By Angela Connor » Now that I've written a book, I want to scream from the mountain tops how much I truly believe that anyone who has the drive and desire to write a book can find the time to get it done with a little bit of discipline.

It is so easy to buy into the "I just don't have time" school of thought because honestly, you probably don't on first look. But when you take a second look at how you spend your "free time" and couple that with a dose of honesty about how much you really want to become an author, I think you'll see things differently.

So, based on my own experiences...I offer these five tips for anyone who says they don't have the time to write a book. Keep in mind that I have a full time job, two young children ages 8 and 3, a house that needs lots of cleaning and a husband who needs to see me from time-to-time.

1. Sacrifice something you value and write instead. If you're serious about this, you may need to give up something you care about. Children and spouses are not an option. But if you watch several shows on television that you feel you can't live without, try living without them and work on your book during those times instead.
2. Whenever you're waiting, write. From the doctor's office to the lobby of your kids' ballet class we all are faced with waiting periods. The time when there is literally nothing for you to do but wait. Learn to take advantage of this idle time and pull out a notepad or bring your laptop.
3. Don't tell everyone you're writing a book. Talk is cheap. Just do it, and tell folks after-the-fact. You are doing this for you, so that makes you the only person who matters. If you're doing it for accolades and pats on the back, you'll never get it done.
4. Communicate with as many authors as you can through social media. Follow authors and book marketers on Twitter. Seek out publishers and agents and learn the craft. Find out what's happening in the industry and learn as much as you can. Follow trends. Join a social networking group for authors or even publishers.
5. Write about your topic on your blog. Blog posts can feed your book. With blogposts you are thinking short and pithy. When you go back to previous posts you will find new ideas for your book. Keep the blog posts coming.
6. Stay up late. You can sleep in four-six months. If you absolutely have no time then you have to make it. Give up a few hours of sleep and write. You'll be surprised at how the creative juices flow after midnight. I wrote from about 10pm-1am for two months straight.

Yes, writing a book takes dedication and for many, sacrifice. I am working hard on my marketing plan and looking for ways to generate buzz . I know it's going to work because I'm committed. And I think you can make it work as well. So if you're serious and you really want to write a book, put your money where your mouth is.

You'll be glad you did.

•Angela Connor is the author of 18 Rules of Community Engagement: A guide to connecting with customers and building relationships online (Happy About, May 2009) She goes by @communitygirl on Twitter and can be reached at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .