It’s an age-old question people pose: how to write a book? Everyone has a story to tell, or a story waiting to be created, but not everyone follows through and puts pen to paper. But if you’re interested in learning how to write a book, there are things you can do, even as a beginner.
Why Write a Book?
But before we can get into the how’s, let’s start with the why’s: why do you want to write a book? Think about that. Is it because you’ve always had a passion for storytelling, or you have a story inside you that’s begging to come out? Some people want to compile family historical information into a book for themselves and their families, and feel they’re the only ones who can do it. Think carefully to know why you want to write a book to be sure you’re ready for the challenge.
Before You Start
Masterclass, a source of instruction for writers of all types, offers their suggestions on how to write a book in nine steps. This includes three questions before getting started. First, they ask writers to assess their mental energy, and to be sure they have sufficient time to write a book. They also ask how comfortable the writers are with learning new skills, and committing themselves to applying these skills to a new venture. Masterclass also asks if writers have a firm grasp of the main characters, plot or subject, before getting started. One of the most frustrating things for a new writer is to start, then get bogged down within days trying to keep plot, characters and scenes straight in their minds. More than one writer has quit at this stage, and many potentially great stories have been lost this way.
Getting Set Up
Once writers are sure they’re prepared, many websites offer suggestions on what to do next. The first is to select a place and time to write on a regular basis. Have you ever heard that it takes twenty-one days to develop a habit? I believe that’s true, and I further believe that starting the habit of writing in a place that’s dedicated to writing helps. Reedsy agrees. Their list contains some of the same items as the list from Masterclass. (I’ve found that many groups and organizations have lists, the main difference is how long the list is. )
Reedsy further suggests that starting a creative routine is important. I’ve found that deciding when and where to write so it becomes a habit is essential to developing a system that supports your writing. They also suggest setting clear writing goals to keep yourself on track. I’d add that those goals ought to be a stretch and yet still be attainable. The idea that “a failure to plan is a plan for failure” applies to writing a book as well.
The Big Question
One big dilemma we face as writers is whether to outline or not. And there is plenty of advice you can read on that subject. Darynda Jones, author of the Charley Davidson series (First Grave on the Right, Second Grave on the Left, etc.), makes very detailed outlines, and she seldom deviates from her outlines. Other authors just sit down and get started. In fact, National Novel Writing Month–NaNoWriMo—uses the terms “pantster” and planner,” where the pantster writes by the seat of their pants, and planners, well…plan. These are stark definitions, since many of us who are planners allow ourselves to be spontaneous in our writing. And even the most die-hard pantsters have some kind of outline in their minds before they start writing.
Just Do It
I’ve addressed the need to get started in previous posts in this blog, particularly when I address using the intense, NaNoWriMo format. To quote Nike, “Just do it.” Just sit down, take whatever notes or outlines you have, and get started. If you’re like most writers, you want be happy with what you write. I’d like to think I’m getting better and better as a writer—using crisper language, not wasting words, more descriptive, etc. Yet I find when I’m writing a novel, I hit the keys and think: “this is the worst thing I’ve ever written.” Chances are, it isn’t, but it takes time to see that. Don’t get discouraged I you feel the same way.
Jeffery Deaver, critically acclaimed author of the Lincoln Rhyme series—among others—says that “all writing is rewriting.” Jeffery has a point. The thing is, you can always edit a poor draft, but you can’t edit a blank page. Just get started and let the chips fall where they may. And there are many ways to make that happen.
What to Watch Out For
Nownovel offers their own list of tips, but they also offer a list of don’ts—something I don’t see very often. Their positive tips have been shared by other websites. But their don’ts are helpful as well. For example, they suggest that authors shouldn’t keep changing their story repeatedly and start over. They further suggest that writers shouldn’t underestimate what it takes to write a novel and they caution writers about revealing everything in the first chapter—something like a brain dump. Another key concern they raise for fiction works is building the worlds their characters live in to the exclusion of the characters themselves: characters have to come first.
Trust me, even if your first novel or memoir isn’t a smash hit, only you can write it. Don’t get discouraged, and reach out to others for support. Once you start writing, you may never stop. And that’s a good thing.
