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The Juggling Author: How To Write Four Books a Year While Balancing Family, Friends, and a Full-Time Job
Are you an author struggling to find time to write?
You've worked eight grueling hours at the day job, walked the dog, done the dishes, and put the little ones to bed. How do you still complete your writer to-do list after all of that?
It might seem like there's never enough time, but you can find a way to create. You can publish regularly while balancing all those other tasks in your life.
I can show you how.
Jim Heskett publishes hundreds of thousands of words of fiction every year while maintaining a day job, family, and friends.
Want to know my secret?
I'll show you:
How to write fast and stick to a schedule
How to prioritize all your tasks to regularly push your words out the door
How to create time out of nothing so you can write
Stop beating yourself up for not accomplishing your writing goals. Take control of your life and learn how to be a Juggling Author!
But don't take my word for it. Here's what some titans in the industry had to say about this book:
You've worked eight grueling hours at the day job, walked the dog, done the dishes, and put the little ones to bed. How do you still complete your writer to-do list after all of that?
It might seem like there's never enough time, but you can find a way to create. You can publish regularly while balancing all those other tasks in your life.
I can show you how.
Jim Heskett publishes hundreds of thousands of words of fiction every year while maintaining a day job, family, and friends.
Want to know my secret?
I'll show you:
How to write fast and stick to a schedule
How to prioritize all your tasks to regularly push your words out the door
How to create time out of nothing so you can write
Stop beating yourself up for not accomplishing your writing goals. Take control of your life and learn how to be a Juggling Author!
But don't take my word for it. Here's what some titans in the industry had to say about this book:
"This book introduces techniques that will help you tear through the first rough draft, and finally start publishing more books. No matter who you are or what kind of crazy schedule you have, you CAN become a successful writer. Jim’s tips will help."
-Derek Murphy, bestselling fiction and non-fiction author and owner of creativindie.com
"When you’re a busy author with a day job and other responsibilities, there’s never enough time in the day. The Juggling Author shows you how to get more writing done with limited time. Good advice from a guy who’s walking the walk."
-J. Thorn, bestselling author and co-founder of Molten Universe Media<
- GenresWritingNonfiction
186 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 18, 2017
19 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
About the author
Jim Heskett
68 books252 followersJim Heskett is a writer of short and long fiction, currently slaving away at a laptop in an undisclosed location in Broomfield, Colorado. Details about previous and future publications can be found at www.jimheskett.com
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 15, 2017
This book is a quick read and highly informative. I would go as far to say, it is a "must have" if you're a writer wanting to be an author.
From the reader's point of view, the book is sharp, witty, and never boring. I've read so many books on writing that simply bored me to tears. That was not the case with this one. It was like sitting in a coffee shop and discussing writing between bites of donuts or bagels and slurping a good cup of joe.
As an author, it showed me another way to approach the whole writing process. I learned more in the few hours that it took to read this book than I have in all my years of reading "how-to" books on perfecting the craft. It tackled the blurb (the bane of my existence), time management, and suggested software and apps to help manage the business end of writing .
It gave references to other books that help with plotting, creating characters, and making yourself known on social media. Yes, I will be buying a few of those books. I was never taught how to plot and I need to know how to do that.
There is so much useful information that I am sure I will be going back to read certain parts just to make sure I got it right.
The information is invaluable.
From the reader's point of view, the book is sharp, witty, and never boring. I've read so many books on writing that simply bored me to tears. That was not the case with this one. It was like sitting in a coffee shop and discussing writing between bites of donuts or bagels and slurping a good cup of joe.
As an author, it showed me another way to approach the whole writing process. I learned more in the few hours that it took to read this book than I have in all my years of reading "how-to" books on perfecting the craft. It tackled the blurb (the bane of my existence), time management, and suggested software and apps to help manage the business end of writing .
It gave references to other books that help with plotting, creating characters, and making yourself known on social media. Yes, I will be buying a few of those books. I was never taught how to plot and I need to know how to do that.
There is so much useful information that I am sure I will be going back to read certain parts just to make sure I got it right.
The information is invaluable.
August 8, 2017
Good overview if you're a beginner
Good overview if you're a beginner. Other wards, not incredibly helpful. I read it through KU. So it's definitely worth the price if you subscribe to KU.
Good overview if you're a beginner. Other wards, not incredibly helpful. I read it through KU. So it's definitely worth the price if you subscribe to KU.
Read
December 23, 2017Great craft book for busy people
I am a busy people. The author's practical, no-nonsense approach to productivity with regard to publishing is one I LOVED. Definitely recommend.
