Today I’m hosting a guest post by Chris Richardson, a journalist and blogger who offers practical ways on how to learn to write books. I’ll give the word to Chris Richardson now.
How to Learn to Write Books: 7 Practical Ways
If you thought the hardest part of book writing is getting it published, think again. Modern writers of today struggle with many challenges before this step even comes close, and they will all tell you the same thing – the hardest part of book writing is the actual writing part.
To help you overcome the common barriers of the writing experience, we have made a list of seven valuable tips on how to write a book. Whether you are creating a new literary novel, a screen play or non-fiction book, these are the things you should know:
Take the Time to Prepare
‘I take more time to prepare than what I take to do the actual writing. And it is the right way to go – the more prepared you are about the writing part, the faster and better it will go.’ – says, Peter Smearson, content writer at Essay Geeks.
Starting the process is probably the hardest step of writing a book, or any other type of writing for that matter. Good writing requires research, great topic and title choice, a set schedule and detailed goals. If you want to get this part right and make the actual writing part easier, follow these steps:
Step 1: Decide What Your Book Is About
You cannot write a quality book if you do not know what it is about. Readers always know when a writer lacks a specific idea, or is simply rambling across dozens of pages. Therefore, you should get a clear idea as to what you will be talking about, and create an outline of this idea.
Step 2: Set a Word Count Goal
When you have a good writing regime, it does not matter how busy your life is. Sometimes people with all the time in the world cannot finish a book, while those with hundreds of tasks write a bestseller. There is no limitation when it comes to writing a great book. All you need is a clear daily word count goal and determination.
Step 3: Stick to Your Plan
You now have your daily deadline, so respect it. This does not mean that you are not entitled to a day off, but try not to get yourself off the hook easily. When the time comes for you to write those words, sit down and write them down.
2. Set a Routine
This sounds like the third step of the first tip, but it is actually quite different. A routine requires more than a set word count. In addition to setting your daily goal, you should also pay attention to your environment. Remove all distractions with some of the most popular tools, set the right lighting and even temperature, and write in the same time and place every time. It is only in this way that you can set a real routine.
3. Be Consistent
Do everything you feel you need to do to be consistent in your writing. Keep an inspiration list where you will write down your ideas, keep an organized journal where you will write down facts, sources, and even add illustrations, and keep the things that inspire you close to you. The goal here is to deliver consistently, even if it is not your day.
4. Picture the Readers
Just as public speakers picture the audience in their underwear to get rid of the anxiety and fear, so should writers. Only in this case, you are not looking at an audience, but at an actual reader. Once you do this, you will be able to create something of value to your readers.
5. Take Breaks
Our mind is a tricky thing, and no one can be completely focused on one thing all the time. You should try to stick to the schedule, but it is not illegal to take temporary relief from this task. Award yourself with a treat or a break when you need one, even if it will break your schedule.
6. Be Prepared for the Reactions
Every reader is different. One will see your book as a bestseller, and others will wonder how it got there in the first place. Even if this petrifies you, it is the truth. So, stop fearing that your book will bring bad reactions, because it probably will at some level. The goal is to be open and as great of a writer as you already are. Success will follow.
7. Tell Your Story
No one can tell your story like you can. Even if you tell it to another person, you still have the benefit of ‘owning it’. Use this benefit to show people that you are the best person to tell that exact story, and touch them with the words.
All you have to do when writing a book is dedicate yourself to it. Put your unique style, spin on the writing, and just keep going. Next thing you know – your book is ready for publishing!
Author Bio
Chris Richardson is a journalist, editor, and a blogger. He loves to write, learn new things, and meet new outgoing people. Chris is also fond of traveling, sports, and playing the guitar. Follow him on Facebook and Google+.
Speak Your Mind