A Writer's Guide To Writing A Book
If you are here to read this blog post, then I say a big congratulations to you as you are well on your way to writing a book. This write-up is basically for those who are writing their debut book.
It can be quite anxious for a newbie writer to take on the path of writing a book. I can picture such a person filled with anxious thoughts about how do I start. Well, I am here to take you through the different stages you need to walk through to achieve your goal. At this point, I will say, “Cast your fears aside and open your mind to learn.”
How do I start?
Let’s look at these tips that will guide you on how to begin writing your book.
1.Idea Generation: Every published book, be it fiction or nonfiction, started with an idea. The writer toyed with the idea and found it reasonable enough to write about it. Thus, any intended writer should seek an idea first and find it worthy enough to be written.
2.Planning/brainstorming: When an idea has been formed, the next stage is to plan. Some questions need to be asked. For fiction, the questions include:
• Why do I want to write this book?
• Who is my target audience?
• What is the setting of the book?
• Who are the characters?
• Who is the protagonist and antagonist?
• What language will be spoken?
There are still other questions that need to be asked based on the idea generated. For nonfiction, some questions include:
• What is the purpose of this book?
• Who is my target audience?
• What message am I trying to pass?
3. Create an Outline: This is a crucial stage while writing a book. Creating an outline is not as important for fiction as it is for nonfiction, because of the prevalence of two types of writers: pantsers and plotters. However, it is still beneficial to a fiction writer to create an outline as it helps the writer to see the beginning and end of the book. Here, the writer can:
• Create the plot
• Add characters
• Map out the key scenes
• Log in the sequence of scenes
• Decide on the word count
Writing an outline helps the writer to be intentional about the book. It also curbs writer’s block and overcomes blank page syndrome. The writer can create the outline on a document or visually with diagrams which will act as a roadmap to lead the writer on what scene to write at each stage.
4. Research: Every well-written book was properly researched to avoid false information and loopholes. This is a mandatory part of writing that should not be put aside. Based on the scenes that have been outlined, proper research should be done by the writer.
5. Choose a Writing Software: Several software programs abound to assist a writer apart from the traditional paper and pen. Popular programs include Microsoft Word, Scrivener, and Google Docs. You can decide which one to choose from or any other ones that are suitable for your needs.
6. Choose a Writing Space: Being comfortable while you write makes for easy writing. Choose a corner as well as a comfortable chair and table that will prevent bodily discomfort. You can also decorate the corner however you please.
7. Choose a Time to Write: Being consistent with a particular time helps to keep you intentional and grounded. When you fix a particular time to write, all activities will be organised to free up space for you to write as at when due and this helps to keep you on track.
8. Start Writing: Yes, the stage is now set for you to start writing. Let the words flow from you as you release your idea and imagination. This is your first draft so don’t think about perfection. It’s about writing what you have in your heart and mind.
What’s next?
If you stayed with me up till this point, I am sure you feel better and encouraged to delve into the writing space. By the time you have accomplished these feats, you have written your book. What is left now is to revise your book, edit it, create a compelling book cover, secure ISBN, and publish.
Writing is a skill that you master as you keep practicing. Your first book can’t be your best so don’t shut the door on writing if you feel it isn’t as great as those of the well-known writers. Remember that they also started from somewhere and it wasn’t their best at first.
Live out your dream and write that book. It is your calling.
