Research has shown that 81% of all Americans say they have a book inside of them. But only a precious few have actually completed a book through the publishing process. Where are you in that continuum? Do you have a book lurking inside your brain, heart, or soul somewhere? What have you done about it?

Most people just dream, and it ends there. Some take notes, make outlines, and that’s it. Others begin the writing process and give up—giving into some block or resistance, and others still make it through the writing, but never believe it’s good enough to go to the next step of submitting it to agents or publishers (or publishing it themselves).

I believe if we think we have a book (or two or three) inside, then it’s vital to get it out. It didn’t get there by accident, and it will take more than an accident to write it. It takes fortitude, among other important keys, to fulfill that dream.

I knew I had a book in me once upon a time. I had no idea how to make it happen, so I learned the hard way—by trial and error. My first book took six years from concept to being published by Celestial Arts/Ten Speed Press, a well-known mid-sized publisher.

It can be done, and you can do it, if you want… and that’s a big “if.” Only you know whether you want it badly enough to persist! I hope you do, because if you have the book inside of you, you were meant to write it.

Below, I’ll bullet point some of the most important issues I found for accomplishing that goal:

• Perfectionism: Let go of it now. That will kill any writing. Write freely whatever you want to say. Worry about editing it later. Forget about grammar, spelling, and all that other stuff you learned in English class. Just write first. You can hire editors to clean it up afterward.

• Procrastination: Most of us do it in one venue or another. If this is keeping you from writing, find an accountability partner (see below), hire a coach, or have your partner, kids, parents, or a friend hold you to your promises about deadlines… and don’t blow them off. Keep your word and you’ll finish the book.

• Critical Voice: This is that nasty voice inside your head that says things like, “That’s awful!” “Who do you think you are writing a book?” “That’s a stupid idea. No one wants to read about that.” And on and on… Tell that voice, “Thanks for sharing.” Then continue to write. (In psychology, we call this the ego.)

• Commitment: Make one to writing your book, and keep it. Period. (Are you a person of integrity or not? If you are, you’ll keep your promise.)

• Goals: Don’t make impossible ones. Instead, just make your commitment to write X hours/week, and see how long it takes you to complete it. What’s important here is to set aside “sacred” time; time that you ink in your date book, or PDA, and keep it. Start small. Maybe you feel you can only afford ten minutes a day, or one hour every Saturday. Simply start. Right now, the goal is to write. Be concerned about the completion later. (Usually if your goal seems too far away, or too big, then it’s easy to say “forget it.” Instead, make a “baby-step” goal. Once you accomplish that, then make the next goal a little bigger.)

• Story starters: If you feel rusty, or like nothing is coming out, begin with “story starters,” just to grease your wheels. There are a number of excellent books that have these kinds of topics to get your joints juiced, or just write whatever comes to your mind, including “Today, I can’t write anything. I feel like a failure…” Julia Cameron, in “The Artist’s Way,” calls them morning pages. Natalie Goldberg has great ideas in “Writing Down the Bones.” Again, the important key is simply to write. The more you do, the better you’ll get and the easier it will become. Trust me.

• The Ending: You don’t need to know it. Some creative writing teachers insist you outline your book, detail all the characters before you write. I say “baloney.” Write what you know now. As your story develops, you’ll know where it’s going when you get there. And you’ll know when it’s time to end it.

• Accountability: Everyone needs it. We all have it in our jobs; it’s called a paycheck. You make your kids have it, otherwise, no allowance, use of the car, etc. You need it to write a book, if you haven’t completed one so far. Anyone will do as an accountability partner, if they really hold your feet to the fire. If they let you get away with excuse (“reasons”) after excuse, then find someone else. Personally, I’ve used both paid and unpaid (friends) accountability partners, and I find I’m much better at following through when I’m puttin’ out money!

• Support: Everyone needs this one too. Support means finding those people in your life who love you unconditionally and say “yes!” to every little victory. You also need support in overcoming anything that is stopping you. This may mean getting coaching, therapy, or joining a writer’s group. Do whatever works for you, so that you feel good, and are able to conquer whatever blocks show up.

• “Never, never, never give up!” Winston Churchill is quoted as saying that, and he’s darn right! Patience and persistence are crucial for finishing anything, especially if it feels daunting, like writing a book. If you are about to give up, re-read the nine bullet points above. Get help—in the form of a friend, loved one, coach, or therapist. If you want to feel good, you’ll keep on keepin’ on.

Congratulations! You did it!

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