Writing A Book - Getting Started, And Completing The Goal

This episode sees a return to the work involved in writing a book.  First, you should consider aiming for this lofty goal.  It is not as monumental as it seems and can be a substantial confidence-booster.  Not everyone writes a book, and we have a wealth of topics from which to choose.  We also have short-form options like an e-book.  You can even attempt a children's book.  The opportunities are endless.

The first step is often the hardest.  That is the case when writing a book.  It is not trivial to select a topic for your book, whether it is short or a novel.  Nevertheless, this is an essential step in writing and a task that is worth completing.  I have found in my experience that selecting a topic is a morale-booster of sorts.  I have often immediately afterward had an urge to put pen to paper.  The story or progression seems to form as part of the selection process.  This side effect can get you started without writer's block.

An outline is a standard tool for writing a book or any other communication.  That framework gives us a mechanism for hanging our ideas on.  I do not find many people that also mention how writing has momentum.  Once you start putting vague ideas on paper via an outline, they often lead to other thoughts or details.  The topic can flesh itself out in your head. Then you have a flood of content available to help you write more pages than you planned or expected.  This surprise is one of the reasons I think writing to a length-based goal is not helpful.  When you leave the scope open, you can thoroughly cover your desired topic.

The life of a writer sitting at a scroll or even a typewriter should be history.  While these tools may have their appeal, they are not the most productive ones available.  We have a wealth of expertise and instant editor feedback available.  Use tools like Grammarly to make yourself a better writer and easily correct typos, spelling errors, and even common grammar mistakes.  You can dramatically improve the quality of your writing with a minimal investment of time.  That is a no-brainer decision for me.

Learn more: Writing A Book – What You Should Know Before You Begin