Trying to write a book in your twenties

Life is one big juggling act. Between family, university, working, going to the supermarket – it’s no wonder we’re all so tired.

It’s one thing to think about writing a book, but when it comes to actually writing one, well, that’s the challenge. Writing a book is not a one step process. Far from it. So, how do people write books amidst their busy lives?

This is my advice to you, as a twenty-something who is currently trying to factor in that all important writing time.

Chip away at it when you can

If you’re writing a book or have a couple of projects on the back burner, it can feel like there’s not enough time in the day. Your writing time contends with all the other stuff you’ve got going on.

Sometimes you’ll get a day off and all you’ll want to do is relax – not write. I get that. Some days you just aren’t in the right headspace.

My advice is to tinker at your writing when you get the chance. If you have a holiday coming up, when could you slot in some writing time? When, during your busy week, can you factor in writing time? Even if it’s not huge chunks of your week, little bits here and there can help you track towards your writing goals.

Business, business, numbers

Your book is both your passion project and your mini business project. Shifting your mindset can help you reframe the way you see your book as both your treasure and a product. This can help you to …

Plan a realistic plan

Set some realistic goals for writing and sending off your book. Factor in time to think long term. You might consider:

• Where is my book now?
• Where do I want my book to be at (insert specific time)? Halfway finished? Finished draft?
• What steps do I need to take to get there? E.g. allocating this amount of time per week/month to writing etc.

And then, somewhere down the line, consider…

• Who do I want to send my book to?

Do your research. Look up the publishing houses and the agents. Write a big list. Yeah, it’s a lot and it’s quite daunting, especially if you’ve never published before. Here is a great resource from Penguin to get you started: https://www.penguin.co.uk/company/work-with-us/getting-published

I get by with a little help from my friends

Yup, writing isn’t really a team sport, it’s more like golf, but even golfers have a support network to coach and guide them. It’s the same for writing, which can be lonely, so get your friends, family, a writing group or your work colleagues on board.

Support comes in different forms. It might be getting advice about your book’s structure or plot. It might be checking in with your goals. It might be understanding days when you turn down hanging out to write, or helping you take a well deserved break. So, while you’re the one physically writing the book, you’re never really doing it alone.

Remember your ‘why’

Writing a book is a swirly up and down journey. It’s a joy and you write because you have a story to tell. All I can say is good luck and keep tinkering!

Cover art: woman working multitask activities by Freepik