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Is your dream to become a published writer? Learn how to make your dream a reality with these valuable tips from a writing and publishing expert.

1. Create Accountability
   

   I have found that accountability is the key to my production. Plans are also crucial to my getting large projects completed on time. Planning helps me alleviate the overwhelmed feeling that we all experience. I personally do not get a lot of writing done if I wait for the muse. I also find that if you "have to" make money at something, you find a way to accomplish that goal one way or another. For this reason, the National Association of Women Writers (NAWW) created a coaching program for nonfiction book writers that offers this accountability, plus a manual that walks writers through the book proposal process.
   

   
   
2. Think Long-Term
   

   As a publisher, our goal is to build long-term relationships. This is one reason the NAWW creates a new printed book for its members every year (it gives them a tangible reason to renew). Then after they go out of print, they are available in our eBook Library. You can read more about each of the books on our website. We create each book based on the feedback during the year that we receive through e-mail and our continuous website survey.
   

   
   
3. Be Centered
   

   We all have intuitive power. Our difficulty lies in our ability to harness our intuitiveness because of the lack of time. I know that struggle personally--I have three school-aged girls and a new baby boy! I have learned how to prioritize, say no, and ask for help. You have to get a handle on your time, or you will never reach your goals. Be centered and keep the "goals" in mind so that you can have the down time you need to come up with ideas for creating new books.
   

   
   
4. Have A Passion-Filled Purpose
   

   I have always loved books, research, and writing. My favorite subject was English and I made perfect grades in it often. I also love helping people and being an activist. My Bachelor's degree in Social Work and my Master's degree in Organizational Management provided a wonderful mix of skills and knowledge that I use every single day. When I see something that is wrong, I get a burning feeling in my stomach until I express myself in some way (usually by writing) to try to change it. So I am inspired by strong, energetic, funny people! I write on self-help and business topics mostly because they help me follow through on my mission of helping women and girls "hold their space" by teaching them how to leverage their knowledge and be financially self-sufficient. People can't hold their space if they can't feed themselves or their children.
   

   
   
5. Harness Technology
   

   eBooks will never replace printed books. However, I sure am glad to have the technology available. We offer so much to our members because we can take advantage of this low-cost method of delivery. I think eProducts in general are the perfect tools for marketing. In fact, one of the services we offer is teaching individuals how to market in the Information Age.
   

   
   
6. Discipline Is the Key
   

   Creating accountability through deadlines and relationships is how you establish discipline. I found that this is the only way I would make "writing" a priority. This stresses writers out sometimes--me included--but it works!
   

   
   
7. Manage Your Time Wisely
   

   I do ALL my shopping online. Personal and professional. I don't mind shipping charges because of the amount of time I save. There is no way I would be able to run multiple businesses and raise four kids without the Internet (and my husband too!). I love the fact that I click a few times and UPS is doing the legwork for me while I move on to the next task on my list.
   

   
   
   About the Author
   

   Sheri McConnell is the President of the National Assn. of Women Writers (www.NAWW.org). She helps women writers and entrepreneurs discover, create, and profit from their intellectual knowledge! Free reports available with subscription to NAWW Weekly. Sheri lives in San Antonio, Texas with her husband Seth and their 4 children. Contact her at: naww@onebox.com or her toll free number at 866-821-5829.