Book Writing Lessons From the Velveteen Rabbit

“Does it happen all at once, like being wound up, or bit by bit?”

The Velveteen Rabbit asks that question in Margery Williams's book. The rabbit wants to become real, and I’m sure it hopes the answer to the question will be that it happens all at once. That’s not the answer the rabbit gets.

“It doesn’t happen all at once…it takes a long time.”

I’ve talked to many people who want to write books, and they’re a lot like the Velveteen Rabbit. They want it to happen all at once, and it might. But if the book is good, it will take a long time.

Many first-time authors imagine that they will write their book in intense bursts. First, there will be an intense burst of coming up with the idea. Next, there will be an intense burst of research, followed by an intense burst of outlining and planning. Finally, there will be an intense burst of writing, after which the masterpiece will be complete. Nope. Sorry. Not happening.

For most authors, writing their book will take a year or more.

The Dangers of Intensity

If you imagine that you will write your book in one long intense burst, think again. That’s dangerous.

Extremely intense writing sessions can lead to mental and physical exhaustion, potentially causing burnout and derailing progress. Consistency is more sustainable in the long run.

After a certain point; intense effort yields diminishing returns in the quality and quantity of work.

Consistent, moderate effort is usually more effective.

The Benefits of Consistency

Consistent writing habits lead to steady, cumulative progress over time. Small daily efforts add up to significant results in the long run. John McPhee captured that idea well.

"If you put a drop in a bucket every day, after three hundred and sixty-five days, the bucket’s going to have some water in it."?

Consistency is the key to momentum. Motivation is fleeting and fickle. If you depend on it to keep moving forward, there will be days when you won’t make progress,

Consistent Writing Practice

Good writing habits create consistency. Here are some things to consider.

Maintain a consistent writing schedule. Right on the same days at the same time and in the same place every time. Your brain will get the message that when it’s time, and you’re in the right place, it’s time to write.

Develop a consistent writing routine. Create a ritual for beginning your sessions. Create another one to end each session.

Always know what’s next. Whether it’s writing, research, or administrative detail, knowing what’s next lets you get right to work when it’s time to work.

Consistency Alone Won’t Get the Job Done

Suppose all you do is maintain a consistent, steady pace. In that case, you risk having a project that goes on and on without ever making significant progress, uncovering new possibilities, or reaching an end.

Punctuated Consistency

You need consistent writing habits and effort punctuated by intense writing sessions where you make significant progress. Here’s the key.

Plan writing time and hold it sacred. Remember that only writing is writing. Schedule a block of at least 90 minutes of uninterrupted time. Be ruthless about eliminating distractions.

Touch your project every day. Some days you will write. On other days, you’ll research. There will be days when you don’t have much time to devote to anything, but you can probably find 15 to 20 minutes to review notes and capture ideas.

The Velveteen Rabbit wanted to become real. You want to become an author. The key is consistent effort over a long time, punctuated with intense bouts of writing.