The journey to becoming a published author is exciting, but it can also be filled with roadblocks. One major hurdle is getting caught in the trap of “busywork” – activities that feel productive but don’t actually move you closer to completing your book.

Today, we’ll tackle three common forms of busy work and offer strategies to prioritize progress and write a better first draft faster.

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Busywork Trap #1: Rereading Obsession

Do you find yourself constantly rereading previous chapters before you can write a new one? While briefly refreshing your memory can be helpful, excessive rereading becomes counterproductive. Here’s why:

• Roadmap vs. Rereading: Frequent rereading often indicates a lack of a clear roadmap for your book. Outline your plot points, character arcs, and major events before you start writing. This roadmap keeps you on track and minimizes the need for constant backtracking.
• Editing vs. Writing: The rereading rabbit hole can lead to rewriting and self-editing prematurely. Remember, the first draft is about getting your ideas down, not achieving perfection. Save in-depth editing for later drafts.

Focus on Progress: Quickly skim the previous section at the beginning of your writing session, then dive into new content. Prioritize writing fresh material to propel your book forward.

Busywork Trap #2: The Research Abyss

Research is crucial for factual accuracy and adding depth to your writing. However, it’s easy to get bogged down in a never-ending research loop. Here’s how to strike a balance:

• Content First, Research Later: Don’t let the need for perfect information paralyze you. Write your first draft based on the knowledge you already have. Research specific details as needed for clarity and enrichment.
• Research as a Booster: Think of research as a tool to enhance your writing, not a prerequisite. Write the core content first, then use research to refine specific details and bring your story to life.

Focus on Progress: Set reasonable research goals. Don’t let the quest for complete knowledge prevent you from writing.

Busywork Trap #3: Detail Deluge

Getting lost in the minutiae of character profiles or crafting overly complex explanations can derail your writing progress. While details are important, prioritize the bigger picture:

• Big Picture First, Nuances Later: Focus on getting the main plot points, character arcs, and core message onto the page in your first draft. Worry about character quirks, intricate descriptions, or in-depth explanations later.
• Enhance, Don’t Hinder: Details should add depth and richness to your story, not hinder its flow. Prioritize the essential elements first, then use details to enhance your writing in subsequent drafts.

Focus on Progress: Remember, the goal is to complete a solid first draft. Don’t let the desire for perfect details stall your progress.

Remember: Writing is a marathon, not a sprint. By prioritizing progress over busy work, you’ll write your first draft faster and be well on your way to becoming a published author.

Ready to take the next step?

Share your biggest challenges with busywork in the comments below! And don’t forget to check out WeWriteBooks.com for more resources and support to help you conquer writer’s block and achieve your author goals.

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Katelyn Silva is the author of eleven books, some under a pen name, with four #1 bestsellers. She has been both self and traditionally published and is the founder of We Write Books. She has helped hundreds, and specializes in guiding Christian mompreneurs to get clarity on their book idea, confidently write and publish a bestseller, and use it as a business tool to create impact, authority, and legacy. Katelyn is also a devoted wife and homeschooling mom. Explore more about Katelyn, check out any of her books or her clients’ books, view testimonials, and get free resources at wewritebooks.com.