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.