How to Make Writing Your Book Easier by Melinda Copp

Today we welcome Melinda Copp to Writers in Business.
Melinda helps aspiring nonfiction, business, and self-help authors get clear on their story and book idea, and figure out how to put it all together so their readers love it. She operates the The Writer's Sherpa, LLC based in Bluffton, SC. Melinda has some tips to share with us.

I'm no expert in human behavior, but as far as I can tell, we as a species thrive on routine. I know for a fact that both my sons behave better when they know what to expect. For example, this morning school was delayed for two hours because of the weather. So instead of eating breakfast at 7:00, getting dressed at 7:35, and walking out the door at 8:05, my sons and I lay in bed until 7:15, ate breakfast at 8:00, watched television until 9:45, and then I had to rush everyone to get dressed and out of the house at 10:00. We're adaptable, thank goodness, and everything worked out okay. But the little change certainly made things more hectic. And all my morning chores that are usually done by 8:00 a.m. didn't get done until about 11:00.

So routines are good-they give us a rhythm to follow through key parts of the day. They also make writing big projects, like books, easier to finish. That's the hardest part, you know, actually finishing the book.

Routines get you in the habit and before long, you've done your writing for the day without any struggle or difficulty at all. Writing becomes one of those tasks you do every day, like making the bed or washing a load of laundry. But although most people accomplish more on routines, they aren't always easy to establish. It almost seems like you're the kind of person who establishes routines automatically or you aren't. I fall in the second category for sure. I don't naturally establish routines; I tend to fly by the seat of my pants, which makes it difficult to get things done.

I have to consciously make the effort to build habits that keep me organized and on track, with my writing and other areas of my life. If I want the house to be clean, I have to work straightening up into my routine. If I want my blog to be updated every day, I have to find somewhere to fit it into the rhythm of my life. And if I want to write a book, I have to give myself a deadline, break the project down into small assignments, put the task on my to-do list, pour my cup of coffee, and then show up to write at my desk in the morning. Motivation waxes and wanes, so when I don't feel like doing anything, I have my routines to fall back on, to coax me into productivity.

When I'm working with a client or student and they're struggling to find time to write I encourage them to work writing into their normal routine. I have found for myself, and many other writers, that if you clear calendar days and make writing a big deal, that you won't make the kind of progress you do when you make writing a little part of every day. And you won't be as good at it either.

Here are a few tips for easily incorporating writing into your day.

Put Writing on Your List

Even though I know I'm supposed to be writing every day, I still put it on my to-do list. I don't know why writing things on lists makes them more likely to happen, but it really works.

Ritualize Your Writing Time

I had a teacher in graduate school recommend making your writing time a sort of ritual that you do every day. By making it a ritual, she meant to set up your writing time in the same way each time, not only to make it a habit, but also to successfully transition yourself into it. For example, turn on your favorite music, fix yourself a cup of tea or coffee, light the candle, and then sit down at your desk to write. And then blow the candle out when you're done.

Give Yourself an Assignment

Thinking about what to write when you sit down at your computer can eat away time. So at the end of every writing session, when you're still in that creative flow, take a minute to give yourself an assignment for what to write the next time. Then when you open up that draft on your computer, you'll know exactly what you're supposed to be writing.

Writers write, even though that can be one of the hardest things to make time to do. Successes like getting your book done require doing whatever it takes to make sure you write. And the more you write, the easier it will be.

You can download a free copy of Melinda's "Jump Start Your Book E-course!" by visiting her online at Writers Sherpa and get your book started now!

Great Books for Kids by author Kevin McNamee

Kevin McNamee joins us today at Writers in Business. He is a writer and poet living in Yonkers, NY. He primarily writes for the children’s market. He has several children’s picture books published including If I Could Be Anything, The Sister Exchange, and The Soggy Town of Hilltop. These books are available at Guardian Angel Publishing, Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble or ask your local bookstore.


When Kevin isn’t writing, he spends his time playing hide and seek, at the insistence of his five year old daughter, and at his day job, at the insistence of his wife. When time permits, Kevin also enjoys fossil hunting, home-brewing beer, and gardening. He is currently engaged in an epic battle against roving gangs of crazed squirrels who are digging up everything in sight. Kevin notes that the squirrels are winning.

Welcome, Kevin. How do you define your writing?

I discovered writing for children by accident. I was watching my nieces fight and it gave me an idea for a sibling rivalry story. I thought it would be fun to write, and it was. There was no looking back.

There seems like an endless supply of topics to write about for children. What messages would you like to convey through your books?

