How to Write Your Nonfiction Book in 2025 (even if you’re busy)

That book that's been swirling around in your head?

The book that everyone is telling you that you should write?

The book you talk about constantly. The one you'll write, "someday."

You know the one — the one that you think you don't have time to write this year. 

Even though you've declared it (maybe more than once)...

“THIS is the year that I need to write my book!”

Let me tell you, it's totally possible, even if you're juggling a million things. 

The truth: We're all busy. And there will never be the "perfect" time to write your book. 

So you may as well start now.

Then the thoughts creep in. You start thinking about all the “hows.” 

How do I start? 

How do I structure it? 

How do I even find the time? 

It’s enough to make anyone throw up their hands and say, “Forget it!” before they even begin to write.

First, you’re not alone. So many people dream of writing a book but get stuck before they even start. And honestly, the first step is simply deciding you’re going to write it. Like, REALLY do it. 

Why do you want to write this book anyway?

Why do you want to write this book? 

Is it because you've solved a problem that used to drive you nuts? 

Have you mastered something and want to share your knowledge? 

Maybe you have an incredible story that needs to be told. 

Whatever it is, knowing your WHY is the key to being able to take consistent action. It's what's going to keep you going through the whole project. Book writing is a big project, that's why so few people actually follow through and write their books.

You’ve gone through some stuff.

Maybe a ton of things. And through all that, you’ve learned valuable lessons. You’ve grown, you’ve changed, and you’ve come out the other side stronger. 

That’s your story, and it’s worth sharing. I’m a big fan of blending memoir with self-development (my book Unfussy Life does this). Stories are powerful because they allow your readers to connect with your journey and see how it relates to their own lives. They see themselves in your transformation and realize what's possible for them.

But here’s the thing: you might doubt yourself. You might wonder if your story is "big" enough or if anyone will even care. Trust me, someone will. If you struggled with something and found a solution, chances are someone else is going through the same thing. And your experience could be exactly what they need to hear.

Too busy to write your book? Yeah, me too. Here's how I did it.

We’re all busy. Work, business, family, friends, and kids in travel sports. Life is full. And the idea of adding "write a book" to your already overflowing plate? It sounds… well, impossible.

I'm telling you it's possible because I did it. I truly believe we don’t need to disappear to a cabin in the woods for a year to write a book (though, sure, it might be nice from time to time, it's simply not feasible for most of us). 

We can write right now, and make book writing part of our lives. Immersing ourselves in life makes us better writers. We draw inspiration from the everyday, from the conversations we have, the challenges we face, and the joys we experience. 

Who wants to isolate themselves for a year? I’d much rather enjoy my family while I write.

I'm working on my fourth book. The first one, a 50-page mini-book, I wrote in three months while working a full-time corporate job with a 90-minute commute. I'd wake up at 5:00 a.m. during the week to write for 30-60 minutes before getting the kids off to school and going to the office. Plus weekends. I made it happen. 

I drafted books #2, 3, and 4 while running a full freelance copywriting business, a writing community, and a coaching business. Throw in a handful of cross-country moves in there too. Still, I got it done. Much of the drafting phase happened in just 30-60 minute chunks before I began working for the day. 

The Perfectionism Trap

The enemy of your book writing — perfectionism. It's that voice in your head saying your book needs to be absolutely perfect before anyone can see it. That voice is lying to you.

No first draft is perfect. Mine aren’t, and neither are anyone else's. Give yourself permission to write a surrendered first draft (SFD). Your only goal in your first draft is to get the words out. Stop worrying about whether it’s good enough, how you'll market it, and focus on getting it down on paper (or your screen).

Many of those voices in your head aren't even yours. The ones saying you're not a "real" writer or that you can’t do it? They might be the echoes of terrible teachers and well-meaning parents. Those voices need to go because they're not serving you. Would you say those things to a child? To your best friend? Probably not. So don't say them to yourself.

If you have an idea for a book, it was put there for a reason. 

You're meant to share it. You're meant to create an impact. 

So, how do we actually get the words out? How do we start? 

Every book begins with tiny actions. A 50,000-word draft might sound like a mountain, but it’s really just 300 words a day for about six months. 300 words! You can do that in 15 minutes. Do you have 15 minutes? I bet you do. You can start with 300 words a day and then increase it from there as you get the hang of it.

The #1 thing that slows writers down: Editing while they write. 

When you’re writing, you’re in creation mode. You’re letting the words flow. When you’re editing, you’re in refining mode. Those are two very different activities, and they require different parts of your brain.

When you’re drafting, ignore the typos and grammar. Write one honest sentence, and then another and another. 

Think about a baby learning to walk. They’re not focused on "how" they're doing it. They merely know they want to walk. They stumble and fall, but they keep trying. No one gets mad at the baby for doing it "wrong." 

Approach your book just like this. Keep your heart focused on your WHY and your WHAT (the book). The HOW will figure itself out along the way.

Making Time to Write Your Book (Even When You Think You Don't Have It)

Making time to write your book is all about intention and immersion. 

First, decide you're going to do it. Make it a priority. Block out 15 minutes in your day. Set an alarm. Do whatever you need to do to make it happen. And then, when that time comes, sit down and write.

It might mean spending less time on social media or watching less TV. It might mean getting up 15 minutes earlier or writing during your lunch break. Those small pockets of time add up. 300 words here, 500 words there… before you know it, you’ve got a draft.

If you get stuck at the blank page, try talking it out using the talk-to-text feature on your phone (or another app like Otter). You can take a walk in nature and talk out your ideas. Later, you'll transcribe them and start editing.

The Power of Writing with the Moon (Seriously!)

Okay, this might sound woo or weird, but stick with me. I’ve found that aligning my writing with the moon phases can be incredibly helpful. Here's how to align your book writing with the moon phases (and how to think of each phase as a season).

• Think of the new moon as winter: a time for reflection, going within, planting seeds. 

• The waxing moon is like spring: it's a time for initiating, brainstorming, getting those first drafts down. 

• The full moon is summer: a time for pushing, getting visible, trusting your instincts. You can get a lot of writing done during this time. 

• The waning moon is fall: a time for finalizing, editing, refining, and letting go of what’s not working.

This isn’t about strict rules or feeling like you HAVE to stick to writing and editing with this suggested schedule. It’s about noticing the energy and working with it. 

Immersion for Writing Flow

Just because writing a book is a solo activity doesn't mean that it needs to feel lonely. There are so many other people out there trying to write their books. Find your community. Join a writing group. Work with a coach. Having that support system can help you start — and keep going.

Watch the full live masterclass on this topic for more tips below.

And when you're ready to begin (which may as well be today), join us in the community.