How To Work On Multiple Books At A Time As A Gap Writer
I am working on three books right now, and I don't have a lot of time to do it
I’m a ‘gap writer.’
That means I write in the gaps in life. As a minimalist author, my book publishing efforts happen in the spaces I schedule and the in-between times of life.
I’m not a full-time writer.
I am a full-time husband and father, and I am a full-time employee. We have five acres to care for and a home church that we facilitate. We have a lot going on as a family.
Yet, I still find time to write and publish books.
How much content do I actually produce?
To help you understand my situation a little more before I share how to do it, let me help you know how much content I am producing, not as a flex or brag of being busy, but to help you see what you can probably do, too.
As part of my 12 Books in 12 Months Challenge, I am writing one book monthly. This includes writing, editing, formatting, cover design, research, and book promotion efforts.
I also publish three newsletters a week. Two here on my JR Heimbigner Substack and one on my Coffee with Jesus Substack. Plus, I engage on Notes with at least one value post a day.
I publish daily on Medium. Some posts are very long, and others are less than 200 words. Either way, I create something daily to keep momentum on the platform and invite people here.
Suffice to say, I’m doing quite a bit with writing.
Have You Checked Out This Book?
Empire of One: The Solopreneur's Blueprint to Building Your Online Kingdom
By Joe Forrest over at Niche of One
This comprehensive book delves into the heart of digital entrepreneurship, offering the tools and insights needed to carve out your independent path in the vast online landscape.
How to Create Content and Work on Multiple Books at Once
Okay, now that I’ve shared a glimpse into what I am doing to grow my writing as an author. Let me pull back the curtain to help you see how I do it.
Everything builds toward a book, a Substack post, or a product. I don't do it if it doesn’t build toward one of these things. As you know, I write the first draft of all my books using blogging platforms, making it easier to write several books simultaneously.
Ideas and Validation with Medium and Notes. When I have an idea for a book or product, I test them on Notes and Medium. What sticks? What doesn’t? How could I create a product that serves readers? This helps me build toward books and products.
I have scheduled writing times and pick-up writing times. I write every morning from about 5:30 to 7:00. Then, I find gaps in the day, such as lunchtime when I work in the office at my day job or at night if my wife is out.
Keep a priority list. I keep a precise priority list. I must do three daily things: 1) Work on a book. 2) Publish to Medium. 3) Publish to Substack. And it always goes in that order. I might work on another project if I have done all these things.
I don’t miss twice. Somedays are more challenging than others, but I never miss a day twice. If I miss a day on a book, I’m back at it the next day. If I miss a Medium post, I’m back at it the day after. I take breaks, but I don’t miss twice.
What is impressive about all this is how much you can actually do when you have a system in place.
But, there is one more thing you need to remember…
Final Thoughts on Gap Writing and Working on Books
You need to take your time at first.
When I first started writing, I was not a fast writer. I was slow and would not have been able to create content and books at the rate I do today.
So, don't beat yourself up for not being able to do a ton of writing when you are first starting. There is simply no way you can do it.
Start with what you can do, and build on it. This is the way forward.
My name is J.R. Heimbigner, and I am a #1 Bestselling Author on Amazon with 13 self-published books. I have two things I want to share with you:
A short book on to help you use your Substack posts to write books.
The First Draft Masterclass. I share exactly how to write your first draft so you can get that book published!
Have a book already? See how I can promote it with my newsletter!
Also, this post may contain sales or affiliate links, so I might get a little kickback if you purchase anything. Thank you in advance!
Your posts are inspiring, J.R., thanks. I love the simplicity of micro book publishing. I’m still debating if it’s the right path for me, but I may make the leap soon. It seems like a great way to grow my agency business while enjoying a fantastic creative outlet.
Do you publish the same content on medium that you do on substack?