Let’s talk about the truth behind a question every aspiring author eventually asks themselves in frustration:
“Why is it taking me so long to finish my book?”
If this sounds familiar, know this: You are not alone.
At Two Sisters Writing & Publishing®, we’ve coached and published dozens of authors, and everyone has wrestled with the same question at some point in their writing journey. Whether you’re writing a memoir, a novel, a business book, or a spiritual guide, there’s one universal truth:
Writing a book is a spiritual, emotional, and mental journey. And journeys take time.
Let’s consider why it often takes far longer than expected to write the book that lives in your heart, mind, and soul.
1. You’re Writing More Than Words—You’re Writing Your Soul.
Writing a book – especially a memoir or deeply personal project – isn’t just about putting words on the page.
It’s about facing your truth.
It’s about remembering things you may have buried.
It’s about feeling things you may not want to feel again.
It’s about crafting a raw, honest, and resonant message.
That takes courage. That takes healing. That takes time.
For many authors, writer’s block isn’t a block – it’s a pause. A necessary moment of integration. A way to catch your breath before diving deeper.
We like to say: your book is writing you, just as much as you are writing it.
2. Perfectionism Is the Enemy of Progress.
If you find yourself rewriting the same opening line or paragraph ten times…
… agonizing over every sentence structure…
… or waiting until you have “just the right” words to begin a chapter…
You’re not lazy.
You’re a perfectionist.
And perfectionism is a significant reason books stay unfinished.
So many aspiring authors get trapped in the idea that their first draft must be amazing. But that’s not how books are written. First drafts are meant to be messy, raw, and imperfect.
Done is better than perfect.
Let yourself write badly. Sloppily. Emotionally.
Let it flow. You can clean it up later.
Remember: You can’t edit a blank page.
3. Life Happens. (And It Always Will.)
We’ve worked with women who are raising kids, running companies, caring for others, grieving, healing, and managing chronic stress while trying to write their books.
Sound familiar?
Writing a book doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It happens in your life.
So if you’ve had to pause your writing because of work, family, health, or emotional overwhelm, please don’t beat yourself up. Give yourself grace.
Instead, recommit with compassion. Carve out 15 minutes a day. One sentence at a time adds up to a finished book.
4. You’re Waiting for the Right Time.
Here’s the truth:
There is no perfect time to write your book.
Life won’t suddenly become calm. Your schedule won’t magically open up. Your motivation won’t arrive like a divine bolt from the sky.
You have to create the time.
You have to show up anyway.
You have to decide that now is your time.
At Two Sisters Writing & Publishing®, we always say: “Write it anyway.”
Tired? Write it anyway.
Busy? Write it anyway.
Scared? Write it anyway.
The most powerful books were written in between moments – on lunch breaks, in parked cars, at 5 a.m. before the kids woke up.
5. You’re Afraid of What Finishing Means.
This one is sneaky.
Sometimes we delay finishing our book because subconsciously, we’re scared of what comes next.
- What if nobody likes it?
- What if people do like it and expect more?
- What if I publish it and it doesn’t sell?
- What if I get judged, or rejected, or misunderstood?
These fears are real. But don’t let them control you.
Finishing your book means you’re stepping into a new version of yourself: An author.
That’s a significant shift – and it takes emotional readiness.
But here’s the thing: That fear? That resistance? That’s proof that your book matters.
You’re birthing something powerful, and powerful things take time.
6. You Need Support.
Let’s be honest: Writing a book is hard.
Doing it alone is even harder.
You don’t have to white-knuckle it.
At Two Sisters Writing & Publishing®, we guide writers through every stage – from idea to outline to publishing and marketing. We provide structure, accountability, feedback, and encouragement. We hold your vision when you forget it. We remind you that your story matters.
Because it does.
You deserve to be supported on this journey. Writing a book isn’t just a creative endeavor—it’s a sacred mission. A legacy. A gift to the world.
And you don’t have to do it alone.
So… How Long Should It Take?
That depends on your life, schedule, mindset, and goals. Some people finish a draft in three months, and others take three years.
There is no one correct timeline – only your timeline.
But if you’re feeling stuck, discouraged, or defeated, know this:
- You can do this.
- Your story matters.
- It’s not too late.
- You’re not behind.
You’re simply on the path. And it’s unfolding exactly as it should.
Your book is not just a dream—it’s your destiny.
Make it happen.
Elizabeth Ann Atkins is a bestselling author, Emmy-nominated TV host, actress, and award-winning journalist. She co-founded Two Sisters Writing and Publishing with her sister, Catherine M. Greenspan, a company that has written and published over 60 memoirs, novels, business books, and journals since 2016. With a master’s degree in Journalism from Columbia University and a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from the University of Michigan, Elizabeth has written over 20 books and is widely known as America’s Book Coach. She also hosts The Goddess Power Show, a podcast and YouTube channel that explores topics empowering women to live bigger, better, and bolder.