Everyone wants to write a book. At least that's what they tell me when I introduce myself as a book writing coach. Yet, rarely do they follow through to write a book. It is just a magical dream, thought, or idea because there are hundreds of reasons why they can't do it. We know the reasons: no time; busy; don't know how; it's a giant step; my family needs me, and so on.

In our personal and business lives we know how important it is to set goals to achieve our dreams. When we want to write a book we have to use the same goal setting principles. If you want to become an author, a successful writer, you are more apt to succeed if you have a plan.

Author and motivational speaker, Brian Tracy, tells us that, "Every single life only becomes great when the individual sets upon a goal or goals which they really believe in, which they can really commit themselves to, which they can put their whole heart and soul into."

This is the key: First believe, then commit, and finally put your whole heart and soul into it. Are you ready to begin? Do you have the passion? If you answered, "Yes," then you can write a book! Let's get started by using some goal setting techniques to get you going.

Here are the 7.5 goal setting tips you can use to help you write a book:

1. The Dream

Identify your book idea. This is your expert topic that you know so well. This is your dream. Tell yourself right now, "I am writing a book about (name the topic)."

2. Clear Picture

Can you visualize the content of your book? Start writing down the chapter topic ideas. Don't worry about the order, just write them down. Keep on writing down your ideas so that you get the "big picture." Your dream should be much clearer to you now.

3. The Plan

Take your book idea and your chapter topics and put them in an order that makes sense to you. Add anything else to your outline that can help make your book a reality. Can you visualize your book now? Is it becoming real to you?

4. Set Dates

Get your appointment book out and start reserving some time each week to write your great book. Even if it's only 20 minutes to start, write it down and reserve the time. You could write a chapter a week if you set aside 60 minutes. In order for this to work you must have developed your Plan in number 2. The more prepared you are the easier it will be to write your book.

5. Plan of Action

It helps to have a plan of action for everything you need to do to write a book. In addition to number 2 The Plan, you need to identify the other tasks that need to be done such as research, phone calling, people you need such as editors, coaches, publishing info, etc. Get a good book, or search the Internet, for a list of the things you need to do to write your book.

6. Get a Mentor or Buddy

Find a like-minded friend to help keep you on target. Give him or her your PLAN and ask them to remind you of your committed dates. Have them encourage you while writing. Ask them to hold you accountable to your scheduled dates. Better yet, find a mentor or writing coach that can guide and direct you during your book-writing journey.

7. Take Action

Only YOU can complete your goal to write a book. You have to go through all the obstacles in your life to finish the book such as writer's block, need more information, conflict for your time from family and business, etc. No one can write your book unless you hire a ghostwriter. Even then you must allow time to share your ideas, concepts, and chapter ideas with him or her. Only you can make your dream come true. Only you know how important your book is to your clients. You know it will give them solutions to their problems. You know it will give you the credibility you deserve.

7.5. Stay Up-to-Date

I added a half step to remind you that you need to stay up-to-date on your writing skills and knowledge. Get some good reference books on how to write a book proposal, how to find a literary agent, how to self-publish (if that's your choice), and other materials you need to write a book. Attend a writer's retreat that fits your writing category, meet authors and ask questions, and anything else that can keep you committed to writing your great book.

You now have 7.5 ways to set writing goals to accomplish your dream to write a book. Can you see now that writing a book deserves the same type of attention needed to accomplish any goal? Now, go back to Step 1 and take a baby step and tell five friends that, "I am writing a book about (your idea)." Now you are committed.

Copyright 2008, Joan Clout-Kruse. All rights reserved.