Is it really possible? Yes, but difficult.
When the thought about writing a book came to me, the question wasn’t really whether I could or couldn’t. “The real question was about the availability of time.”
10 hours in office, 3 hours of travelling–after spending majority of time in these areas I wasn’t really left with much of productive time.
First of all I wanted to establish that mindset that yes, I have time. In small denominations if not together. I identified various areas where my time was wasted. I could see that travel was a big junk where I could capitalise.
Even when travelling, I found that I was much more productive while going to the office as compared to while coming back.
In the meanwhile, I saw a 30 days course on YouTube that helped me create a base for my writing. I completed that module in a week’s time and at the end of the module I was very much clear on why I wanted to write a book, who would be my audience, the title and the content of the book.
As I started, I did a backward calculation. I had the end date in mind. I asked myself one simple question: “What do I have to do today to complete my book on 31st December, 2016?” It gave immense results.
The guidance of my mentor, Dr. Attreya, helped me a lot. He narrated his experience of writing 30 books in 2 hours to me. What more could I need?
He further shared a few insights such as:-
- Create a “0” draft first. Don’t worry about spelling and grammar. Just write.
- Rewrite. Yes, once a “0” draft is completed it is important to rewrite. I observed that it really helps.
- Try publishing your work in multiple languages. Even if you do it at a later point of time, do it.
- Make use of the latest tools available like Amazon and Flipkart. Publishing has become very easy these days.
- Have an end date in mind. And keep a daily target.
70% of my book was written while travelling from Dombivli to Powai and while returning. I used to write pointers and refine it once I got back home. I was very passionate about writing my first book.
In my previous blog, I mentioned the PPC curve. Here I applied it for 1st time. It helped a lot.
If you really wish to write your 1st book, then go for it. There is no right time other than “Right now!”
Happy writing.
Jogesh