The summer always brings excitement to my soul and definitely my fingers. This is the season when I let my hair down, relax, party with friends, and write during the midnight hours. Yet, this desire to write isn't shared by most people. Writing their book isn't a priority on their summer vacation list. If you desire to write a book this year, I suggest using the summer months to write your book. If you're stuck, blocked, or unmotivated try investing in one more of the following activities this summer:
1. Writers' BOOTCAMP
This writing intensive activity is for the SERIOUS writer. There are a number of Writers’ Bootcamps. Some for the new writer seeking motivation and encouragement to start and finish their first or next book. Other Writers’ Bootcamps incorporate writing classes in their meetings and one-on-one coaching sessions with the instructor. While others write for two hours or more in silence and meet again the following week to write as a group again.
My publishing company has a two-month, Becoming a FEARless Author Bootcamp. We meet twice a week as a group and once a week with me or another writing coach to review your pages. All sessions are offered online and can be viewed later on-demand.
Writing Bootcamps can be pricey for some but, well worth your money as you see your book becomes real.
2. TAKE A CLASS
Creative Writing classes are offered in a variety of settings. Locate the Colleges or universities near you. See if they offer summer enrollment for non-degree-seeking students. Other schools have extension or adult learning classes in Creative Writing. I suggest taking this route because these classes are cheaper than enrolling in one summer class as a traditional degree-seeking student.
Maybe enrolling in an online novel writing class fits your schedule better? If so, Coursera, Udemy, UpSkills, and even LinkedIn offer several creative writing classes for various prices. I suggest researching these platforms before investing. Be sure to read the reviews from students, too. Dave Chesson’s article 16 Best Online Courses for Writers in 2023 [Free & Paid] gives more detail about online writing courses.
Traditional universities like Harvard, the University of Chicago, Northwestern, and many more have creative writing certificates. Why not earn a certificate as you write your book? This option can be pricey but, they are definitely worth the financial investment.
3. Join a Writers Group
Every writer's group has a different purpose. Some join together and write for two hours or more. Other groups may focus on plot or character development. Some are just for poets while others are for short story writers. Either way, do your research. Ask Google for creative writing groups near me.
Check out www.meetup.com and find the meeting schedule for writers near you. Some public libraries also have writers’ groups as well.
4. Writing Coach
Hire a writing coach. A writing coach will work with you by developing a writing schedule, suggesting books to enhance your plots, and providing character development activities to
breathe life into your characters, and much more.
My publishing company, DreamWriterInk! Writing & Publishing gives coaching to new writers and published authors. If a customer follows their writing schedule they can finish their first draft in six months or less. Writing coaches may charge by the hour or charge per writing session. These prices range from $50 to $800 or more.
5. Writing Partner
Finding a writing partner can be more difficult than you may expect. You may have a friend or two that's interested in writing a book. However, how dedicated are they to this endeavor?
If you decide to get a writing partner, be sure to interview each other to determine how committed they are to following a writing schedule. Ask yourself this question, too. Create a writing plan/schedule together. Life gets busy within seconds and sometimes writing is forgotten or pushed to later. However, later may never happen. You don't want a writing partner with a busy life. Again, ask them how serious and committed they are to writing their book.
Lastly, be sure to incorporate victory prizes or parties in your writing schedule. Choose a writing partner who is willing to celebrate finishing a chapter or writing consecutively for a week or longer. Celebrating the little things will motivate you and your writing partner to finish your books.
If you are serious about writing a book, why not write it this summer? Join a writers’ group or bootcamp to finish your book. Break your writer’s block by joining a writer’s bootcamp. Or, enroll in a class to develop your plot. Either way, enjoy your summer with writing a book.
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