Picture this: You’re folding laundry, walking the dog, or waiting in the school pickup line… and you’re writing your book at the same time.
Sounds impossible? It’s not.
As a book coach for busy moms and multi-tasking women, I’ve helped dozens of writers ditch the laptop and embrace a game-changing tool: their voice. Voice notes have become my secret weapon for getting clients to finish their first draft faster than they ever thought possible.
Here’s exactly how to write your whole book using voice notes—without losing structure, momentum, or your sanity.
Step 1: Pick the Right Tool for Recording
There are dozens of free apps you can use, but here are my top three favorites:
- Voice Memos (iPhone users): simple, reliable, and built-in
- Otter.ai: records and automatically transcribes your notes
- Google Keep: great for Android users with added note organization
Use what’s easiest to access—because convenience is key when you’re juggling a million things.
Step 2: Outline Before You Talk
Voice note writing works best when you already have a basic structure. This doesn’t have to be complicated! Just create a quick bullet point list of what you want to say in each chapter. Think of it like a phone call—what’s the main story or point you’re trying to get across?
Want help building an outline fast? That’s built into my 30 Day Author program—so you never sit down (or pace around) not knowing what to say next.
Step 3: Talk Like You’re Telling a Friend
Here’s the magic: when you speak your story, you skip the inner critic that slows down your writing. You stop trying to sound perfect. You just talk. And that’s when the real, raw, beautiful version of your book shows up.
Whether you’re writing nonfiction, a how-to, or a memoir—this method works. One of my clients recorded an entire 40,000-word book in her minivan between appointments. No fancy office required.
Don’t worry about “getting it right.” Get it recorded. That’s your first draft.
Step 4: Transcribe and Edit (Don’t Panic)
Once you’ve got your voice recordings, it’s time to transcribe. Use tools like:
Then, treat your transcript as your first draft—not your final version. Spoken language is raw. But it’s easier to edit something messy than to face a blank page.
You’ll notice patterns. Stories that flow better than you thought. And yes, a few awkward rambles. That’s okay! All of it is gold for shaping your manuscript.
Step 5: Set Realistic Voice Goals
You don’t have to record your whole book in one breath. Aim for one section or scene at a time. A good voice note might be 10–15 minutes long, which often yields 1,000–2,000 words once transcribed.
That’s one chapter done. And you didn’t even sit at your desk.
Bonus: Voice Notes Are Perfect for Emotional Chapters
Many of my memoir students find it easier to talk through emotional chapters than to write them. It feels more natural—and more healing—to speak the story out loud.
You can always come back later and shape the structure, but don’t underestimate how powerful this process can be for capturing true voice.
You Don’t Have to Figure This Out Alone
Voice note writing is perfect if you’re short on time, full of ideas, and need a flexible system that works around your life.
You don’t need to “find the time” to write. You just have to start using the time you already have more creatively.
And if you’re ready to stop waiting for a quiet moment to magically appear, join 30 Day Author. I’ll show you exactly how to use tools like voice notes, outlines, and quick-draft templates to finally finish your book—in your real, messy, wonderful life.
👉 Join the 30 Day Author Program and let’s write this book—your way.
