Tools for Writing a Book: Top 5 Must Haves

As of two o’clock this morning, I’ve completed my third ghostwriting project. In addition to these books, I’ve also written two and half of my own. I find that each time I go into book-writing mode, I’m more organized, better prepared and far less stressed. Simply put, every go round, I adopt new tools and techniques. They include:

1. Carrying a pen with you everywhere you go.

I usually try to keep a notebook, specifically for that designated project, with me as well. But that don’t always happen. However, you can write on anything. I’ve jotted notes down on napkins, my hand, the back of a business card, etc. When the idea strikes you, you need to be able to get it down on paper. Personally, I’m not a big fan of using my cellphone to record my lightbulb moments. Either I lose pieces of my idea in the process of opening the app, adding the info, and having to correct Swype, or I end up distracted by some type of notification.

2. Keeping writing utensils or a voice recorder at your bedside.

This goes hand in hand with number one. For most artists, some of your most brilliant ideas will come to you while you’re either trying to go to sleep, already asleep, or just waking up. Trust me when I tell you: Do not count on remembering the information when you wake up. Even if you remember the gist of you, you’ll still lose some of the depth that came with the idea when it originally came to you. This is also a great tool for logging your dreams. Another tool to check out is Dragon, a speech recognition software.

3. Maintaining a meditation schedule.

I debated whether or not to put fitness and meditation, but settled for meditation alone. Reason being, the practice increases your self-awareness. With that, you’ll automatically learn how your body communicates with you. You’ll be self-motivated to work out, eat better, rest more, and prioritize your emotional wellness. Another plus is that you’ll be infused with a mega-boost of creativity. If you’re new to the practice, or just want to learn more about it, then Russell Simmon’s new book, Success Through Stillness: Meditation Made Simple, is a definite must-have tool.

4. Knowing when to get up and go.

Writing a book is not an easy task. Yeah, it gets easier, but easy, it is not. Instead of being frustrated for hours on end, take a break. Go for a walk. Meet a friend for lunch and socialize. Not only is this beneficial to your health, but it provides another mega-boost of creativity. For clarification, I’m literally talking about getting dressed, opening the front door and leaving. Taking mini breaks to read, watch some TV, surf the net, and take a nap are also crucial. However, in this case, I’m talking about going. And when I’m gone, whatever I do has nothing to do with writing.

5. Keeping a document that consists of your go-to books, web pages, quotes, etc.

Back in December, I wrote a post answering the top writing related question: How do I start? In it, I invited eight of my favorite authors to add their five cents. So for me, one of my own web pages is one of my tools for writing. All of my notes produced from numbers one and two of this list are also included in the document, along with printouts of research, link addresses, names of books to refer to, and whatever else that I may need for that particular project. I use Google Docs. This way, I’m free to create a folder filled with multiple formats (spreadsheets, documents, graphs, etc.) and it’s accessible anywhere I go. There’s even an app. You will find this tool to be extremely useful. The last thing that you want to do is find yourself in the zone and have to continuously stop to search for some shit. Annoying, I say.

Are you published? If so, what tools are must-haves for your writing ventures?