I am a busy people. The author's practical, no-nonsense approach to productivity with regard to publishing is one I LOVED. Definitely recommend.
August 13, 2017
Coming into this book I wasn't sure what to expect. There are already so many tales of success and how to reach it within the author community, with many of them rehashing the same old tropes.
Yet 'The Juggling Author' left me pleasantly surprised.
Jim Heskett has produced a book that is just downright honest. It's a step-by-step method which is easy to practice and has you sitting there questioning why you're not doing all of this in the first place. A lot of times Jim indirectly gives advice on mindset, as well as practice, without slapping you around the face with the obvious. The writing is personal and effective, and I personally have taken a lot away from this book, especially around the idea of nailing that first draft and getting it done without looking back.
The writing is humorous, the book is easy to follow, and the examples are relevant. If you're a struggling author (or indeed just an author at all), this book is well worth a read to get an insight into the mind of another.
Oh, and definitely appreciated the guest appearance from Mr Zach Bohannon!
Yet 'The Juggling Author' left me pleasantly surprised.
Jim Heskett has produced a book that is just downright honest. It's a step-by-step method which is easy to practice and has you sitting there questioning why you're not doing all of this in the first place. A lot of times Jim indirectly gives advice on mindset, as well as practice, without slapping you around the face with the obvious. The writing is personal and effective, and I personally have taken a lot away from this book, especially around the idea of nailing that first draft and getting it done without looking back.
The writing is humorous, the book is easy to follow, and the examples are relevant. If you're a struggling author (or indeed just an author at all), this book is well worth a read to get an insight into the mind of another.
Oh, and definitely appreciated the guest appearance from Mr Zach Bohannon!
July 26, 2017
How to publish multiple books per year even if you’re super-busy
I ordered Jim Heskett’s book after hearing him talk on Self Publishing Podcast about how he writes and publishes 300,000 words per year (4 to 5 novels) while juggling a full-time job, wife, dog, toddler, and social life.
This book clearly and succinctly explains how he does it. It’s a quick, worthwhile read that covers schedule, attitude, writing time, professionalism, useful tools, how-to, and more. Jim reveals the writing process he uses to go from idea to finished first draft in about a month, and from first draft to ready-to-publish novel in 1 to 2 months more. You’ll also discover how to front-load your production schedule so you don’t need to stress or scramble to meet deadlines or publish a book.
Whether you’re a pro writer, wannabe author, or hobby writer, you’ll find much of value here. Highly recommended.
I ordered Jim Heskett’s book after hearing him talk on Self Publishing Podcast about how he writes and publishes 300,000 words per year (4 to 5 novels) while juggling a full-time job, wife, dog, toddler, and social life.
This book clearly and succinctly explains how he does it. It’s a quick, worthwhile read that covers schedule, attitude, writing time, professionalism, useful tools, how-to, and more. Jim reveals the writing process he uses to go from idea to finished first draft in about a month, and from first draft to ready-to-publish novel in 1 to 2 months more. You’ll also discover how to front-load your production schedule so you don’t need to stress or scramble to meet deadlines or publish a book.
Whether you’re a pro writer, wannabe author, or hobby writer, you’ll find much of value here. Highly recommended.
January 19, 2020
While this is a quick and easy read, don't mistake that for lacking in information. This is an excellent guide to getting books written and published as quickly as possible. Mr. Heskett's system sounds so similar to mine I just kept saying, "Yeah, absolutely!" on almost every page. He added a couple of ideas I hadn't thought of, so I'm very grateful for that.
The most important question he asks throughout, and one I totally agree every author must answer for themselves, is "How badly do you want this?"
Writing and publishing books is work. There are no quick solutions, but there are systems we can put in place to make the process simple. Mr. Haskett has described his version of such a system, and one any author can learn from.
A fantastic resource, no matter where you are in your writing/publishing journey.
The most important question he asks throughout, and one I totally agree every author must answer for themselves, is "How badly do you want this?"
Writing and publishing books is work. There are no quick solutions, but there are systems we can put in place to make the process simple. Mr. Haskett has described his version of such a system, and one any author can learn from.
A fantastic resource, no matter where you are in your writing/publishing journey.
September 18, 2017
Very Helpful.
As someone who wants to be a successful indie author, this book was a great read. It was full of wonderful tips and advice, but there was one part I disagreed with. The author suggests writing when at work when free time is available, something not many of us have. Our jobs can be demanding, squeezing in writing on a phone is not always possible. Besides that one grievance, this book is certainly worth a read.
