How To Write A Book (While Raising Kids)

How to write a book while raising two kids under age four

1) Lower your expectations: It will take much longer and be imperfect if you want to ‘hit publish’.

2) Turn your computer on: Well before you plan to work so it’s ready when you need it, these moments will surprise you and you’re going to want to be prepared.

3) Use a motivational post-it note: Slapped to your screen to give you a firm kick in the bum every time you get off track (see point 7).

4) When the kids’ naptime DOES come: Drop everything, bring a snack and a fresh cup of tea, park that unfocused bum for 15-120 minutes… depending on how long the nap lasts, and type away, even if it seems like shite, keep typing, keep going.

5) Set a deadline: Or multiple ones like me which you then surpass and fail at. Please see point 1, cut yourself some slack and throw out the feckin’ calendar until you think it’s done. It will do nothing but mock you during those moments of missed deadlines and my kids frankly don’t care what day of the week it is.

6) Share what you’re doing for public accountability: When you start writing, it takes time to build an audience and people are busy with their own lives. They’ll honestly forget about you and what you’re up to until you share it, again and again.

7) Start before you’re ready: And create before you consume others content. Don’t you fall into a comparison trap, it’s a waste of time and you’re better than that. Remember point 3?

8) Tell your kids you published a book: And prepare for them to be largely undazzled, before asking you for a snack/to play/more milk. This complete lack of interest is future book review bootcamp and will give you a thicker skin, so as my fave Aussie canteen lady used to say, “Take a teaspoon of cement and harden up luv.”

You can do hard things, I believe in you.

When all else fails, trick yourself into sitting down to write by bringing tea and choc chip biccies! 🍪

Startup Blogging: Validate A Business Idea and Build Your Audience is based on my journey as a blogger, writer, founder and parent to date.

It’s intended to help you solve real problems, for real people and focuses on:

• designing a blog around your values, interests and time commitments;
• creating content, sharing your ideas and seeking feedback; and
• defining what you offer, your ideal customer and launching your Minimum Viable Product (MVP).

It’s available from Amazon as an eBook, to be delivered on April 24, 2020. The eBook will remain at the special launch price of $2.99 USD* for one month, before going up on May 24, 2020 to $5.99 USD*.

It’s also available from Amazon as a paperback via their print on demand service at the price of $10.99 CAD or $9.99 USD elsewhere*, plus applicable taxes, shipping and handling.

*Amazon marketplace prices vary by your purchase location.

Feedback on Startup Blogging:

Part of the contents of this book were originally created and delivered by me as a conference workshop for an event in 2019.

The content has been carefully edited to focus on making it more digestible and actionable, encouraging you to startup blogging now and test your ideas over the coming months.

“I liked that the focus was on organic development of community and ideas instead of just social media marketing. I also like the periodic questions to consider what I wanted to do with the information.”

“Enjoyed the ideas for how to share your message or find out what resonates with people.”

“I love Amy’s generosity with sharing her knowledge and experience. Really great session.”

“Lots of useful ideas for starting and growing an audience.”

“(I enjoyed) the personal experiences of the presenter, interaction with audience, resource materials and focus on doing things for passion rather than just for money.”

“The topic is very interesting and well presented.”

“Very inspiring.”

Looking for more info about Flexible + Remote Work?

I’ve set a goal of doing more video/audio content this year, so stay tuned for quick episodes which will cover the intersection of parenthood, creativity and flexible work.

Subscribe to receive my free monthly Work + Life newsletter focused on travel, international family life, creativity and flexible work: http://bit.ly/AmyMaureenLynchNews

SHOP Products + Online Courses

• Mini Training – Mixing Babies And Business: 3 Ways To Make Remote Work More Productive For You (+ Your Family) [LEARN MORE]
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• Online Course – Based on the book Startup Blogging: Validate A Business Idea and Build Your Audience [JOIN THE WAITLIST]

FREE Digital Resources, Templates + Guides

• E-Course – Go Remote: 5 Steps To Transition To Flexible Work [LEARN MORE]
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