Books take an emotional and psychological toll. I love this quote from writer Red Smith: "All you do is sit down at a typewriter and open a vein."
Sometimes, showing up at the page requires intense vulnerability, even courage. But first-time book writers think it's just about the writing. If you learn how to craft good sentences, you're home free. That's only half of the process. Like any long-term relationship, it's also about your accountability.