You've got an idea but no words, or a few rough chapters, or even a substantial draft. Either way, you know it's time to get serious about this book thing. After all, it feels like you've been thinking about it forever.

Taking that mental step and deciding to do this is huge. It's an incredible commitment to you, your ideas, and your story. And that's worth celebrating!

But thinking about what comes next... you feel a bit lost. Where do you start? How do you keep going? What if your writing isn't even any good, and this is all a waste of time?

You wish someone could guide you through the process and tell you what to do next. You want someone to (lovingly) hold your feet to the fire, keeping you accountable so you actually do the work. And you need honest (but kind) feedback so you know if your ideas and words are any good.

Find a way to integrate guidance, accountability, and honest (but kind) feedback into your writing life, and before you know it, you’ll be showing up, doing great work, and feeling proud of every word.

And you’ll finish your book! You will hold it in your hands and know no one can ever take that accomplishment away. You can give your book to someone who needs it, and say, “Here. I made this for you.” And feel confident it will help them

And you can find peace in knowing you made something good in this world. Something that will live beyond you.

1. Start by Being There for Yourself

If you love woo-woo, spiritual stuff, it's time to tap into some heartfelt self-support.

For the more pragmatic amongst us, imagine being your own sports coach. The game is the writing championships, and it's time to dig deep for victory.

Coach, ask your player (writer) self these questions right now for real insights to support your writing process today. (And if you're clear on these ideas already, keep reading!)

What's really stopping you from starting, writing, or finishing?

I know, I know. You don't have time. It's hard. You're not sure what to do next. These are all legit struggles. But are they the real ones?

Is it about finding time, or about the fear that you'll waste all this time on something that won't pan out, and you should really spend time on money-making or home-management tasks instead?

Do you not know what to do next, or do you need to delve into that memory that hurts like hell, and you're not sure you want to go there?

Get honest with yourself about the real reason you're not writing. You can't tackle the issue (or side-step it, if that's easier) until you understand what's really going on.

Have you done hard things before?

Writing a book feels hard because it is hard. But have you achieved anything challenging before? Do you have evidence you can overcome difficulties in any other area of life, even if it's completely unrelated?

If so, think about those successes. What helped? What pushed you through the hard times? Can you apply any of those life lessons to this experience?

Do you want this?

I love books, and I think writing them is the most honest, brave, and generous thing you can do. But it's not the only good thing in the world.

If you'd rather spend time building your business, making play forts with your kids, or watching reruns of Friends, that's all valuable too. (I may occasionally work on my business while watching Friends.)

It's okay if you'd rather do other things. If writing is an old dream you don't really want anymore, you can quit! It's okay. Really.

But if the thought of quitting—for good—makes you profoundly sad, then keep reading.

2. Then, find some support

You don't have to do this alone. Some of the best writers in history famously had help from people who provided guidance, accountability, and feedback, coaching them through the writing process to incredible success. (Think Ernest Hemingway, Charles Dickens, and Emily Dickinson, to name a few.)

Discover the types of help available

If you want to make this happen and doing it alone isn’t working, check out this post to discover the types of help available to guide you to a championship victory. There might be more options than you realized.

And if you’re too paralyzed to ask for help because you worry your book sucks…

Well of course you’re having trouble asking if, at the back of your mind you're thinking, What's the point? It's just going to be a flop, anyway. Have some compassion, give yourself a cuddle, then read this post.

3. FINALLY, KEEP THE MOMENTUM GOING

If you gave me your email address on the last page, I'll send new blog posts with more free writing advice and inspiration direct to your inbox, so you can keep your energy and momentum going.

Or even, dare I say, give it a big ol’ booster rocket ride! Just wait and see what happens when you’re getting regular pep talks from someone who understands what you’re trying to do, and believes with all her heart that it matters. (That’s me, by the way. I’ll be there for you, cheering you on.)

If you skipped that step, that’s cool. But I want you to sign up below to get my regular emails with free writing advice and inspiration because I know you can do this book thing.

But I also know it’s hard to do on your own, and I want to be there for you. I wanna be the big ol’ rocket booster under your butt, pushing you (lovingly, of course) to do this beautiful, challenging, life-changing thing. Get the emails, and you’ll get the momentum to keep going.

Plus, you’ll enjoy some classic writing jokes like this gem:

What dinosaur is a writer's best friend?

A thesaurus.

let me introduce myself

I’m Liz Green, the editor, book coach, and ghostwriter behind Green Goose Writing. I’ve written 16 books, taught college writing classes, and edited countless manuscripts to help people tell their stories.

But those I work with don’t think of themselves as “real writers.” They’re everyday folks like you who want to write a book that will inspire others but are stuck trying to get the words on the page.

Maybe you're used to getting things done in other areas of your life, and you’re frustrated that, for some reason, your book just isn’t working. But you know now is the time to push through and do this.

And I love that. I love working with people who are stepping outside their wheelhouse, maybe feeling a bit scared or intimidated, but doing it anyway because they know they have something worth sharing. If that’s you, you’re my kind of person!

I am here to help you figure this thing out, finally write your book, and feel proud of sharing your words with the world.