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How To Write (And Finish) Your Book in 5 Easy Steps

March 24, 2019 4:44 pm

STEP ONE:
Tell everyone you know you’re going away for three months, preferably six.  When they ask where, tell them somewhere with no internet or phone signal or pets (see Step Two).

A room by the water in the Norwegian fjords should do the trick…

Or a cabin in the mountains just five minutes away.

STEP TWO:
If your cat does insist on coming with you, make sure you also take an external hard drive (you have no internet, remember) and Save Save Save. That way you won’t panic when dear Catkins dashes across your keyboard and hits the delete key. So what if your entire manuscript just vanished before your eyes? Who cares? Not Catkins. He’s calculated with at least five lives left, he’s got nothing to lose: if he can wrap presents, he can help you…

Write Your Book.

STEP THREE:
So far, so good. But a few weeks in, you sit down to write and you freeze. You stare at the screen and you hate what you read. Oh no, this isn’t happening, not now. You pace the room like a caged beast ranting to yourself. You’ve lost your mind  Call yourself a writer? You can’t write. You’re an imposter and your writing’s crap. Your mind’s a jumble of no good for nothing. Yes, that’s right…

You’re In Writer’s Block Hell.

But do not fear. All is not lost. 

Pull something from the jumble and focus.  If a gnome can live happily in a gravy boat strung with five pretty lights, you can write your book. Okay?

STEP FOUR:
If that doesn’t work, you need inspiration…

Take a walk by the sea and declutter.

You never know who you might bump into…


How about a five-piece metal band to mess with stimulate your mind?

 

STEP FIVE:

And when you’ve done all that, pop the bubbly: of the 97% of writers who start their book but never finish, you’re one of the 3% who didn’t quit. High-fives, cheers and congratulations…

You Did It!

**********************

NB: This is my entry for the Bloggers Bash Blog Post Competition 2019. The theme is any subject with the number ‘Five’.

 

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Posted by Sherri Matthews

Categories: Bloggers Bash Blog Post Competition

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71 Responses to “How To Write (And Finish) Your Book in 5 Easy Steps”

  1. Gorgeous pictures! I’m *sure* I could finish my book if I were in such a paradise.

    Liked by 1 person

    By Marina Sofia on March 24, 2019 at 4:50 pm

    1. Haha…thanks, Marina…me too! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      By Sherri Matthews on March 24, 2019 at 4:57 pm

  2. I love this blog Sherri. You will definitely be one of the 3% that finishes your book despite a million interruptions. Your photos are lovely and list your 5 steps perfectly. Well done!! MUMBLY xx

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    Liked by 1 person

    By Elisabeth Nelson on March 24, 2019 at 5:29 pm

    1. Thank you! ❤ ❤ ❤

      Like

      By Sherri Matthews on March 25, 2019 at 11:14 am

  3. and dare I ask where you are on that specific spectrum just now?! Or is that just cruel?

    Liked by 1 person

    By TanGental on March 24, 2019 at 6:29 pm

    1. I’m with the Gnome…

      Liked by 1 person

      By Sherri Matthews on March 25, 2019 at 11:15 am

      1. Not sure you should call your spouse that….

        Liked by 1 person

        By TanGental on March 26, 2019 at 12:59 am

        1. Never. It’s the pretty lights I was thinking about…

          Like

          By Sherri Matthews on March 26, 2019 at 3:07 pm

  4. Excellent!! I’ll have my book, sans catkins, done in a jiffy! Thanks for giving me the secrets! 😉

    Liked by 1 person

    By purpleslob on March 24, 2019 at 7:53 pm

    1. Haha…it’s a breeze and you’re very welcome, Melinda!!! 😀

      Liked by 1 person

      By Sherri Matthews on March 25, 2019 at 11:15 am

      1. 😉

        Liked by 1 person

        By purpleslob on March 26, 2019 at 3:00 pm

        1. ❤

          Liked by 1 person

          By Sherri Matthews on March 26, 2019 at 3:07 pm

  5. If you’re not already there, I already know you’re going to be one of the 3% and you don’t need a fancy retreat to do it in 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    By Andrea Stephenson on March 24, 2019 at 8:30 pm

