Most writers don’t get stuck halfway through a book — they get stuck before they’ve even begun. After 17 years of helping writers publish, I’ve seen the same patterns repeat again and again: too much thinking, too much planning, and not enough words on the page. Writing isn’t magic. It’s work. And once you understand where the real blocks are, it becomes much easier to move forward.

Still midway through the book? Or stuck on your first version? Or it’s still sitting unfinished. Oh boy does it take a lot of real grit to finish a book. Starting is the fun bit. I start with great enthusiasm and a spring in my step. Its really fun getting all the information into the right place and doing the interviews and research. 

YOU WANT TO FINISH? Stick to these rules 1. Set a deadline to start ... this means to stop plotting and planning and start writing. This means starting your story at page 1, and not turning back again. 2. Have targets that are outcomes-based not hours-based. Many writers say they will write for an hour a day. On my mentorships I set targets at 25,000 words a month. 3. Set a realistic deadline to complete your first draft of the book. Then stick to it. A good goal is to have your first draft