Writing a book is a massive undertaking. Even writing an eBook demands commitment, time and determination. Here are two tips that can help you get started:
- Keep a pad of paper or your cell phone beside your bed. As soon as an idea or important point for your book pops into your mind, write it down. If you don’t, it could be MIA by the time you wake up. Actually, the best time to come up with creative ideas is as you are falling to sleep and while you are groggily waking up. During this time your brain produces Theta waves. These brain waves allow your mind to think creatively. If you brainstorm about your book while falling asleep or waking up, the Theta waves in your brain “connect the dots” between bits of information that your brain has been collecting all day or sorting through at night.
In effect, Theta waves string together logic strands that may have been evading you while you have been trying to write. You may suddenly know exactly how to say what you were trying to say. Or you may discover a whole new line of thought. Grab that pad of paper or open the Notepad on your smart phone and write it down!
Don’t assume that you will remember your “eureka” inspiration by the time you wake up. If you don’t bother writing it down, most likely you will have missed your window of opportunity. Creating memories is not automatic during theta wave production. Rather than remembering, your brain will swiftly move on to another thought and your creative idea could be lost to you forever. So, write it down as soon as you think of it!
The same goes for during the day while you are busy doing everyday activities. As soon as you get an idea related to your book, capture it by jotting it down.
- Organize your overall book idea. This means breaking it down into smaller points and then putting them into a logical progression. This is not always easy, but you cannot skip this part of the process. Writing a book involves persuading your future readers to see things from your perspective. This is true whether you are writing your memoirs or explaining how to do a project. It’s just as critical if you are writing a self-help book. Your audience must identify with you and come to trust you as the expert on your book’s main idea.
You have to build credibility with your readers. Thus, it is crucial that the supporting points for your book idea are organized logically. You are making a persuasive argument—similar to being in a debate. If you skip a point or put it in the wrong order, the argument will not make sense and you will lose the attention of your readers.
Your main persuasive points will probably become chapters in your book. The easiest way to lay out your book is to first create an outline. Assign each main point a chapter number. Under each chapter title, briefly describe what you want to say about that point and how it fits into your entire argument.
Your persuasive “argument” does not have to be hard-hitting or “in your face.” Rather you are creating a narrative, telling your story. It can be very low key and relaxed. Or it can be enthusiastic and full of life. It all depends on what your book idea is and what you are trying to accomplish.
For more book-writing tips, see my next blog. If you feel you need help with parts of the book-writing process, enlist the expertise of a Writing Coach. Or you can have a Ghostwriter write specific sections or the entire book. –Jinni Bradfield