The Relaxed Author

1. Embrace writing as a passion, not a source of stress

"If we only have a limited amount of time and only have a limited number of books that we can write in a lifetime, then we need to choose to write the books that we love."

Write what you love. Focus on creating stories and content that genuinely excite you, rather than chasing trends or market demands. This approach not only leads to more authentic and engaging work but also helps maintain your enthusiasm for writing over the long term.

Reduce external pressures. Remember that your writing journey is unique, and comparing yourself to others can be counterproductive. Instead, measure your success by your personal growth and the satisfaction you derive from your work.

• Set realistic goals that align with your lifestyle and values
• Celebrate small wins along the way
• Allow yourself to experiment and evolve as a writer

2. Write at your own pace and in your preferred style

"Writing at your own pace will help you be a more relaxed author because you're not stressing out by trying to keep up with someone else."

Find your rhythm. Every writer has a unique process and productivity level. Discover what works best for you in terms of writing schedule, environment, and techniques. Don't force yourself to adopt methods that feel unnatural or stressful, even if they work for other authors.

Embrace your writing style. Whether you're a plotter or a pantser, a fast drafter or a meticulous wordsmith, honor your natural inclinations. Trying to force yourself into a different mold can lead to frustration and burnout.

• Experiment with different writing routines to find what suits you
• Be patient with yourself as you develop your craft
• Remember that quality often trumps quantity in the long run

3. Simplify your author brand and focus on what matters

"A relaxed author makes a choice on whether to use more than one author brand — and maintain more than one website."

Streamline your online presence. Focus on creating a cohesive and manageable author brand that authentically represents you and your work. This may mean consolidating multiple pen names or websites, or choosing to focus on a single genre or niche.

Prioritize effective communication. Invest your time and energy in the platforms and methods that best connect you with your target audience. Don't spread yourself too thin trying to maintain a presence on every social media channel or marketing avenue.

• Choose 1-2 primary platforms for engaging with readers
• Develop a consistent voice and aesthetic across your brand
• Regularly assess and adjust your branding strategy as needed

4. Develop multiple income streams for financial stability

"Multiple streams of income can protect you because it's unlikely that they will all fail at the same time."

Diversify your revenue sources. Don't rely solely on book sales for your income. Explore additional opportunities such as:

• Speaking engagements or workshops
• Online courses or teaching
• Freelance writing or editing
• Merchandise or related products
• Affiliate marketing

Balance short-term and long-term income. While it's important to focus on immediate sales, also invest in building assets that can generate passive income over time, such as a backlist of books or evergreen content.

Adapt to market changes. Stay informed about industry trends and be willing to pivot your strategy as needed. This flexibility can help you weather economic fluctuations and shifting reader preferences.

5. Prioritize your physical and mental health

"If you don't look after your physical and mental health, your writing will suffer, as well as the quality of the rest of your life."

Establish healthy habits. Incorporate regular exercise, proper nutrition, and adequate sleep into your routine. These foundational practices can significantly improve your energy, focus, and overall well-being.

Manage stress proactively. Develop strategies to cope with the unique pressures of the writing life, such as:

• Practicing mindfulness or meditation
• Setting boundaries between work and personal time
• Engaging in hobbies or activities unrelated to writing
• Seeking support from fellow writers or professionals when needed

Create an ergonomic workspace. Invest in comfortable, supportive furniture and equipment to prevent physical strain during long writing sessions.

6. Master the basics of marketing before expanding

"Focus on the basics first — and also understands that you need to do the best you can at publication, but you can always change things later."

Nail the fundamentals. Before diving into complex marketing strategies, ensure you have a strong foundation:

• A professional-looking book cover
• A compelling book description
• Appropriate categorization and keywords
• A basic author website or landing page
• An email list for connecting with readers

Start small and scale up. Begin with manageable marketing efforts and gradually expand as you gain experience and resources. This approach allows you to learn what works for your specific audience without overwhelming yourself.

Be willing to adapt. The publishing landscape is constantly evolving. Stay open to adjusting your marketing tactics based on reader feedback and industry trends.

7. Cultivate a long-term mindset for sustainable success

"Thinking long-term is critical if you want to be a relaxed author."

Focus on building a career, not just selling a book. Approach your writing as a long-term endeavor, understanding that success often comes gradually through consistent effort and improvement.

Invest in your craft. Continuously work on honing your writing skills and expanding your knowledge of the industry. This ongoing growth will serve you well throughout your career.

Plan for the future. Consider how your current decisions will impact your writing life in the years to come:

• Retain rights to your work when possible
• Build a loyal readership rather than chasing short-term sales
• Create a body of work that can generate income over time

8. Learn to say "no" and eliminate unnecessary tasks

"By saying no and setting boundaries, I free myself up to do the things only I can do, that I enjoy and which are the best use of my time."

Identify your priorities. Clearly define what's most important to you in your writing career and personal life. Use these priorities as a guide for making decisions about how to spend your time and energy.

Set boundaries. Learn to decline opportunities or requests that don't align with your goals or values. This might include:

• Limiting social media engagement
• Being selective about events or appearances
• Outsourcing tasks that drain your time or energy

Streamline your processes. Regularly assess your workflow and eliminate or automate tasks that aren't essential. This can free up more time for writing and other high-value activities.

9. Find your trusted voices and tune out the rest

"Only you can decide what's right for you at the different stages of your author career and in the arc of your life."

Curate your information sources. Be selective about whose advice you follow and which industry voices you listen to. Look for mentors and experts whose values and approaches align with your own goals.

Trust your instincts. While it's valuable to learn from others, remember that you know your work and your audience best. Don't be afraid to trust your gut when making decisions about your writing career.

Limit information overload. Set boundaries around how much time you spend consuming industry news and advice. Focus on actionable information that's directly relevant to your current goals and stage of your career.

• Choose a few trusted resources to follow regularly
• Periodically reassess which voices are most helpful to you
• Give yourself permission to ignore trends or advice that don't resonate with you

Last updated: August 23, 2024