How to write a book in a week
People often ask how it’s possible to write a book in a week. The truth is, the writing week is just the final stage of a much longer process. The real work happens in the months, sometimes years, beforehand.
By the time a writing retreat begins, the ideas are mapped, the structure is tested, the research is done, and the stories are chosen. Every piece of preparation allows the words to flow easily once the keyboard starts clicking. The aim isn’t to figure things out while writing, but to arrive ready, mentally, creatively, and practically.
A first draft will always be messy, and that’s part of the deal. Producing 45,000 words in a week doesn’t mean the book is finished. It simply means the raw material exists, ready to be shaped, refined, and improved as the book evolves and takes shape.
1. What a Writing Week Looks Like
If you want to write a book in a week, a quiet and isolated location makes all the difference. It could be somewhere like the Bay of Fires in Tasmania, ideally with patchy or even no internet and endless coastline that provides space to focus. This includes no Netflix, no distractions, no neighbours and no noise. Instead you have time for pure writing, reflection, and the occasional walk on the beach with a Maltese called Bloom.
A comfortable setting is essential. This includes warmth (or AC), good food, and a well-equipped space to make it easier to focus on the work. I also like to have a good table or desk with a comfortable chair to work from. Once settled, the outside world fades away and the creative rhythm takes over. Some days produce a flood of words, others are slower and more thoughtful.
Setting daily word targets helps maintain momentum. To do this you can put a giant post-it note on the fridge which becomes a motivator and progress tracker. Hitting those targets brings a sense of satisfaction and often earns a small reward – a break to go fishing, a walk, a trip into town or a few quiet hours by the fire.
A full day off during the week helps too. Writing continuously without pause can drain energy and creativity and to be honest, you get less effective over time, so taking a break is just smart writing. Rest, reflection, and a bit of breathing space allow the ideas to deepen and the words to sharpen.
2. Preparation Makes Everything Easier
The quality of a writing week depends on the preparation done beforehand. Every framework built, every story outlined, every bit of research gathered creates freedom on the page. Even the visual elements, like a draft cover design, play a powerful role. I love having a printed version of the cover on the wall whilst I’m writing – it really helps me visualise the book and it helps keep the goal in sight, a reminder that this book will soon be in readers’ hands.
3. A Thought for Aspiring Authors
Perfect conditions rarely exist. Many great books have been written late at night after long workdays or squeezed into small windows of time. What matters most is commitment, deciding to write, even when life feels busy or inconvenient.
If the opportunity arises to escape for a few days of uninterrupted writing, take it. Immersing fully in the process produces deeper thinking and more authentic writing. The end result is stronger, clearer, and often comes together faster.
Writing a book in a week isn’t about speed, it’s about focus. Preparation, discipline, and environment create the conditions for words to flow. When the groundwork is solid, a single dedicated week can bring an entire book to life.
I’ve written most of my books this way and it’s a process that I’ve grown to love. I realise I’m fortunate to be able to write in this intensive, retreat style way, but to me this is also an investment in my writing and my books overall. The end result is a better book, every time.
The Bigger Button is coming soon.
