It all begins with a simple step. Write. Simple, isn’t it? Well, it is not and you know that very well because you have been struggling for a long time to realize your dream of publishing your book.
Most people have dreamt of publishing their book, but only a few make their dream come true. What sets these apart from those who are still struggling to find a muse for their novel? Mainly, it is the habit – the habit of writing every day, dedication, and persistence.
“Start writing, no matter what. The water does not flow until the faucet is turned on.”
— Louis L’Amour
Here are a few simple steps to writing a book. With each step, you will get closer to your goal and finally the day will come when a publishing house decides to print your novel. Here’s what you need to do:
How To Write Your First Book?
#1 Decide what your book is going to be about
Well, some writers wait for a muse to appear in their life. If you don’t have that much f patience, decide the muse or the topic for yourself. Do you want your first book to be a mystery novel, a love story, or sci-fi? Decide the genre first and the ideas will soon begin to follow. Once you have an idea, start preparing an outline for your story, a skeleton. Break it down into chapters. A whole book may seem overwhelmingly challenging but if you break it down into steps, it will seem possible.
#2 Set a word count
Well, the only way to how to write your first book is simply write. But if you want to know how to write a book well, then here is an advice. Decide a daily word limit or goal that you want to achieve to get closer to your dream. Make sure you stick to your goal too. Discipline is the key here. No matter what, you have to set aside some time for writing your book.
#3 Where to start writing a book
This is one of the most crucial questions all budding writers have. Not only should you have a set place where you can concentrate on your writing but also have a preferable mode of writing. You should have a corner in your home with a writing desk and chair. Find where you feel most relaxed and focused in your home. Some people also prefer public places like cafes, park, and library for change of atmosphere. You may try. It is advised to write in the same place every day so that you are committed to your writing.
#4 Choose a system
Do you prefer writing in a diary or typing on your laptop? Well, whatever it is you must have a filing system. Saving your work is as important as it is writing. You wouldn’t want to waste your effort and time, would you? However, don’t waste your time manually writing everything and then typing in later. It is 2019 and there are so many systems available where you can write and save your work. Google Drive is the most common and preferable writing system. You can also use Evernote, Scrivener, Dropbox, and Microsoft OneNote.
#5 Eliminate distractions
What is it that is stopping you from writing or what excuse do you give yourself to not wrote? You ought to observe these and make a list so that you can eliminate them and begin writing. Is it your phone, playstation, or TV that is stopping you from writing? Don’t let these small things stop you from chasing your dream. Yes, writers are entitled to procrastination but when it is stretched for too long, forget about the dream of getting your book published. Don’t let anything interrupt you from writing.
#6 Write first, edit later
Don’t start editing as soon as you write your first chapter. When you begin writing, you are in a flow. Let it all out. It is only first draft. You will have plenty of time to editing once you have completed your first draft. Don’t break the flow. Barf out whatever you have to write. It will be the most honest writing you ever wrote. Who knows you may impress yourself from the genius you created?
#7 Find a community
Writing is not an easy task. Along the process, self-doubt can creep. In such circumstances, get in touch with other writers or reach out to writing community to get your work reviewed or receive constructive criticism. Not only this, your ‘writer friends’ will also encourage you and keep you motivated along the process. Find the workshops around your place where you can address the issues or bottlenecks that have appeared in your journey.
#8 Take a break
Yes, once you have finished writing, you should take a break before you can edit. Take this time to work on different projects. This will give you a whole new perspective and you can approach your story with an unbiased opinion. Once you have enjoyed your break, you can revise, rework, and edit several times until you have the final product.
So, these were just a few steps to writing a book. What are you waiting for? Get, set, write!
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