The truth about writing...plus how to finish strong

The truth hurts...

If there’s one thing you can expect from me, it’s full frontal honesty. And something I’m not afraid to tell other writers and authors is, writing is harrrrrd. Not as hard as parenting, but pretty damn close ;)

And this from a person who considers writing and storytelling as essential to my being as the air I breathe. As someone who has been getting paid as a professional writer and editor for over 25 years. It’s still hard, even for me.

One of the hardest parts about writing—for me, anyway—is what I call “the threshold.”?

That’s the line we cross from “getting ready to get ready” to actual words on the page. For some people it looks like waiting for the perfect moment. For others, it’s the endless quest to gather more information so they can (finally!) get started.

I was chatting about this with one of my writers recently and it reminded me of Shonda Rhimes’ book Year of Yes, where she shares about her own struggles with writing—yes, THE Shonda Rhimes. She of the Grey’s Anatomy/How To Get Away With Murder hit shows and probably one of the most prolific minds out there today. Even. She. Struggles. With. The. Same. Thing. As. We. Do. (In fact, there’s a hilarious part of her book where she shares that struggle—click here to read it.)

So that’s the truth. Even pros have a hard time writing, getting started, keeping going. It’s normal. YOU’RE normal.

The only difference is, we eventually cross that line, we keep showing up, we keep laying tracks, and we keep going.?

Hey, if it's good enough for Shonda...

Cat xo?

How to FINISH strong

I’ll tell you another truth—that threshold I was talking above, I don’t even have that problem anymore.

You know why? Because I have a few strategies that never let me or my authors down.

The number one place to start: Define the outcome you’re looking to achieve in any writing/editing session. No loosey-goosey wish-upon-a-star goal-setting here—I’m talking specific, defined commitments. Whether that’s 20 minutes, or 500 words, or 1 chapter a day, show up, and don’t walk away until you hit your target.

THAT'S how you finish the book.

PS: If you want help figuring out what milestones will bring you closer to your book publishing dreams, hit reply.

Last Call!

Heads up that I’m closing my office doors for the summer (unless you’re already a member or client), so if you want to get on a discovery call or speak with me about my membership or 1-1 book development program, hit reply to schedule that in now.