I Want To Write A Book: 5 Rules on How to Begin

‘I’d love to write a book’
This is a phrase most of us will have heard. Either from our own thoughts, from a friend or in a crowded train. However, a sad truth is that many people who start with this phrase also end with it. The thought of writing a book is too big, too monumentous … impossible. Many simply don’t try or give up at the first hurdle. I won’t lie a book is hard work. But it is possible.
But where do you begin?
It’s simple really, you start by writing. Pen to paper, dictaphone in hand or fingers to a keyboard. Words are the stitches that make up the tapestry of a book and we all know words. With the language we use every day, we can all build a sentence, a paragraph, a chapter. If we can do that, then why not a full novel? You can do it, writing just takes time, patience and an unmovable resolve to finish.
However, even though it’s simple – you write a book by writing – your mind isn’t. starting can feel daunting and (if you’re like me) the pressure can force you to procrastinate like a dog chasing its tail. Because of this, I wanted to give you some tips that I hope will help start your writing journey; and believe me once you start you won’t be able to get the buzz out of your blood.
The first hurdle is believing you can do it. I believe in you and you should to.
So…

Rule #1 Don’t sabotage yourself from the start. Believe in your own magic.

Another important thing to remember is that the whole point of writing is to have fun and to enjoy the experience. If you are doing it just for money, this is the wrong path for you to take. It’s easy to understand if you look at paid writers and people that write just as a hobby; they are the same. Both would and do write for free. Don’t force it. Just look at what you do for free in your own time, this’ll reveal exactly what you enjoy doing.  
This shouldn’t be confused with challenges. Writing can be very hard and frustrating at times, but overall the journey should be loved. If it feels like a chore, I would personally move on to another creative outlet. It’s okay there are many other activities you can let your imagination feast on.
So…

Rule #2 Write because you love the journey

Don’t know what to say? Have no ideas?
I know staring at a blank screen can be intimidating, discouraging. Your mind goes blank, panic floods your system and you feel like a failure before you even start.
So before you block yourself at this hurdle remember, you can start your creative process anywhere, doing anything.
What am I talking about?
Well…first you need to figure out what you like. What inspires you? What feels magical or gets your heart pumping? These are all important questions you need answered, as your writing should focus on a subject you feel passionate about. Once you know your trigger topics, it will help to open up your mind to all the wonderous ideas available to you. And frankly your excitement or boredom will shine through your words; I know what type of author I’d rather be.
Once the gate in your mind is open and aware that you are looking for ideas, one will come to you. You just need to listen for the whisper. To do this, I suggest you engage in something that excites your imagination.

And remember keep something to write on close by; you’ll be surprised when the idea hits. However, don’t panic if one doesn’t come to you straight away. It’s okay, give it time. They will happen when you aren’t even looking for them. Just keep doing activities you enjoy and trust that your mind will keep listening in the background.
I personally get my ideas at the most random times. I don’t go looking for them, they find me as I’m running, going for a walk, or even cooking.
So…

Rule #3 immerse yourself in subjects you love. I suggest something that gets you moving as it will help your imagination flow

Once you have a spark of an idea, you need to decide on your writing approach. Do you want to begin by jumping into the story, discovering it along the way? Do you want to plan a solid outline? or a mix of the two?
There are a few ways to do this, you can either experiment with all three. Or examine yourself. Are you organised? Or do you thrive on spontaneity?
Look at how you have completed work in the past. At school did you get papers done weeks before the deadline or the night before? What I’m preluding to is, if you will write better as a pantser or a planner. There are successful authors from both categories, so there is no prestige or ‘right way’ of doing things. All you need to figure out is which is the right way for you.
I personally do a mixture of the two. I use a basic chapter outline and then go with the flow filling in the gaps. This is how I used to plan and execute work for university; therefore, a natural method for me to follow.
So…

Rule #4 Figure out if you’re a pantser, a planner or a mix of the two. Once you follow your own flow, you will write the best way for you.

At this point you have a spark, an idea and potentially an outline (there are many books that can help such as ‘plot and structure’ by James Scott Bell).
Now let’s begin your writing sessions. Find a space that is comfortable and will let you get lost in your imagination uninterrupted. Pick up your pen, computer or Dictaphone and start your story. Don’t worry how messy or uncoordinated your 1^st draft is, or even where in the story you begin (the first scene I wrote turned out to be chapter 11). That is the point of your 1^st draft. Get the ideas down and move on. You can edit later down the line.
So…

Rule #5 Set achievable goals for your writing sessions. This can be 300 words or a time limit of 10 minutes. My personal goal is simple: write every day. It doesn’t matter how much or what project; I just need to keep my head and heart in the game of writing to keep my soul at peace.  

I hope you have enjoyed this week’s post and that it has inspired you to start that book, blog or article you have always wanted to write. Remember you can achieve anything, just believe in yourself and good things will happen.

Happy writing!