How I Wrote a 100-Page Book: A Deep Dive into the Writing Process and Productivity

Have you ever looked at a thick book and wondered about the sheer effort behind it? How does a writer transform a blank page into hundreds of pages of coherent, engaging content? It can seem like a monumental, almost impossible task. The good news is, it’s a process—a system of habits and tools that anyone can learn.

That’s exactly what I’m exploring today. On this episode, I’m joined by my friend Andrew Fiebert to pull back the curtain on the author’s journey. We’re doing this for a very special reason: I have officially finished my book!

It’s a surreal feeling to finally say those words. The book, titled 10 Steps to Earning Awesome Grades (While Studying Less), has crossed the finish line. It clocks in at a substantial 27,000 words, which translates to over 100 pages of actionable advice for students. And the best part? It’s completely free for you. You can grab your own copy right here and dive into strategies for overcoming procrastination, mastering effective study techniques, staying focused in lectures, and reading textbooks with purpose. I’m incredibly excited to share it and hear your thoughts.

(A quick note: During the podcast recording, I mentioned the book was around 22,000 words. A few late-night creative bursts led to some crucial additions I just couldn’t leave out!)

Demystifying the Writing Process with an Experienced Author

I specifically wanted to have this conversation with Andrew because he’s no stranger to the author’s grind. He’s also conquered the challenge of writing a 20,000-word book. Andrew is the brilliant mind behind Listen, Money Matters, a top-tier podcast and blog about personal finance that I’ve been recommending for years. He authored the book Mastering Mint, a comprehensive guide on using the popular finance tool, Mint.com.

With his experience, Andrew brings a valuable perspective to the conversation about managing large-scale writing projects. But that’s not the only reason he’s on the show today. There’s another piece of massive news I have to share.

A New Chapter: Joining the Listen, Money Matters Podcast

I’m thrilled to announce that I am the new co-host of Listen, Money Matters.

It’s been a whirlwind of excitement and, frankly, a bit of exhaustion. Andrew’s original co-host, Matt, has decided to transition his focus toward other passion projects. As a huge fan of the show, I saw an opportunity and offered to step in. Thankfully, Andrew thought it was a pretty decent idea.

So, what does this mean for you? In addition to all the content you already get here at College Info Geek, you’ll now get three weekly episodes dedicated to mastering your personal finances. We’ll be releasing new shows every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. I can’t wait to delve into complex money topics, interview fascinating guests, and help listeners build a stronger financial future. To get all the details, check out our first episode together!

And to be crystal clear, my commitment to College Info Geek remains unchanged. You will still receive a new podcast episode, a detailed article, and an insightful video every single week. I’m actively refining my productivity systems to handle the increased workload and even have some new, exciting things planned for the community in the coming year. You’ll want to stick around for that!

An Author’s Toolkit: The Software That Powers Book Writing

Tackling a project as large as a book requires more than just willpower; it requires the right tools. During our discussion, Andrew and I touched upon the software that was indispensable to our writing workflows. Here’s a closer look at the two primary applications I use for serious writing.

For Unstructured First Drafts: Byword

Byword is my go-to application for the initial drafting phase. Its design philosophy is centered on minimalism and focus. When you open Byword, you’re greeted with a blank canvas, free from the distracting buttons, menus, and formatting options found in traditional word processors. This “distraction-free” environment is crucial for getting into a state of flow, where the words can pour out without interruption. I use it to write what many authors call a “vomit draft”—the goal isn’t perfection, but simply to get all the ideas out of my head and onto the page as quickly as possible.

For Organization and Structure: Scrivener

Once the rough ideas are down, I move the entire project into Scrivener. This application is a powerhouse designed specifically for long-form writers, such as authors, screenwriters, and academics. Unlike a linear word processor, Scrivener allows you to break your manuscript into smaller, manageable chunks—scenes, chapters, or sections. You can easily rearrange these pieces using a virtual corkboard or outliner, making it incredibly simple to restructure your entire book. It also features a dedicated area for research, allowing you to store notes, images, PDFs, and web pages right alongside your manuscript. For a project with the scope of a 100-page book, this level of organization is not just helpful; it’s essential.

The Power of Focus: Applying the 80/20 Principle

Regular listeners might notice a small change in the podcast format: the “Resources of the Week” segment is no longer a staple. This wasn’t a random decision but a strategic one based on the Pareto principle, also known as the 80/20 rule. This principle suggests that, for many outcomes, roughly 80% of the consequences come from 20% of the causes.

In the context of my work, I realized that I could deliver more value by focusing my energy entirely on the core content—the main discussion of the podcast—rather than dividing my attention. Trimming this segment allows me to dedicate that extra time and mental energy to making the primary content as strong as possible. Don’t worry, though; I’m not hiding all the great tools! You can find a curated and constantly updated collection of my favorite apps, gear, and websites on my dedicated Resources page.

Key Resources Mentioned in This Discussion

Free eBook: Download your copy of10 Steps to Earning Awesome Grades and start transforming your study habits today.
New Podcast: Tune in to my debut as co-host of Listen, Money Matters and level up your financial literacy.
Writing Software: Explore the tools that make writing a book manageable. Check out Scrivener for powerful organization and Byword for focused, distraction-free drafting.
Community: Get involved with the CIG HabitRPG guild and build better habits with like-minded people.

If you found this episode insightful and want to keep up with future discussions, the best way to do so is to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes! It’s a simple, one-click process that ensures you automatically receive new episodes. Plus, it helps the show reach a wider audience. If you have an extra moment, please leave a review—it would mean the world to me!