4 Steps To Finally Writing Your Book
So here you are with a great idea for a book.
Maybe it’s your own story, a story based on true events, or simply an awesome idea.
You may have even been sitting on this story for months or years.
Well it’s time to finally do something about it…
But where do you start?
I’m glad you asked 🙂
Whether you’re working on your tenth book or your first, use these steps to get that story out of your head and on paper.
- Decide what the book is about
You may be thinking to yourself, “Yeah, obviously.”
But you’d be surprised at how difficult this step can actually be.
Let’s say you have a compelling life story—but you have so much material (your whole life!) to draw from that it can be overwhelming.
It’s important to boil down the main plot points early on in the writing process so as not to get bogged down in the details.
It’s also a good idea to decide on the goal length of your book at this stage too.
That way, you can more easily outline the book ahead of time (and not end up with a 100,000 word epic-novel based on that one week you spent abroad in college).
- Set a daily word count goal
We’re all busy. We all have things going on that could stop us from writing.
But if now is the right time for you, you need to make time for it.
Make it part of your daily routine, like brushing your teeth or walking the dog.
Even if some days you feel totally uncreative, just keep writing. You may even surprise yourself and find that the act of writing itself will awaken the creativity in you.
And the best part is, the goal does not have to be huge.
Shoot for 300 words per day.
With an attainable goal like one page a day, you’ll build momentum and easily hit your goal every day.
- Have a set time to work on your book each day
We’ve all had days when our to-do list is a mile long and next thing we know, it’s 5:00 pm and we’ve done two things.
Don’t fall into this trap!
Schedule your writing time—put it on your calendar on your phone or write it in your planner—however you decide to remind yourself, please do!
And if you need to take a day off, just schedule that ahead of time.
Take the guesswork out of your writing, so you can focus on being creative rather than wondering when you will ever have time to write.
- Commit to finishing
Here’s a little tough love for you: all the planning, prep & goal setting in the world will mean nothing if you don’t complete your book.
Do whatever you know will motivate you to finish your project to completion.
If that means setting a specific deadline, do that. If that means enlisting a friend or family member to hold you accountable, that works great. If you need an incentive, plan a trip for the month of completion.
Whatever you do, do not let yourself off the hook.
You & all of your future readers will be so glad you completed your book 🙂
“Word-usage is paramount in telling a story, to me.”
Your steps have some virtue, but do not apply to everyone. Many of us have families with commitments which cannot be juggled, not to mention work. I wrote largely after my son went off to college, when my husband was occupied elsewhere, or asleep, and after meals, housework and grooming. I spent five years writing my present novel and a couple more proofing, revising and promoting it. Having met numerous other writers, I find someone who must write is not difficult to find. There are oodles of us out here. The quality of writing varies greatly, as does the value of what is produced. Subjects do not vary much, considering the motion pictures offered today, of which few are worth the time to watch. Now, if you will, tell us what it takes to promote a completed novel that passes all of the tests. Please, since I’m working on my next one.
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!
My book is on parent abuse and a runaway colliding with #humantrafficking. I have self-published my book. Where do I go from here? Can you advice me?
Nat, I appreciate your emails, they tend to “spur me on” to get finished with this
book I started, ‘China Monster” a mystery thriller I’ve been nursing along for three years. Everyone that reads the partial manuscript feels it could be a movie.
I’m sorry I missed out on your offer to join when you offered to talk to someone connected like a producer/director etc.
I have this series in mind, and had outlined a few episodes “Written in Stone” I believe could be a winner. I even had done a short line,that was like a hook,that you suggested.
Thanks for staying in touch
Hi Nat, my name is Henry Hixson. I am a published author of a book titled “The Adventures of Thomas Pilgrim and Barney High Tail”. I am also writing a sequel which should be out by the end of this year. My question for you is, how do you get a book in the hands of interested movie producers. I know it’s an uphill battle and have been told that without an agent, you’re wasting your time. It frustrating because I know in all my heart that my book would make a great movie or made for television series. I base this high seas adventure on its story line and movie potential. Please take a look at my website, “The Adventures of Thomas Pilgrim and Barney High Tail”. There is a movie producer out there somewhere that would love to take this book and move it to the big screen. Hopefully I can find them. I would appreciate any suggestions that you may have.
Sincerely, Henry Hixson
Thank your for your suggestions. I like the idea of setting an appointment for writing daily. I’ve been writing working on my book for some time. Taking care of my family and being the bread winner at present (husband had heart failure) keeps me busy.