Seven Deadly Sins That Kill a Book

Cynthia Stevison

If you don’t have a writing routine. Block off time to write without distractions. If you plan to write a 40000word book and want to do it in 6 months Example 40000/26=1530/7days=219 words a day. If you make simple goals it’s easier to stay on track.
We can’t succeed as writers if we lack motivation to persist despite the internal and external factors that hold us back. Writers can get lonely and have a sense of failure. With this group we want to hold each other accountable for our goals.
We don’t approach writing as a business. The truth is that good writing has structure, constructs, and rules. And, good writers are professional and businesslike. It takes practice.
 We get bored. The problem is we give up too soon because anything we do repetitively becomes boring. We move on to other more interesting projects. We have to learn to let go of the voice of self doubt and push forward. Move through it. This is the time the group members can be mentors.
We self sabotage. Our fear we are not good enough blows up. Who are the people I need feedback from? Do my family and friends count?
We don’t enjoy the writing process. We don’t succeed as writers because we aren’t willing to persist even when it feels like we’re failing. Writing is hard work and emotional most of the time. You must be prepared.
We get hooked on criticism and or praise. Feedback is something you learn from your audience. Criticism is part of this work. Believe me Ive heard it. The criticism that hurts the most mirrors the negative belief we hold about ourselves.