When writing, make a plan…and “Own the Journey”

Here’s one I hear a lot: “Tim, how do I get on a regular writing schedule?”

Since I work with novelists, I know exactly what this means—and it’s a little bit of a trick question.

The obvious response would be, “Just set an alarm clock for the same time every morning, and force yourself to open up your laptop and write. Problem solved!”

Not so fast.

The thing is, they’re not literally asking me how to wake up in the morning, dress themselves, and sit down at their desk.

What they’re really asking is this:

“How do I get this novel done without losing focus, getting stuck, or losing motivation halfway through and giving up?”

The trick, I tell them, is to have the entire process mapped out—starting today, of course, and ending on the day you’d like to throw your book launch party.

I call this Owning the Journey.