As someone who wants to be a successful indie author, this book was a great read. It was full of wonderful tips and advice, but there was one part I disagreed with. The author suggests writing when at work when free time is available, something not many of us have. Our jobs can be demanding, squeezing in writing on a phone is not always possible. Besides that one grievance, this book is certainly worth a read.
August 11, 2017
Some very good advice in this book that is actually actionable. My one complaint is the chapter that basically says that single people who don't have kids have no excuse to say they're busy. Judge much? People's lives are full of all kinds of commitments, and those kinds of judgements are unnecessarily condescending and annoying.
February 28, 2018
This was definitely an amazing book to read. Being a full time in an awkward work schedule, life can be hectic for writing especially with a little one. I also hate outlining, since I am a pantser, but the way he had described the idea of outlining was honestly really great as it fulfilled my pantsing dilemma and my need to plot and outline.
July 15, 2018
Great tips and encouragement for anyone who feels they are "too busy" to write. I'm not sure I fully support the long term lifestyle implications of trying to turn yourself into "a perpetual motion fiction machine" but if you're determined to fit more writing into your day, this is an excellent read.
September 6, 2017
The Juggling Author by Jim Heskett was a good read. It is a good book for any author who is struggling with time management. The author provides you with helpful tips for writing good as well as fast.
July 1, 2018
Great Advice
If you need ideas on time management, juggling writing with everything else in life, this book can help you! There are plenty of tips for scheduling writing and other important authorly tasks into an already busy day and additional recommended resources.
If you need ideas on time management, juggling writing with everything else in life, this book can help you! There are plenty of tips for scheduling writing and other important authorly tasks into an already busy day and additional recommended resources.
July 28, 2017
Helpful informative and short.
February 27, 2018
I found this book both inspiring and genuinely helpful. I'm already putting some of Jim's reccomendations into use.
October 17, 2017
The narration of this book was good and lively.
The advice that this book provide you might have heard in other places with the exception to the social media info and how to do 4 books a year. the shortest summation of the book is "Sit down make a plan to fit your life, stick to it and throw in this formula and you can kick out 3 to 4 books a year." but as with any good advice it was a much needed reminder if the advice you have to just do it so do it!
I would recommend the book and I plan on getting the social media guide as that is the biggest tool writers need in this now digital age.
The advice that this book provide you might have heard in other places with the exception to the social media info and how to do 4 books a year. the shortest summation of the book is "Sit down make a plan to fit your life, stick to it and throw in this formula and you can kick out 3 to 4 books a year." but as with any good advice it was a much needed reminder if the advice you have to just do it so do it!
I would recommend the book and I plan on getting the social media guide as that is the biggest tool writers need in this now digital age.
September 17, 2023
This is a quick read. I liked the parts about plotting. While they may not be for everyone, this is the exact help that I needed to solve my plotting problems.
This will also be helpful to writers who have children and are struggling to balance writing with parenthood.
A good book to pick up if you want a refresher on all things writing.
This will also be helpful to writers who have children and are struggling to balance writing with parenthood.
A good book to pick up if you want a refresher on all things writing.
January 10, 2020
Some useful bits in here - it's interesting to see his process and I found it very interesting and inspiring to see his example daily schedule to show you can write loads of books with a full time job!
August 24, 2017
Great addition to your writers tool box!
This book is exactly what it claims to be and not to be. It's about juggling writing and everything else. There are a lot of examples, suggestions, details, but they are upfront that you are the biggest part of the equation. It takes hard work on your part, and this is not a get rich quick kind of book.
The author is a real example of how to make it work with a busy life. He has a family, full time job, and is a writer.
Chapters are short but full of information. I’m glad I could get the ebook version through kindle unlimited for free because it makes finding the referenced suggestions easier. Just click the link inside the book while listening and you are brought straight to the book on amazon. For me it is an easy way to grab the title and put it into a search at my library’s online catalog. I also found many of the titles on Scribd.
The narrator, John Alan Martinson Jr. has a great voice that I loved listening to, and would make a good narrator for a romance book. Sadly, despite have a long list of titles on Audible, he has no romances listed. Perhaps he has a pen name that he uses for other genres. I can only hope!
I give this 5 stars because it delivers on what it claims and it is a title that will be going into my writers tool box for sure!
Ebook obtained through Kindle Unlimited
Audiobook obtained for free at my request and I am voluntarily leaving this unbiased review
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews