If you’re a business owner, then writing a book isn’t necessarily something you are super excited to do. It can be scary new territory, especially since most business owners are more comfortable talking about their business than writing about it.

That’s why it’s so important to support the new habit with a few things that make it more comfortable for you to get into and actually make the most of your writing time.

Most fiction writers develop their own writing rituals that work for them so they can get into a creative space, as well, and there are TONS of blog posts out there for that crew to be successful. However, what they do may be a little different from what business owners need to really get through to publication.

Try these things to help you get into a good writing habit and actually enjoy sitting down to work on your six-figure story.

1. Ambiance. There is a HUGE difference between McDonald’s and Panera. There is a very good reason why I never ask me to meet a client at McDonald’s or why I never grab my laptop and head over there to work. The atmosphere isn’t conducive for productivity. Before you start writing, find a place that makes you want to be there (for starters) and actually work. Think about the 5 senses. Maybe you need dim lighting, quiet, and a comfortable chair at a real table or desk. Maybe you love the din of a busy local lunch spot. Maybe you need to connect with nature to get ideas flowing. Consider the where and the words will follow.
2. Blank pages. Wow, is there anything scarier than a blank page? That might be my next Halloween costume. If you find yourself staring at a blank page, step back and break it down. Start with your outline and break it into smaller topics until you basically have every paragraph mapped out if you have to.
3. Your why. I know you hear this all the time, but consider your why when you sit down to write. And I don’t mean just the big why like the fact that you’re supporting your family. Actually look at your notes about who you are helping and what impact this is going to have on your audience and your larger goals.
4. Your marketing. It might seem like a silly thing to put in your writing routine, but thinking about the impact your book will have on your business is very important and can drive you in a couple different ways. For starters, you likely want to get your book out for a certain event, maybe coinciding with a conference or a course launch. You have a very specific need for that book. AND if your writing sessions start with pitching to a podcast, TV show, or magazine and mentioning that your book is coming out, that can help you make it real . . . which makes you really want to meet that deadline.

Yes, writing a book as a business owners can be a little tough, but when you have things lined up that help you get into your writing and complete sessions with actual words on the page, it’s so much easier to meet the goal of getting your book out on time!