20+ Writing Strategies (That Helped Bestselling Authors Finish Their Books)

Are you one of those writers who struggle to get their books finished? It’s an uphill battle, no matter how talented or motivated you may be. Even the most successful authors encounter obstacles like writer’s block, deadline pressures, and self-doubt. However, with the right strategies in place, even the toughest projects can become manageable—and even fulfilling.

In this blog post, we’ll dive into 20 proven writing strategies that have helped bestselling authors finish their books. From overcoming creative blocks to maintaining momentum, these tips will give you the tools you need to overcome obstacles and bring your work to life. Whether you’re an aspiring author or a seasoned pro, there’s something here for everyone.

List of 20 Book Writing Strategies

1. Set Clear Goals

Before diving into your writing, take a step back and set clear goals. What is it you want to achieve? Is it completing the first draft, revising, or marketing your book? Having well-defined objectives helps you stay focused and keeps you motivated throughout the process.

For example, if you’re aiming to finish your book by a certain deadline, break it down into smaller, manageable tasks. Create a timeline for writing chapters, revising sections, or promoting your work. This structure prevents last-minute rushes and ensures steady progress.

2. Stay Consistent

Consistency is key in the writing process. Many bestselling authors finish their books by maintaining a daily routine of writing—even if it’s just 30 minutes a day. This small habit can add up over time and create momentum that keeps you going.

If you’re struggling to find the discipline, try setting aside specific blocks of time each week for writing. For instance, dedicate Mondays to outlining, Wednesdays to drafting, and Fridays to revising. Consistency builds habits and keeps you on track.

3. Create a Writing Routine

A structured routine can help you stay focused and productive. Many successful writers find success by setting aside dedicated time slots for different aspects of their writing process: brainstorming, drafting, revising, editing, and promoting.

For example, you could allocate 1 hour daily for brainstorming and outlining, 2 hours for drafting, 30 minutes for revising, and another 30 minutes for research or outlining the next chapter. As long as it works for you, stick to it!

4. Take Care of Yourself

Writing can be mentally exhausting, but neglecting your health can make completing your book even harder. Ensure you’re getting enough sleep, eating well, and taking regular breaks.

If you’re feeling burned out or stuck creatively, take a step back and do something completely unrelated to writing for a few hours. This helps refresh your mind and provides clarity when you return to the task at hand.

5. Break Your Book into Smaller Chunks

Large projects can feel overwhelming, but breaking them down into smaller, manageable chunks makes the task feel more attainable. Write 10-20 pages at a time, focusing on completing sections rather than perfecting every sentence.

This approach also allows you to make steady progress without feeling like you’re drowning under the weight of perfectionism. Plus, it gives you opportunities to take breaks when needed.

6. Set Writing Goals for Each Chapter

Rather than trying to write an entire chapter in one sitting, set incremental goals for each section within a chapter. For example:

• Write 500 words on the opening scene.
• Research and outline three supporting characters.
• Develop three key plot points for the next chapter.

This step-by-step approach helps you avoid writer’s block and keeps you focused on progress, no matter where you are in the writing process.

7. Embrace Rejection as Part of the Process

Not every sentence or idea will resonate with readers. That’s why it’s crucial to embrace rejection as a natural part of writing. Instead of getting discouraged when feedback isn’t what you expected, use it as an opportunity to refine your work.

Ask friends, family, or online communities for feedback, and be open to constructive criticism. Over time, this process will help you improve and bring out the best in your writing.

8. Write When You’re Most Productive

Your productivity varies depending on your energy levels and mental state. Identify the times of day when you’re most creative and focused, and dedicate those slots to writing.

For example:
– Morning: Brainstorm ideas or outline chapters.
– Mid-afternoon: Draft the first full chapter.
– Evening: Revise and edit previous sections.

By writing during your peak productivity hours, you’ll make the most of your time and avoid burnout.

9. Stay Motivated by Connecting with Your Purpose

Why are you writing this book? What’s your passion or purpose? Reconnect with your original motivation often. When you’re stuck or unmotivated, remind yourself why you started in the first place.

