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 The first time I attempted to write a children's book it took me three months and several years of promising myself I would do it "one day." In that time I managed to wash the dog a million times, rearrange my closet, get my apartment so clean that they should have done a commercial about it and procrastinate in ways that gave the word a new name.

When I actually sat down to write the book it took me two days and that was with editing. That is the longest that it has taken me to write a children's book since then and in reality, unless you are writing an epic it will not take you more than that period of time to write yours either.

Why then the title, " How to Write a Children's book in 30 days or less?"

So that you will have time to wash the dog, clean the closets and get Mr. Clean to personally come in and interview you, in addition to writing a children's book that you will treasure forever.

The Six Keys to Getting Past Procrastination

1. Visualize - Visualize your goal. Visualize your Story. Visualize your life the way you want it to be.

    

2. Prepare - Prepare your work space. Prepare your family for your writing schedule. Prepare yourself for all the possibilities that will open up to you.
3. Create - Create an environment that you can work in. Create characters that you will enjoy spending time with. Create an entire world for them to come to life in.

    

4. Announce - Announce out loud to yourself every morning what your goal is. Announce to those supportive of you that you are finally going to put pen to paper. Announce your need for their support and cooperation.

    

5. Collaborate - Collaborate with other writers for ideas. Collaborate with your children and find out what kids actually want to hear about. Collaborate with librarians in your area to see what types of stories are selling.

    

6. Proceed - Proceed with your plan every day. Proceed to add pictures and ideas to your treasure map. Proceed toward the future that you deserve.

If you follow these six steps diligently, you should have more than enough time to write your book, give Fido his bath and make sure that your summer clothes are at the front of your closet.

Good luck and have fun.

Caterina Christakos is the author of several children's books and how-to books. Her poetry and travel articles have also been featured internationally.