    1. Ha…thanks so much, Andrea! I can tell you I am not in Norway, but I am definitely with my cat(s) 😉

      Liked by 1 person

      By Sherri Matthews on March 25, 2019 at 11:18 am

  6. Are we there yet, are we there yet? Is this a teaser? Wherever you are – hugs! ❤

    Liked by 2 people

    By thecontentedcrafter on March 24, 2019 at 8:40 pm

    1. I keep asking myself that very same question, Pauline! Getting there…ever closer…and your hugs help a lot! Thank you, my dear! ❤

      Like

      By Sherri Matthews on March 25, 2019 at 11:19 am

  7. Gorgeous photos, Sherri. Now I’m wondering just how close you are to finishing your memoir. Hope you’re winning. Good to see you again. 😘👏🏻

    Liked by 1 person

    By anotherday2paradise on March 25, 2019 at 2:08 am

    1. Aww thanks so much, Sylvia! I’m whipping those edits into shape – and keeping the bubbly on ice, albeit it a massive chunk so it doesn’t melt! 😉 ❤ xxx

      Liked by 1 person

      By Sherri Matthews on March 25, 2019 at 11:20 am

  8. You rose to another challenge very well, Sherri. It was a fun read. Hoping you are close to the bubbly step. 🙂 Hugs, M

    Liked by 1 person

    By insearchofitall on March 25, 2019 at 1:28 pm

    1. Glad you enjoyed it, Marlene, thanks so much! Work in progress, but I’m lining up those bubbles, you can be sure…and sending hugs right back at ya 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      By Sherri Matthews on March 26, 2019 at 3:09 pm

  9. Thank you so much for this! Very encouraging as I write my first… I settle for a weekend getaway once in a while but I’ve been fantasizing months at a time! Looking forward to following your journey here and I thanked Andrea for sending me your way.

    Liked by 1 person

    By Bonnie A. McKeegan on March 25, 2019 at 2:35 pm

    1. How lovely, Bonnie…I too thank our lovely mutual friend Andrea for sending you over to the Summerhouse, delighted to meet you! So glad for your encouragement…and oh I join you in that fantasy! I’m working to bring my first book, a memoir, to completion for publication, six years in the writing. Here’s to us both journeying onward to our goals, and I wish you every success along the way 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      By Sherri Matthews on March 26, 2019 at 3:13 pm

      1. You are an inspiration as I journey my memoir. Every success to you as well!

        Liked by 1 person

        By Bonnie A. McKeegan on March 26, 2019 at 10:06 pm

        1. You’re too kind…thank you greatly, Bonnie! 🙂

          Liked by 1 person

          By Sherri Matthews on April 1, 2019 at 10:25 am

  10. Oh my gosh Sherri you truly never cease to amaze! What a delight to read as tears of laughter stream down my face. That is just priceless and a great way to start my Monday here in America! 😊😅💕

    Liked by 1 person

    By Diane Box on March 25, 2019 at 2:53 pm

    1. LOL!!! So glad it brought cheer to you on your Monday morning…I wonder about my weird sense of humour sometimes 😀 Thank you so much, Diane! 🙂 ❤ 🙂 xoxo

      Like

      By Sherri Matthews on March 26, 2019 at 3:15 pm

  11. A great entry Sherri. Good luck in the competition.

    Liked by 1 person

    By watchingthedaisies on March 25, 2019 at 4:10 pm

    1. Thank you so much, Bridget! ❤

      Liked by 1 person

      By Sherri Matthews on March 26, 2019 at 3:16 pm

  12. Lol Sher, such a fun and clever post. You’re rockin’ it girl!!! You persevere and soldier on like a true warrior woman. You’ve got this! ❤ xoxo

    Liked by 1 person

    By dgkaye on March 26, 2019 at 3:45 am

    1. LOL…just knowing you think I’m rockin’ it is a great win in my book! Thanks so much, Deb!!! 😀 ❤ 🙂 xoxox

      Liked by 1 person

      By Sherri Matthews on March 26, 2019 at 3:17 pm

      1. Trust me, we all go through those stages when editing. After you write your next book you’ll at least known what comes next lol 🙂 ❤