This connection helps keep you grounded and fuels your creativity when you need it most.

10. Join a Writing Community

Surrounding yourself with like-minded writers can provide support, inspiration, and accountability. Whether it’s an online group or local writing club, having someone to share your journey with can help you stay motivated and overcome obstacles.

Engage in discussions about writing challenges, seek feedback on your work, and learn from others’ experiences. It’s a great way to refine your craft and gain new insights into the writing process.

11. Practice Gratitude for Your Progress

Writing can be tough, but so is life. If you’re struggling with progress or motivation, take a moment to practice gratitude for what you’ve already accomplished. Acknowledge the small steps you’ve taken toward completing your book and recognize how far you’ve come.

Gratitude helps shift your mindset from self-criticism to appreciation for your hard work and progress.

12. Learn from Failed Experiments

Don’t be afraid to try new writing techniques or approaches. What works for one author may not work for another. If an experiment flops, analyze what went wrong and adjust accordingly.

This iterative process helps you refine your approach and discover the tools that resonate with you personally.

13. Write in a Fresh Way

Once you’ve completed a draft of your book, take some time to step away from it and rewrite it in a fresh way. This process can help you see your work through a new lens and catch errors or inconsistencies you might have missed before.

A second or third pass often reveals insights you weren’t able to see during the first writing phase.

14. Use Multiple Drafts

Most successful authors use multiple drafts to bring their books to life. The first draft is about getting the story down on paper, while subsequent drafts allow for refinement and improvement.

If you’re stuck in a creative rut or struggling to meet your deadline, consider writing a second or third draft. This approach gives you the opportunity to revisit key scenes and develop them into masterpieces.

15. Focus on Your Characters

Characters are the backbone of any successful book. Spend time developing them deeply, giving them distinct personalities, motivations, and arcs. If your characters feel well-defined, your readers will be more invested in their journey.

Take notes as you write to ensure that each character aligns with your vision for the story. This pre-planning helps keep you on track and ensures consistency throughout the writing process.

16. Embrace the Revisions

Revisions are a necessary part of the writing process, but they can also be daunting if done poorly. Instead of fearing revisions, use them as an opportunity to polish your work and make it better.

Be honest with yourself about what needs fixing and focus on making improvements that resonate with you and your target audience.

17. Set a Deadline for Revisions

If you’re revising multiple drafts after completing your book, set realistic deadlines for each revision round. This prevents you from getting stuck in revisions that drag out indefinitely.

For example:
– First draft: 2 weeks
– First revision: 1 week
– Second revision: 7 days
– Final submission: 3 days

By setting deadlines, you ensure steady progress and avoid burnout during the revising phase.

18. Take Feedback Seriously

If you’ve asked others to review your work, take their feedback seriously. Even if it feels uncomfortable or challenging, these insights can help you improve your writing and make your book more engaging for readers.

For example:
– Did they suggest a particular style that you hadn’t considered? Try incorporating it into your writing.
– Did they point out areas where your characters could be developed further? Focus on refining those aspects in subsequent drafts.

19. Stay Flexible and Open to Change

The writing process is fluid, and sometimes what works best for one book may not work for another. Be open to revisiting earlier chapters or adjusting your approach as you develop deeper connections with the story and its characters.

If a technique isn’t working, don’t hesitate to pivot and try something new.

20. Celebrate Your Finish

When you finally finish writing your book, take some time to celebrate your accomplishment. It’s easy to overlook how much work went into creating something so meaningful.

Take photos of your manuscript or write a heartfelt note acknowledging all the people who supported you along the way. This reflection helps solidify your achievement and reminds you why you embarked on this creative journey in the first place.

By following these steps, you can overcome obstacles, stay motivated, and bring your vision for the book to life. Writing is a marathon as much as it’s a race, but with persistence, focus, and the right tools, you’ll emerge victorious with a completed manuscript that resonates deeply with readers.

Good luck!