So, you want to write a book? But have no idea how to get started? Well then you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re staring at a blank page, or trying to find a spark of inspiration, with a little guidance and determination you can turn the writing process from daunting to exciting.
The Idea
Every book starts with an idea, a spark of inspiration. Though this doesn’t always come easy, believe me. Take some time to brainstorm ideas and concepts that interest you. You could start with a character, a setting, a plot point, whatever you can latch onto to launch your story.
Need something to inspire you? Check out my post “Ignite Your Creativity: 10 Writing Prompts to Fuel Your Imagination”
Set Goals
A writing project is a fun adventure, but it is important to establish some clear goals to help you stay on track. You need to determine how much time you can and want to dedicate to your writing each day or week, and perhaps deadlines for yourself. By setting goals, even simple ones, it can help you stay focused and motivated through the writing process.
If you haven’t tried vision boards, check out my 2024 writing vision board for inspiration – “Creating Your 2024 Writing Vision Board”
Create an Outline
Before diving into your best-selling novel you might find it helpful to outline the structure of your book. The level of detail is up to you, but breaking down your story into chapters/section and setting out the major plot points and character arcs can help keep you organised. Think of it like a roadmap, guiding you through the narrative it can help prevent writer’s block as you know roughly where you need to go, the ideas you need to bridge from A to B.
Develop Your Characters
When writing fiction, characters are the heart of your story, the ones you want your readers to connect with, love, hate, cry and languish over the course of your book. Spend the time early on fleshing out your protagonist/s, antagonists, and supporting characters. What motivates them? What do they fear? What are they willing to do to cross the line for something or someone? The more you understand your characters before writing, the more authentic, relatable and consistently written they will be for your readers.
Find Your Writing Routine
Most writers will tell you that having a regular writing routine helps to establish creative flow and consistent writing. What works for you however, won’t be the same as the next writer. Consider your lifestyle and goals for your writing. You may want to write in the early mornings, late at night or during your lunch breaks at work. What matters is carving out dedicated time for writing each day/week. Consistency is the goal to help you steadily progress your book from blank page to completed manuscript.
Find yourself stuck? Then read “10 Tips to Break Through Writer’s Block”
Shush Your Inner Saboteur
Self-doubt or fear can stop anyone from writing, but it’s important to remember that writing is a process. Your first draft is not meant to perfect. That much loved novel you wish you could write like… it almost certainly started off with a rough first draft. Give yourself permission to write badly, knowing that the revision and refinement of the editing process is where the true magic happens. Shush that inner saboteur, that self-doubt that you can’t write. As they say, fake it until you make it.
Just Start Writing
This is the hard part, getting those first few words on the page. But push past the initial resistance and put that pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard). You can’t improve your writing if there are no initial words to improve upon. Write the first sentence, then the first paragraph, and keep going. Try to keep moving forward.
Want to know a bit more about the tools to help you write? Then check out this post – “The Write Setup: tools, software and stationery for a productive writing session”
Embrace the Editing Process
Some people like to edit as they go, at the end of each chapter. Others like to do rounds of edits once they have a completed draft of their book. The editing process is where the magic happens to transform your writing to that next level. Be prepared to rewrite sections, move ideas or plot points around, tighten your prose and polish any dialogue. After a few edits you can reach out to beta readers or writing groups for some feedback to help improve your manuscript.
Stay Persistent
Writing a manuscript is not a sprint. It’s a marathon. Some days you’ll feel stuck or uninspired, but don’t give up. Stick to your vision, push through the challenges and finish that first draft! That sense of competition is incredibly rewarding.
Celebrate Your Progress
Remember those goals you set? Make sure you celebrate them, marking each milestone, whether it’s finishing a chapter, reaching a word count goal, or completing your final draft. Writing a book is a huge accomplishment to be proud of, so take pride in your hard work and dedication. Take the time to marvel at the incredible work you’ve done.
These 10 steps are a starting point to spring board your writing journey, turn that dream of writing a novel into a reality. Grab your pen and let your imagination go wild. The world is waiting for your story to be told!
Until next time,
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Want to hear from writers on their writing process? Click here.