The 8-Step Method That Helps Me Finish Every Writing Project
Overwhelm is just a problem of perspective
You sit down to write, but the enormity of the task looms over you. The finished product in your mind is vivid, fully formed, but getting there feels impossible. Where do you even start? How will you ever finish?
One of the main culprits of procrastination for writers is overwhelm. Facing a big writing project can feel like standing in front of a cliff that you need to scale. You feel a breakdown coming on.
So you avoid it. You scroll. You do the dishes. You start a different project (which you’ll also avoid later). Before you know it, you have another corpse to throw on your pile of unfinished projects.
I know this pattern well. As a freelance writer, I’ve had to learn how to tackle big projects when avoiding them isn’t an option.
Writing any big project, like a book, is less about inspiration and more about approach. You don’t scale a mountain in one leap; you take it step by step.
Here are eight ways to make your writing project manageable so you can actually finish it:
1. Find Your North Star
What are you trying to say? This is your anchor. Just as novelists use plot driving questions to guide them through their story, if you ever get lost or overwhelmed during the writing process, come back to this question to find your way forward.
2. Brain Dump First, Edit Later
Before you worry about structure, coherence, or style, get everything out of your head and onto the page. Do it without editing or overthinking. This is the material you’re going to sift through to find what you need to work with.
3. Sort and Organize
As you sift through your words, you’ll start to see patterns and similarities. Group similar ideas together. Your book might be chronological, thematic, or something else entirely—let the material tell you what it wants to be.
4. Restructure for Flow
Move things around until the progression makes sense. This is where your project starts to take shape.
5. Write in Bite-Sized Pieces
Break the task of writing into pieces. This might mean tackling one page, one section, or one paragraph a day. Pro tip: don’t force yourself to write in order. Starting with the easiest parts first sets you up for success.
6. Use Timed Writing Sprints
Decide on the particular section you want to work on, and set a timer. Whether it’s for five, 20 or 30 minutes, write without stopping. Timed sessions help eliminate distractions and train you to focus.
7. Step Away
If I’ve been taking a run at something over and over again and it’s not landing, I know it’s time to pull away for a bit and do something else. Focus your mind on other things, and you’ll experience a breakthrough soon enough. Movement and space often unlock breakthroughs.
8. Trust the Process
Know that you’re making progress, even when it feels slow. Just look back and see that you’ve made at least one step forward since your last session. Some days, progress might be as small as adding a sentence. You still move the needle just a little bit.
That big writing project you’ve been putting off will get written if you break it down and stay the course. Every time I’ve felt overwhelmed by a project, these steps have helped me push through. Don’t let a daunting task dissuade you from your goal.
📖 Your Book Gets Written One Step at a Time
If you want guidance along the way, I can help.
I work one-on-one with aspiring authors to help them complete their memoir manuscripts in 90 days. My coaching is personalized, trauma-informed, and built around your schedule.
Book a free Clarity Call with me here.
You're welcome! It was good stuff
Starting a big writing project can feel overwhelming. The idea in your head is clear, but getting there seems impossible. So, you procrastinate—scrolling, doing chores, or starting another project you’ll also avoid.
The key is to take it step by step. Break it down, use timed writing sprints, and don’t be afraid to step away when needed. Progress might be slow, but as long as you keep moving forward, you’ll get there.