"I have a book that I absolutely must write,” a book writer tells me. "My friends and colleagues say I should write a book because the topic is an important one,” the writer continues telling me her story. Then there is a pause for a moment of deep thinking and she says, "So why can't I write and finish my book? What is the matter with me?”

I hear this story over and over again. There is an answer and it's not writer's block. Writer's block occurs when you are sitting in your writing area trying to write and you get stuck. That is a different situation.

The writer in the above example says she can't write. She can't even get to the desk to write. Oh, she has started writing off and on over the weeks and maybe months and has finished a small amount of her book. Yet, she is frustrated because she wants to do more and finish her great book, but so far that is not going to happen.

There is an answer and a way to solve her problem. However, the writer doesn't want to hear it. Her answer is, "I'm too busy.” That is the Number One excuse writers give for not finishing their book. Things happen. You are ready to write and instead you have to drive the kids somewhere. Or, your friend calls you to help her with a challenge she has that the writer is SO GOOD at fixing. Maybe there's a great show on television that you absolutely must watch. Lots of excuses: It makes the writer feel better to have a "legitimate” excuse as to why she can't write her book.

Now that you know some of the excuses—forget them. If you really, really want to write you will be passionate about your writing and you WILL find a way to write. Writers write every day. When you talk to them they tell you they are busy but this is too important, they must write.

Let's identify five writing traits that you must practice so that you can keep on writing.

1. Visualize what you want to happen. Write it out… "By March xxxx I will complete the first draft of my book.” Think it, feel it, taste it, want it and see it in your mind's eye. Have a clear mental picture of your book and what it will look like. Feel the passion when you visualize it. Hold on to that vision and enjoy the journey along the way there.

2. Write every day even if it is only for 10 minutes. Write at the same time each day if possible. In 30 days you will have created a good writing habit. In fact you may become addicted to writing once you have a writing regimen.

2. Write down the tasks needed to achie

ve your goal and do them one-by-one. For example, you may need to do some research, interview someone, buy a reference book, etc. Write them down and do them. Prioritize your tasks. Select the first task and do it. If it is an uncomfortable task such as phoning a stranger to get some information you need, do it anyway. Once you do it will become easier and easier the next time. Only YOU can make writing and finishing your book happen.

3. "Recharge your batteries” as often as you can. Passion, enthusiasm, joy, and hope are the energy boosters you need to achieve your goal. Hang out with high energy, super-achievers and their enthusiasm will keep you going and you will keep on writing.

4. Avoid "naysayers” as much as possible. Negativity drags you down and prevents you from achieving your goal. Follow Principle #3 above to counterattack any negativity you are experiencing for the day.

5. Get a mentor, a coach, a success buddy, or a writing friend to keep you going and on the right track. Have a weekly routine where you contact each other.

Stop the excuses. Either you want to write your great book or you don't. Be honest with yourself. If you want to write your book there are no excuses. Stay focused and never give up. Almost all of the above traits are telling you to develop a routine. Create good writing habits and you will write and finish your book.

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