Are you the type passionate about writing whether it’s everyday journaling, blogging, or fun? Maybe you have a word doc full of ideas or short stories.
There’s a voice saying… “You should write a book”. Friends and family have mentioned it, too.
You’ve teased the ideas. Maybe had written a chapter or two for the fun of it. Writing blogs and communities are your thing because you enjoy the feedback and prompts.
We’ve all got to start somewhere, right?
I’m guessing, because you’re reading this, you’re wanting to give the book writing thing a real go.
Great!
Everyone will approach it differently and have personal suggestions. Here are 3 big actions you can take to the process a little, less hectic and tedious.
From Short Stories to a Final Draft: 3 Actions to Make Writing a Book Happen
Kindle is a great platform to explore writing a novel. Its low barriers of entry let you explore creativity while delivering a tangible asset.
The learning process and experience is helpful, too.
Writing a Kindle ebook is about the same lengths as you would have in print. There are layers of planning, editing, and publication. It just happens you’re in control of the distribution – which is part of the allure of writing a book these days!
Here are the helping things with getting it done:
#1: Mind map it and hire a good editor
A mind dump pulls all those ideas together and helps plan out your entry into becoming a writer.
This activity takes a simple story into one you can really flesh out. Much like how there’s structure to learning something in school or following a guide.
There are a couple mind mapping tools:
- WiseMapping
- FreeMind
- Scapple
You can use these to break down characters, locations, story arcs, and more. It’s helpful if you’re writing technical documents, too, if it’s divided into sections and topics.
Then…
Hire a good editor (maybe two).
Lots of ideas will flow through your mind to those hands. Not all of them are worthwhile for the final rendition of the work.
A good editor not only fixes the grammatical issues but will point out unnecessary parts. The second set of eyes are good for keeping work on track.
#2: Make the right space to get in the flow
Some enjoy writing at coffee shops. Others? They can do it while riding shotgun on a road trip.
Feeling like this is too distracting?
Consider this set up:
- Comfortable desk space
- Minimal writing interface
- Timing apps
A comfortable workspace both physically and visually. Clutter and improper workspace will disrupt your train of thought.
Comfortable visual styles like those of Henkel Harris Furniture or simply sitting outside, enjoying the views between writing, will help concentration.
The other two:
- Ommwriter – A minimal writing app free of distractions
- Tomato Timer – Using the Pomodoro technique to stay focused
These three elements will foster your creative “flow” by letting you zone into the words.
#3: Distributive it wide and use the criticism
Who we consider great writers had interesting backgrounds like Harper Lee working for an airline or T.S. Eliot being a banker – it goes to show writing happens when it happens.
Your first stories and drafts probably won’t make much of an impact… keep writing.
- Get the book into as many hands as possible
- Take their critical feedback, learn, and adapt
- Get back to writing with ferocity
Consider publishing snippets and short stories before undertaking a full book. Do so through your blog or pitching it to literary publications.
Why?
The feedback, of course, plus it’ll build confidence.
Combine all with a daily writing goal and you’ll have that book before long. You’ll have the documentation and space to flow with ideas.
Remember, you’re not on a deadline… take as long as you need to make something that’ll bring pride.
Did these tips help? Want to add to them? Leave a comment!
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