Aaron Lamb has almost finished his fifth novel. Writing a book is a marathon, not a sprint. As I reflect on the creation of my latest work, “Cults, Coffee and Close Encounters,” Aaron is reminded of the countless hours, the late nights, and the early mornings that went into bringing this story to life. It’s been a long journey, but one that he wouldn’t trade for anything.
The truth is, writing a book takes time – a lot of time. But here’s the secret: it’s absolutely worth it. The satisfaction of holding your finished work in your hands, of sharing your story with the world, is incomparable. So, for those of you embarking on your own writing journey, or perhaps stuck in the middle of one, here are his top tips for finishing your book:
- Find 10 minutes a day It might not sound like much, but dedicating just 10 minutes a day to your writing can work wonders. Over the course of a month, those small chunks of time add up, and you’ll be amazed at how much progress you can make. Consistency is key.
- Write a story you love Forget about selling or publishing for a moment. The publishing world is tough, and even finishing a book is a significant accomplishment. So, make sure you’re writing a story you genuinely love. Your passion will shine through in your writing and keep you motivated during the tough times.
- Focus on your characters The people in your book are its heart and soul. If you love your characters, writing their story becomes so much easier. If you find yourself struggling with a character, don’t be afraid to make changes. Your characters should inspire you to keep writing.
- Share your journey Talk to your friends about your book, your characters, and the joy (and challenges) of writing. Not only does this help keep you accountable, but it also allows you to process your ideas out loud and potentially gain new insights.
Writing “Cults, Coffee and Close Encounters” was a labor of love, filled with its share of ups and downs. But as I look back on the process, I’m grateful for every moment. To all the aspiring authors out there: keep writing, keep believing in your story, and remember – the journey is just as important as the destination.
Aaron Lamb 