        Liked by 1 person

        By dgkaye on March 27, 2019 at 1:42 pm

        1. LOL…that’s for sure! Thanks again so much, Deb!! 🙂 ❤ 🙂

          Liked by 1 person

          By Sherri Matthews on April 1, 2019 at 10:26 am

          1. Hugs Sher!! ❤ xxxx

            Liked by 1 person

            By dgkaye on April 1, 2019 at 2:41 pm

            1. Hugs back Deb!! 🙂 xxxx

              Liked by 1 person

              By Sherri Matthews on April 2, 2019 at 2:34 pm

              1. ❤

                Liked by 1 person

                By dgkaye on April 2, 2019 at 3:40 pm

  13. You just won the contest, Sherri! Look at the last photo again… It’s a trophy!! ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    By Miriam Hurdle on March 26, 2019 at 7:13 am

    1. Knowing I’m a winner in your heart, Miriam, is all the prize I need…thank you so much! 🙂 ❤ 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      By Sherri Matthews on March 26, 2019 at 3:18 pm

      1. You’re welcome, Sherri. Best wishes to you. 🙂 ❤

        Liked by 1 person

        By Miriam Hurdle on March 26, 2019 at 5:40 pm

        1. Thanks again so much, Miriam…and very best wishes to you too and catch up very soon! 🙂 ❤ 🙂

          Liked by 1 person

          By Sherri Matthews on April 1, 2019 at 10:26 am

          1. Sure, Sherri. 🙂 ❤

            Liked by 1 person

            By Miriam Hurdle on April 1, 2019 at 6:03 pm

            1. 🙂 ❤ 🙂

              Liked by 1 person

              By Sherri Matthews on April 2, 2019 at 2:34 pm

              1. ❤ ❤ ❤

                Liked by 1 person

                By Miriam Hurdle on April 3, 2019 at 6:52 am

  14. Yay! You did it, Sherri. What a fantastic post. I hope you win. But you’re always a winner to me. Congratulations on sticking it out and seeing it through.

    Liked by 1 person

    By Norah on March 26, 2019 at 12:11 pm

    1. I’m slogging on it, every day! Aww..thank you so much, Norah…your message warms the cockles of my heart, truly. Your unwavering support and encouragement helps keep me hanging in there, whether by a thread or a string of fairy gnome lights 😀 And of course,always a healthy dose of SMAG! 🙂 ❤

      Liked by 1 person

      By Sherri Matthews on March 26, 2019 at 3:21 pm

      1. Can never get too much SMAG, Sherri. Sending heaps to strengthen that thread. Hang on! 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

        By Norah on March 28, 2019 at 9:52 am

        1. I’m hanging, Norah, I’m hanging and the more SMAG the better…thank you!!!! 🙂 ❤

          Liked by 1 person

          By Sherri Matthews on April 1, 2019 at 10:28 am

          1. That’s for sure! Make sure you don’t go too batty with all that hanging. 🙂

            Liked by 1 person

            By Norah on April 1, 2019 at 11:07 am

            1. Haha…funny you should say that, Norah, I do feel like I’m upside down a lot these days!! 😀

              Liked by 1 person

              By Sherri Matthews on April 1, 2019 at 11:22 am

              1. Yet I’m the gal from the land downunder. 🙂

                Liked by 1 person

                By Norah on April 2, 2019 at 10:16 am

                1. 😀 😀 😀

                  Liked by 1 person

                  By Sherri Matthews on April 2, 2019 at 2:33 pm

  15. Hang in there, Sherri. You’ve got this! Love and hugs. ❤ 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    By Pat on March 26, 2019 at 7:35 pm

    1. Thank you so much, Pat! I’m hanging in there!! 🙂 ❤ 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      By Sherri Matthews on April 1, 2019 at 10:28 am

  16. Only 3%, that makes us all seem staggeringly lazy. I loved this inspiring and enjoyable jaunt through book writing. How I crave some time and a Norwegian fjord!

    Liked by 1 person

    By Ste J on March 27, 2019 at 1:15 am

    1. I still haven’t done my post about the fjords…seems like a distant dream though ‘only’ 6 months ago…but yeah, me too, it seemed to me the perfect place in which to escape for writing inspiration and uncluttered days. And so we dream 🙂 Thank you, Ste!

