Chapter 1: The Writing Journey Begins

For many years, I indulged in writing purely for enjoyment. The idea of publishing my stories never crossed my mind, particularly because I am Romanian and write in English. I often wondered why any publisher would take a chance on me, especially with no formal training in creative writing. I didn't suffer from this mindset; I simply didn't see it as a viable path. It wasn't until my husband stumbled upon an old file on my laptop that the conversation about my writing was reignited. This file contained an idea I had pursued until my motivation waned, leaving me with just ten chapters.

When he asked to read it, I reluctantly agreed, expecting little praise. To my surprise, he found it engaging and encouraged me to finish the story. He even introduced the idea of self-publishing via Amazon. My husband has a knack for problem-solving; he asks insightful questions, challenges perspectives, and presents multiple solutions, each with its pros and cons. His skills in streamlining processes would prove vital as I continued my writing journey.

In a nutshell, it took me six years to publish my first novel, Forget Me Not. This timeframe is significant because, during those years, I lacked direction, goals, and discipline. The only reason I completed that novel was my husband's persistent encouragement, even when my motivation fizzled out. To provide context, I was also a stay-at-home mom with a young child, so my priorities were divided. By 2020, I had finally published my debut novel. Fast forward to 2024, and I have six self-published books, with my seventh already available for pre-order on Amazon. While I may not be the best writer, I've made substantial progress, and it's essential to acknowledge that growth. Although I'm still honing my craft, each book brings me closer to mastery.

As I progressed, I refined my writing process and developed routines that significantly increased my focus and productivity. I recognize that some authors publish a book each month; however, I have a different pace. My responsibilities as a writer, wife, and mother require me to seek balance, which means prioritizing family time, cooking, traveling, and reading. Nevertheless, I've reached a point where dedicating two to three hours of writing from Monday to Thursday enables me to release two novels annually. Keep in mind, I write urban fantasy and paranormal mysteries, which tend to be lengthier; my last two novels exceeded 100,000 words. If you write shorter genres, like romance, you could potentially publish three or four books each year, as romance novels often hover around 50,000 words.

If you're an aspiring writer—perhaps you have a story swirling in your mind but haven't yet figured out how to express it—read on.

Not Everyone Can be a Pantser

Reflecting on my journey, I realize that completing my debut novel took me six long years for several reasons:

1. I lacked an outline, only having a few scattered scenes.
2. The direction of my story was unclear.
3. My world-building was inconsistent; I improvised as I wrote.
4. I had no idea who the love interest would be.
5. I struggled to determine the story's ending.
6. My overall structure was undefined.

Due to these factors, I frequently encountered massive writer's block, making writing feel like a burden. Editing the manuscript was equally challenging; the pacing was flawed, the middle sagged, and it felt disjointed.

All these challenges stemmed from my "pantser" approach to writing, a term I was unaware of at the time. A pantser is someone who writes without a structured plan. While many successful authors thrive using this method, experienced storytellers can often naturally maintain structure. Unfortunately, I found myself trapped by my freeform writing style. For my second book, I decided to create an outline beforehand. As someone new to plotting, I often deviated from my outline, necessitating multiple revisions. Nevertheless, having a roadmap simplified the writing process considerably.

If you find yourself frequently stuck, consider crafting a chapter-by-chapter outline. Various story structures exist, such as the three-act structure or the Hero's Journey; do your research to discover which fits your style best. The goal is to streamline your writing process and make your creative journey smoother.

The Importance of Routines and Rituals

While my experiences may not mirror yours, the principles of habit formation are well-supported by research. Establishing a writing routine can be immensely beneficial for several reasons:

1. Habit Formation: Regular practices provide structure, making it easier to cultivate new habits. Repetition helps your brain adapt to routines, enabling you to engage in them automatically.
2. Dopamine Release: Enjoyable activities trigger dopamine production, which fosters motivation and happiness, enhancing your learning experience.
3. Reduced Decision Fatigue: Routines conserve mental energy by minimizing choices, allowing you to focus on your writing.
4. Enhanced Focus: A consistent routine helps you concentrate and disregard distractions.
5. Improved Self-Discipline: Routines reinforce self-discipline by promoting consistent choices and accountability, which can combat procrastination.
6. Increased Productivity: Routines are pivotal in achieving your goals, offering a framework to prioritize effectively.

I wholeheartedly endorse these points. I developed and refined my routines primarily during the pandemic; nothing motivates you to organize your life quite like a lockdown. While I am not inherently organized, my husband excels at optimization. Whenever I lamented a lack of time, he would reassess my schedule, allowing me to find time for everything, including self-care.

Here’s what my routines look like. Feel free to adapt them to suit your goals and lifestyle, as the key is to enhance productivity and cultivate your writing process.

Pre-Writing Routine

1. Morning Yoga or Pilates: After long hours of typing, I often feel the strain on my body. I incorporate a brief yoga or Pilates session each morning to improve flexibility and posture. I have a few routines saved on YouTube that I alternate between.
2. Substantial Breakfast: Skipping meals is never an option for me. When I'm hungry, my focus wavers. If breakfast isn't your thing, that's perfectly fine—do what works for you.
3. Chore Scheduling: To maintain focus on my writing, I meal plan biweekly and schedule household chores. My husband and I share these tasks to ensure I’m not overwhelmed.

Writing Routine

1. Pomodoro Technique: I utilize this method by writing in 25-minute intervals, followed by five-minute breaks, which helps maintain focus and prevent burnout. I primarily write in Google Docs and use a Pomodoro extension to track my sessions.
2. Daily Word Goal: I aim for 2,000 words a day to keep my momentum. While I often meet this target, life can interfere, and that's okay. Some days, I surpass it. I write Monday to Thursday and still see tremendous progress.
3. Movement Breaks: After each 25-minute session, I get up to hydrate, stretch, or simply move around. Regular breaks keep my energy levels up.
4. Stay Hydrated: I tend to forget to drink water, especially in colder months. Keeping a glass nearby reminds me to stay hydrated.

Contingency Plans

Sometimes, your writing journey takes unexpected turns, and you may hit roadblocks. I have two strategies to combat writer's block:

1. The 5Ws Technique: I take a moment to clarify the who, what, when, where, and why of my current scene. If I can't articulate these, I need to reassess the scene.
2. Scene/Sequel Formula: I think of my story as a chain of actions and responses. Every action should create consequences that propel the narrative forward.

These two methods have proven effective in overcoming writer's block, ensuring my productivity remains intact.

Conclusion

In summary, my transition from an aspiring writer to a self-published author has been both challenging and rewarding. I've gained valuable insights throughout this journey and continue to learn. Importantly, I believe that anyone can become a writer with enough dedication and effort.

The most crucial lesson I've learned is that writing is a skill that can be developed through practice. Whether you identify as a pantser or an outliner, finding a process that resonates with you is essential.

Additionally, establishing routines and rituals that support your focus and motivation can be transformative. Explore different techniques, like creating a dedicated writing space or utilizing the Pomodoro Technique.

Lastly, embrace experimentation to uncover what works best for you. There’s no singular correct approach to writing—don’t hesitate to break the mold and forge your own path.

Chapter 2: My Author Journey

This video, HOW I BECAME A FULL TIME WRITER: MY AUTHOR JOURNEY, details my transition into full-time writing, sharing insights and experiences along the way.

Chapter 3: The Self-Publishing Decision

In this video, Why I Decided to Self-Publish My Novel: Self-Publishing a Book Series, I discuss my motivations for choosing the self-publishing route and the benefits it has brought to my writing career.