hunting for the ‘perfect’ word, sentence or paragraph can mean you never actually move forward. Even bestselling books aren’t flawless, and readers are more interested in the heart of the message or story than in a flawless piece of work. The only caveat to that is that if it is dotted with tonnes of mistakes, it can detract from what you are trying to get across. Aim for the middle ground.

As author Anne Lamott said, ‘Perfectionism is the voice of the oppressor.’ It keeps us focused on minutiae instead of on delivering the story we want to tell.

Strategies to Overcome Perfectionism and Finish Your Book

1. Write a Messy First Draft

Give yourself permission to write a messy, imperfect first draft. Letting go of the need for perfection allows ideas to flow more freely. Get your stuff down on paper to go back over and edit another day.

Many writers, like Jodi Picoult, advocate for this approach. She says, ‘You can always edit a bad page. You can’t edit a blank page.’ By focusing on getting the words down, you have material to work with later.

2. Set a Timer and Write without Editing

Try setting a timer for 10–15 minutes and write without stopping or editing during that time. This technique quiets the inner critic and helps you prioritise progress. You can find many Pomodoro timers online that are designed to help you work in short bursts.

Tip: During this exercise, even if your mind wants to edit, ignore the urge. The goal is to capture your thoughts and ideas.

Many aspiring authors start with a burst of enthusiasm, yet never finish their book. Often, it’s not a lack of talent or time holding them back, but a paralysing fear of failure. This fear can take many forms: worrying that your writing isn’t good enough, that no one will read your book, or that it will face harsh criticism.

If this resonates with you, know that you’re not alone. Fear of failure is one of the most common reasons writers abandon their work. But here’s the good news: even the most successful authors have faced the same fear. The key difference between those who finish their books and those who don’t isn’t the absence of fear, but how they deal with it.

Here are proven strategies to help you conquer your fear of failure and finally finish your book:

1. Shift Your Mindset: Progress Over Perfection

Many writers freeze up because they’re striving for an unrealistic standard. But the truth is, your first draft isn’t supposed to be perfect—it’s supposed to be a starting point. 

Think of it as building a house. You wouldn’t expect a perfectly polished home when you’ve just laid the foundation, right? Your first draft is that foundation. The fine-tuning comes later.