• Tweet
• Buffer

• Tweet

Bond: I admire your courage, Miss…?
Sylvia Trench: Trench, Sylvia Trench. I admire your luck, Mr..?
Bond: Bond, James Bond

This post is dedicated to the bad-ass writer who laughs in the face of fear, self-doubt, and procrastination.

As we stare at our keyboards (or pen), curious about the words that hopefully will arrange themselves sensibly and without internal trauma on the page, we sometimes forget that it takes bloody courage to do what we do (insert English accent here).

Writers are bad asses. Like Bond, we have missions. We execute excuses. Through our writing we make sense of the world and often try to fix it one page at a time.

Writing is not easy.

Writing is not simple.

Writing is messy.

But we do it because in the words of 007, “The world is not enough.”

Here are Bond’s writing reminders as only he could deliver them:

1. Keep Your Eye on the Prize

Bond is a closer. What he starts, he finishes. How many manuscripts have you abandoned? You have a story that needs to be told, you started it, it’s waiting. Get it done.

And when life comes calling (kids, The Real Housewives, chores) remember this quote from Bond as he casually drops a gorgeous Russian agent in favor of saving the world:

Russian Lady Agent: “But James, I need you!”

Bond: “So does England!”

The stuff in your life needs you, but so does your book’s audience.

2. Embrace Being Alone

For many of his missions, Bond acts completely alone to get the job done. Writing is a lonely process and it should be in the initial stages. Embrace this. You’ll have help along the way: writer’s groups, beta readers, and social media pals. But the work of executing your writing is best done by you with you and without distraction.

3. Master Your Craft

Her Majesty and all of England depend on Bond to be good. Your readers depend on you.

The key to Bond’s success rate is that he knows how to handle his weapons (insert innuendo). Your weapons are the tools that make your good writing great: style guides, editing, and good old-fashioned revising. Don’t rush to the finish line without mastering your craft.

Remember: a weapon is only as good as the owner.

4. Trust Your Instincts

Just as Bond makes tough calls that aren’t always “popular” (like deliberately not killing an enemy for the ultimate undoing of a villain), you should go with your gut. It’s your book and you know the voice that tells your story. Channel your inner sassy and don’t question yourself.

5. Use Technology and Gadgets to Your Advantage

From an invisible car to a cell phone that doubles as a stun gun and fingerprint reader, Bond uses technology and gadgets to give himself the edge. He seeks innovation that makes him look good.

Obviously e-books should be a given for your final product, regardless of printing hard copies. But, while you’re writing, tools like writing apps, tablets, e-books, and online resources can make the road a lot less bumpy. Our favorite tools are: Google Docs, the Evernote app, the iPad, writing blogs, and a voice recorder. Check out this link from Mashable on cool writing apps.

6. Create Powerful Alliances

When Bond is in the U.S, he works with Felix from the C.I.A for the greater good and to accomplish similar goals. While you’ll need to work alone to write your book, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t build strategic partnerships to strengthen your final manuscript and your future marketing efforts.

Networking groups, conference attendees, workshop classmates, Twitter followers, bloggers, and industry experts can help you pursue and complete your mission. Make a list of the events, organizations, and like-minded contacts likely to support and help you along.

7. Chill

From Casino Royale

Le Chiffre: “You changed your shirt, Mr Bond. I hope our little game isn’t causing you to perspire.”
Bond: “A little. But I won’t consider myself to be in trouble until I start weeping blood.”

Bond has swag. The women, the clothes, the gadgets, and the attitude all make for a very cool agent. But beyond that, he’s chill. He doesn’t let much rattle him or throw him off his game.

Deep down, Bond is probably terrified. (or has been at some point)

But he doesn’t look it. Confidence will carry you a long way. When you’re out of confidence, find something to take the edge off so you can get back to work.

Bond likes martinis, shaken, not stirred (and hot women). We prefer comfort food and wine. What’s your thing that chills you out? Whatever it is, do what you got to do, relax the nerves, and then finish what you started!

So there you have it, James Bond has spoken. Get to work because you only live twice and even though tomorrow never dies, keeping your manuscript waiting is like letting it die another day.

Subscribe to the blog

Have every new post delivered to your inbox every time we publish a new article. Your email address will never be shared!