      Liked by 1 person

      By Sherri Matthews on April 1, 2019 at 10:34 am

  17. Thank you, Sherri, for this fabulous post. I just finished my editing overhaul of Through the Nethergate yesterday Whoopee! Now for the minor edits.

    Liked by 1 person

    By robbiesinspiration on March 27, 2019 at 4:39 am

    1. Aww…thank you so much, Robbie, and I’m thrilled for you! I’m getting there…!

      Liked by 1 person

      By Sherri Matthews on April 1, 2019 at 10:36 am

  18. Dearest Sherri, this is great. You made me chuckle, plus I feel great affinity with what you are saying. I think a Norwegian fjord would do me very nicely just now. Looking forward to seeing you soon and plugging into your positivity. Lots of love, hugs and kisses xxxxxxxx

    Liked by 1 person

    By Sarah Potter Writes on March 28, 2019 at 2:52 pm

    1. Let’s go!! I’m thrilled you found this positive and uplifting and it gave you a chuckle, dearest Sarah and yes, indeed, will be lovely to see you again very soon! Lots of love, hugs and kisses back to you! 🙂 xxxxxxxxx

      Liked by 1 person

      By Sherri Matthews on April 1, 2019 at 10:37 am

  19. I am in awe of your craft and how brilliantly you use it.

    Liked by 2 people

    By Mike M on March 31, 2019 at 11:30 am

    1. ❤ Mike M

      Like

      By Sherri Matthews on April 1, 2019 at 10:36 am

  20. Let’s escape to the fjords, Sherri! Catkins came come, too (I have an external drive and a warranty)! Your post made me laugh. I think it’s a brilliant entry! Keep at it like heavy metal!

    Liked by 2 people

    By Charli Mills on April 8, 2019 at 3:07 am

    1. Ahh…now that would be amazing, Charli! If I had placed a bigger bet on the Grand National (I picked the winner, 2nd and fourth place, ’tis all true!) believe you me, we would be going right now and Catkins would be with us, first class all the way, naturally! Haha…I was thinking of you with the external hard drive… 😉 My prize no matter what placing is knowing it made you laugh…that’s the best…that and the idea of us rocking out to some real heavy metal in a Scandi bar drinking Viking beer somewhere in the middle of nowhere 😀 😀 ❤

      Liked by 1 person

      By Sherri Matthews on April 8, 2019 at 11:32 am

  21. Love this Sherri. Great humorous touch which we can all relate to as writers! Lol. 🙂 x

    Liked by 1 person

    By Marje @ Kyrosmagica on April 8, 2019 at 8:46 pm

    1. So glad you enjoyed it, thanks so much, Marje! Not long to the BB! 🙂 ❤ xxx

      Liked by 1 person

      By Sherri Matthews on April 13, 2019 at 11:08 am

      1. No. See you soon Sherri. ❤ x

        Liked by 1 person

        By Marje @ Kyrosmagica on April 13, 2019 at 5:10 pm

        1. 🙂 ❤ Yep…see you soon, Marje! xxx

          Like

          By Sherri Matthews on April 16, 2019 at 12:27 pm

  22. this was funny and inspiring at the same time –
    hahah
    and to this:
    gnome can live happily in a gravy boat strung with five pretty lights….
    bwahhhh

    __

    Liked by 1 person

    By Prior... on April 11, 2019 at 2:22 am

    1. Haha…oh I love that made you laugh, mon amie. You got it… ! Thanks much…! ❤

      Liked by 1 person

      By Sherri Matthews on April 11, 2019 at 2:28 pm

      1. 🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸And love ya so much author Sherri
        💜💜

        Liked by 1 person

        By Prior... on April 11, 2019 at 7:47 pm

        1. Love ya back author Yvette 🙂 ❤ 🙂 xoxoxox

          Liked by 1 person

          By Sherri Matthews on April 13, 2019 at 11:08 am

          1. 🙂
            ❤

            Liked by 1 person

            By Prior... on April 13, 2019 at 11:10 am

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