How to Finally Finish Your Book: The Accountability Strategy That Works

If this is your first time coming across my content—welcome! I AM Christian F. Johnson, and my passion is empowering emerging leaders through inner work, creative storytelling, and transformational content.

This year, I set an ambitious goal: to write and publish 10 books. Naturally, the first question I get from other leaders—especially those who’ve never written a book before—is:

“10 books? How are you going to do that?”

That’s usually followed by stories of books started but never finished. I hear about the manuscript that’s been sitting for years, the dream that’s been put on the back burner, and the deep belief in a message that still hasn’t made its way to the world.

I see the passion in their eyes. I hear it in their voices.

But let’s be real—life has been life-ing. Between business, family, career, and countless obligations, the book keeps getting pushed to the side.

This speaks to my heart because I know that feeling. But I also know what it takes to get it done. At the time of writing this, I’ve completed four books, published two, and I’m finishing another. Some weekends, I can even write a book in just a few days.

The difference? Accountability.

That’s why I’m sharing the accountability strategy that actually works—so you can finally finish your book and release your message into the world.

This isn’t theory. This is exactly what I follow to get the job done. And if you’re serious about finishing your book, this will work for you too.

1. Book a Meeting with Yourself to Write

As leaders, we schedule meetings for everything and everyone we value. Well, you are valuable—and so is your book.

Think about it. If we were meeting for coffee, you’d put it on your calendar. You’d block off the time and make sure nothing interrupted it.

Treat your writing time the same way. Book a standing appointment with yourself.

Choose a time—early morning, late at night, or whenever you flow best.

Block it off in your calendar as a non-negotiable.

Treat it like a sacred meeting—with yourself, your message, and the future readers waiting for it.

Your book deserves this level of priority.

2. Communicate amp; Protect Your Writing Time

Once you’ve scheduled your writing time, protect it like your life depends on it.

Let your family or housemates know that during this time, you are not to be disturbed.

If you work in an office, communicate that this time is for focused, deep work.

Turn on Do Not Disturb—that means no calls, texts, or social media interruptions.

Most importantly, honor your own commitment. No rescheduling. No “I’ll do it later.” Hold the line.

3. Prepare Yourself—Mentally, Physically, Emotionally, and Spiritually

Writing a book isn’t just about putting words on a page—it’s about being in the right state to let your message flow.

Here’s what I do to prepare: ✅ Get proper rest the night before. ✅ Eat well—fuel your body, fuel your creativity. ✅ Meditate or pray to align with the flow, not force. ✅ Play instrumental music to create a high-vibration writing environment.

Write from vision, not pressure. When you treat your book as something alive and sacred, the writing process becomes an experience—not just a task.

4. Enter the Zone: Flow Over Force

Once you’re in your writing session, don’t force it. Let it unfold.

I typically start by writing why I’m writing this book, who it’s for, and what I want my readers to walk away with.

Then, I: 📌 Draft a title to anchor my vision. 📌 Outline a table of contents as my roadmap. 📌 Write freely—without judgment or editing.

If I hit a point where it stops feeling fun and starts feeling forced, I stop writing and step away. Flow over force, always.

5. Capture Ideas Throughout the Week

Book ideas don’t just come when we sit down to write. They come while driving, working, or in the middle of a conversation.

Instead of losing those moments: 📝 Take quick notes in your phone or notebook. 🎙️ Use voice memos to capture thoughts on the go. 📂 Store ideas in a Google Doc to revisit later.

When you show up for your writing session, you’ll already have inspiration waiting for you.

Bonus: Modify the Plan to Fit Your Flow

If writing once a week for a few hours feels too big, break it down:

Write one hour a day, five days a week.

Set micro-goals, like 500 words per session.

This isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress.

Your Book Is Waiting—Let’s Get It Done

If you’ve been sitting on your book idea for months (or years), this is your invitation to take action.

And if you’re reading this thinking, "This is helpful, but I’d rather have personal coaching and accountability"—I got you.

I’m launching the Emerging Authors Accountability Program, and I’d love to see if it’s the right fit for you.

DM me, and let’s hop on a call. Your book deserves to be written. Let’s make it happen.

May good, great, and awesomeness continue to flow to and through you all week long.

— Christian F. Johnson