How To Write The Right Book Fast Like Ian Fleming And Stephen King

There has never been a better time for agency owners and strategic consultants to write the right book. Look to prolific authors for inspiration on how to do it fast.

Ian Fleming, the author of the James Bond novels, famously preferred to do his writing every morning in the sun room of his Caribbean island beach house, pausing just once at lunch to enjoy a glass of rum, a swim in the ocean, and a nice nap, before returning to the task.

That’s all well and good for a spy thriller novelist, but for those of us without the private beach, a more thoughtful and efficient approach to book writing is necessary. Writing an entire book is a long-term project, and, like all long-term projects, putting in smart groundwork will save you time and keep your momentum going.

When it comes to writing great business books fast, I turn to best-selling author and award-winning public speaker Dianna Booher. She is the Stephen King of the consultant book. With 48 books to her name (last I checked), the prolific Booher is something of an expert on staying productive for the long haul.

Her books are translated into in 62 foreign language editions, with nearly four million copies in print. Her publishers include Simon & Schuster, HarperCollins, Penguin Random House, McGraw-Hill and Berrett-Koehler.

Here are Booher’s tips for how she approaches writing a book:

Outline your content—forget the seat-of-the-pants approach used by some novelists. “‘Pantsers,’ as these novelists call themselves, write from scene to scene wherever the story and characters take them. That may be a fine approach for novelists but not for those writing nonfiction. Just as people start with a blueprint to build a house, writing in the most productive way calls for a plan. “

Research first—not “as you go” chapter by chapter. “You’d never consider building a house room by room—kitchen first, then bathrooms, then maybe the bedrooms next. Instead, you organize the project by tasks: the foundation, then the framing, then the plumbing, then the electrical, and so forth. It’s the same with book writing. Researching chapter by chapter is counterproductive. You’ll soon discover you’re chasing down duplicate information."

Conduct a writing marathon. “Separate yourself physically and mentally from the routine. I lock myself away in my home office; other author friends check into a hotel. Do whatever works for you to stay focused for about 12 straight hours for seven to 10 consecutive days.? Do the necessary things during the day (like getting dressed, eating, exercising) as your stretch breaks from writing.”

I want to test how many people read the end of my newsletter articles. Eight times a year I conduct a three-hour book kickoff class. I cover the seven questions every author must answer to write the right book they will be proud of. My next classes are July 19 and August 30. The cost is $365, but if you email me at [email protected] I will give you a full tuition scholarship.