How long does it take to write a book?
The answer’s not really a complete question. Steven James says “it takes as long as it takes.” He tends to write a lot of books, so his methods work very well for him.
The answer really is – plan on 30 days to your first draft if you have TIME to write 1667 words a day.
If you are time limited, it will take longer.
I can write books pretty quickly, it’s just the time factor. If I have TIME, I can usually churn out 2000 words in a day.
If all you have is 30 minutes, it will take longer. Can’t tell you. Plan on maybe two months if you’ve planned your work well.
Here’s the catch – if you are very limited on available time, you either have to a). Make sacrifices or b). Develop a mindset of constant writing. You write every chance that presents itself.
Much of life involves people making you wait, because they’re just as busy as you are. You absolutely HAVE to go to this at this time. The writer’s notebook I talk about so much comes into play here.
When you’re waiting for a child to finish Tae Kwan Do lessons or martial arts lessons (sorry, couldn’t resist that one!), write. While you’re waiting for a doctor’s appointment, write. While you’re in line at the grocery store, write.
You’re only going to get bits and pieces of dribs and drabs this way – but it adds up. A lot of the “staring at the screen” time is now gone.
Until your time to write is improved to allowing 2 or more hours a day to write…
…you’ll have to write at every opportunity.
