The Em Dash #18
Have I been sitting at my computer staring at a blank Google Doc titled “The Em Dash #18” for the last 90 minutes? Yes.
Am I pulling the “write about writing” trick to just get something out? Also yes.
Have you been here, Friend?
I sat down with good intentions. I said to myself, Self, our newsletter is going out tomorrow. Let’s draft it real quick, proofread, check the links, and schedule it. Bing bang boom, and we’re out of here.
And then I checked my phone.
And then I got up and got a snack.
And then I checked my email (and my other email).
And then my husband was taking a break from work, so we caught up a little bit.
And then I told myself putting something on in the background would help. (It decidedly didn’t. But also, it was 8 Mile, so what did I expect?)
And then I was like, Sabrina! Just effing do it.
It’s so flipping frustrating, but I know exactly why I’m struggling: I don’t have a plan.
It’s that simple. I was procrastinating because I didn’t know what I wanted to write about. Or, more accurately, I had a vague idea of what I wanted to tell you today, First name / Friend, but I didn’t know how.
So this is what you got! Is it the best? Probably not. How do I make it better? Have a plan.
For a newsletter, that might look like a goal, a topic, an outline, and a call to action.
For your book (this is the part where I bring what you actually care about in), a plan to help you write it might look like:
Having a clear point or message you want the reader to walk away with.
Understanding who your ideal reader is, what transformation they’re seeking, and how your book is going to give it to them.
Crafting a solid table of contents that covers everything your reader needs to know and nothing they don’t.
Creating an outline that details the exact path your readers will take from point A to point Z of their transformation.
Ideally, your book plan has ALL of these elements. And if that sounds overwhelming, I have good news for you, Friend: I’m here to help!
Introducing my new and improved coaching service:
✨Foundations✨ (It’s really just the first two phases of my Clear, Confident Writer Framework.)
The goal of Foundations is to get you clear and confident in your book idea and writing plan so you can draft with confidence. Those things I mentioned in the list above? We’ll work through allll of it (and a little more) together!
If you want to learn more about how Foundations can help you make 2024 the year you finally get started on that book you’ve been meaning to write, let's talk about it on a discovery call!
You can also learn more on my site if you’d rather read my words than talk to me directly (it’s cool, I totally get it).
Oh my jeebus, we finally got there. 😅 Thanks for sticking with me, Friend. Now I have exactly one book and one webinar to share with you. Enjoy.
A Book
Goal Setting for Writers: A Step-by-Step Roadmap to Success by Holly Lyne
Disclaimer: I have not read this book, but it has good ratings, and I’ve added it to my TBR.
Note: This is a bookshop.org affiliate link, and I'll make a small commission on any sales.
Happy writing, First name / Friend. Hope you don't procrastinate as much as I do, but if you do, no judgment. <3
See ya next week. :)
P.S. If you found this useful, forward it to a writing friend! They can subscribe and be part of the cool kids club, too. 😎
