Five Practices to Help You Finish Writing Your Book

You know who you want your book to help. You may even have a few chapters underway. So why do you feel like you're spinning your wheels whenever you sit down to write?

I wrestled with that question for years while working on my first book.

Deep down, I knew I was in my own way, but it wasn’t until I turned inward that I saw the subconscious thoughts, fears, and limiting beliefs holding me back:

Who am I to write a book?

Why does my voice matter?

What if others judge or criticize me?

What if I fail? Or (even scarier) ... What if I succeed?

I discovered that these subconscious blocks were rooted in a childhood fear of being seen. And the fear of success was also driven by a subconscious belief that I would be so busy I wouldn’t be present for my children, just like my successful, hard-working father wasn’t always there for me.

Working through the fears that little Catherine had harbored for so long finally set me free.

Your reasons for feeling stuck may be different from mine. But if you keep putting off a book you know you want to write, it’s worth getting curious about what’s underneath your resistance.

That’s why my approach to book coaching includes both inner work and practical support. Understanding what’s holding you back can help you move forward, and a clear purpose and sustainable writing rhythm keep you going.

Here are five proven practices to get unstuck and finish a book that changes lives:

Clarify your why. Why are you called to write this book? What is the core message you want to convey? What impact do you want your book to make? Who is your ideal reader? Let these four answers be your North Star every time you sit down to write.

Protect your writing time. Tell your loved ones you are committed to your goal. Block time in your calendar to write and choose a rhythm you can sustain, even if it’s just 30 minutes at a time. Consistency helps you build momentum.

Get curious about what’s getting in the way. Procrastination can be fear in disguise. Do you fear failure? Being seen? Judgment? Criticism? Success? Take time to journal about this honestly.

Listen to what your fear is saying. Fear tries to keep us safe by keeping us small, but its reasoning is often illogical. Write a letter to your fear asking what it wants you to know. Then write down whatever comes up. Letting your fears be seen and heard can diminish their power, especially when you can trace them back to where they began. If you need support or accountability, seek out a trusted friend, coach, or therapist.

Own your inner wisdom. When self-doubt shows up, remember that your unique perspective and the knowledge you bring can help someone. Boost your confidence by asking a supportive friend or colleague for encouragement. Reviewing your client success stories or testimonials is another great way to reignite your calling.

You don’t have to be free of fear to take the next step. In fact, none of the authors I’ve coached were. So get curious about resistance and give yourself the support you need to keep writing.

Your readers are waiting... and your voice matters.

If you’d like more support, check out our complimentary guided practice, Jumpstart Your Book Journey.