I think that writing for children carries a lot of responsibility and it’s a challenge that I try to rise to. The world can be a confusing enough place as it is for adults, how much more so for children? If I can help children understand the world around them and help them make sense of various situations that effect them, that would be the most rewarding thing of all, for it would be something that they could carry with them long after they have put down my book.

What can we expect when we read one of your books for the first time?

I try to entertain, and whenever possible educate. I also try to incorporate humor into my work whenever possible. My goal is to write for everybody and to create stories that adults as well as children can enjoy.

Can you describe when you realized you were a real writer?

Somewhere along the way, I stopped doubting my ability. A rejection of my manuscript ceased to be a rejection of myself. A rejection letter became an opportunity to send my manuscript somewhere else. Comments and criticism became opportunities to strengthen my story, revise something unworkable, or something to ignore altogether if it didn’t fit with my vision of the story. I was able to refer to myself as a writer without feeling self conscious and … oh yeah, someone was willing to pay me for what I wrote.

How can we learn more about your writing?

To find out more about me, please visit my website at KevinMcNamee.com or my blog. I also have a new child-friendly site with games and activities at KevsChildrensBooks.com.

My daughter is now hooked on your new web site. The Word Jumble game is her favorite. It’s been a pleasure interviewing you and we are looking forward to reading your books. Thanks for joining us today.

Meet J. Aday Kennedy and Win a Prize!

J. Aday Kennedy, the differently-abled writer, is an award winning multi published author of inspirational/Christian pieces and of children’s literature. Eight picture books are under contract eagerly awaiting publication. She is a ventilator dependent quadriplegic making her dreams come true a story at a time. As a speaker, Aday entertains, instructs, motivates and inspires audiences of all ages. She joins us today at Writers in Business.

Tell us about your children's books.

I have eight picture books under contract with Guardian Angel Publishing Guardian Angel Publishing, They are a mixture of humorous fantasy and Christian stories. All include a teacher's guide, send a positive message and are geared to attract reluctant readers.

What other things do you write?

I write essays for Chicken Soup for the Soul. Five essays have been published in their anthologies. Christian and inspirational articles are among many of my writing credits.


What is the best advice on writing you've ever received?

When you have written something let it rest. Do not look at it for weeks before you begin the editing process. Then you can look at it with fresh eyes. Have someone read your manuscript aloud to you. I use a text reader, TextAloud from Next Up. It is a real eye opener.

Tell us about the Klutzy Kantor book series.
• Klutzy Kantor Book I
The book was just released in April. Kantor is a lovable Pegasus plagued by clumsiness. He travels to a rainbow to challenge Cobbledom McSweeney to a riddle duel. If he solves Cobbledom’s impossible riddle his wish to stop being a klutz will be granted. The book teaches children to concentrate on their strengths.

• Cobbledom’s Curse Book II
Cobbledom curses the apple’s Kantor can’t resist and he becomes a klutz again. His elf friend, Sprystar, was cursed by the devious leprechaun never to sleep again. The pair travel to Cobbledom’s rainbow and strike a bargain. They agree to wash Cobbledom’s dingy rainbow in exchange for a wish. They think each will get a wish, but Cobbledom refuses to give more than one. Kantor must make a choice. If Sprystar gets his wish, Kantor will remain a klutz. Friendship is often challenged by one’s own desires or self.

• The Iitcha Itcha Goo Goo Blues Book III
Jensen elf is recovering from the Itcha Itcha Goo Goo Disease, the equivalent to human cancer. She lost her hair from the cure. Kantor takes her to Cobbledom’s rainbow with the intention of getting a wish for her hair back. Cobbledom will grant her wish if Kantor will sacrifice his tail. Kantor must choose between himself and Jensen’s needs. A lesson in self sacrifice is taught.

Each book is geared to reluctant readers, All provide a teacher’s guide, share a positive message and are full of Kantor’s funny antics.

I understand you are offering prizes as part of your Klutzy Kantor book tour. Can you tell us how to participate?"

Yes, I have planned a giveaway at the end of the tour. The more stops visitors make and promote with blurbs on their social networks the more entries in the contest they receive. The more participants, the more prizes and winners their will be. I will let the winner(s) choose their prizes. Winner 1 gets first choice, winner 2 gets second choice and so on. Every 13 participants adds another prize. For pictures of the possible prizes and contest rules visit KlutzyKantor.blogspot.com.

You are such an inspiration! Thank you for sharing your new Klutzy Kantor book series with us. To learn more about her and her writing, visit JAdayKennedy.com and JAdayKennedy Blog.