Whether it’s fiction or nonfiction, poetry or comics, writing a book is one of the most rewarding experiences. Crafting your own words to tell a story or express your thoughts is more than therapeutic: it’s an expression of yourself.
Writing a book is also intimidating, though, especially if you’re new to it. There’s no need to worry: if you follow this step-by-step guide to writing a book, you’re sure to succeed. By all means, you can also use these tips for easy essay writing to make your essay more significant and simple. So, without further ado!
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What’s Your Inspiration?
Every good work starts with a bit of inspiration. What is it for your book? This can be anything from something you saw on TV, a song you heard, an interaction you witnessed, and more.
This eventually leads you to write your first scene or first words. Keep in mind that the first thing you write may not be the actual beginning of the piece. Also, you’ll go through several drafts of your book, so while your inspiration remains constant, the first thing you write for it may not.
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What’s Your Purpose?
Your purpose for writing a book is important. This purpose doesn’t necessarily need to be explicitly stated in your writing, but you do need to have it in the back of your mind when you are writing the piece.
Your purpose can be rooted in a theme you want to explore, a character’s development, the plot, or even your own personal writing goals. Either way, creating a purpose will help focus your writing.
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What’s Your Writing Space?
Having a writing space that reflects your personality or interests will help you feel more comfortable. That being said, making sure your writing space is tidy to your standards is another good way to help you feel more comfortable.
Be sure you give yourself plenty of natural light. Also, make sure you’re away from exterior distractions that could take you away from your precious writing time.
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How Do You Outline?
Some writers need to outline their books, from beginning to end. In the steps to writing a book, outlining is a great organization tactic. It helps keep the book’s structure neat and in one place.
That said, there are many ways you could outline your book. Find the way that works best for you!
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Do You Just Write?
Some writers don’t bother with outlines and just begin writing a book. Some writers do a little bit of both. Finding your own flow will help you get the story out on the page.
It might help to start writing a little bit, to help serve as your initial point of development. It’s up to you, depending on the way your creative mind works.
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Did You Do Your Research?
Whether it’s fiction or nonfiction, you’ve got to do your research. Make sure you’re developing your fictional worlds to the same caliber you’d find in the real world.
Likewise, you want to make your nonfiction as accurate as possible or to back up your claims with factual information. Research is a must no matter what genre you’re writing.
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Are You Still Reading While Writing Your Book?
Inspiration comes in many forms. One of those is the books you read. And, yes, the books you read can help you with the steps to writing a book.
As you write your book, you need to continue your research or seek new inspiration through what you read. Not only that but by reading while writing your book, you’ll surround yourself with constant examples of different writing styles.
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What’s Your Book’s Ending?
Knowing your end game is essential to writing a coherent book. By planning the ending out from the beginning, or at least having a general idea, you have something to work toward.
Or, if you don’t like to work in order, write your ending first. See how the book progresses. When you reach the end, make the appropriate changes needed, if any.
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Did You Write?
Write. Write like your life depends on it (well… maybe you don’t have to go that far). Keep writing, even if you think it’s not very good. The only way you’re going to get it on the page is if you write it.
Do you have trouble sticking to your goals? NaNoWriMo is a great initiative to join, making you commit to writing 50,000 words in one month. That’s one way to get your book done!
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Have You Edited It Yet?
That’s right: writing a book doesn’t mean you escape the editing and revising process. It’s important to look back and make notes of what could be changed or what seems inconsistent.
You can’t write the first draft and think you’re done. You need to edit and then…
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What’s the Second Draft Like?
That’s right: second, third, fourth, etc. drafts are of utmost importance. The more you go through your book, the more you’ll see what is working and what isn’t working.
Once you figure out what needs to be changed, going back to write a new draft won’t take nearly as long as the first time. Do take your time writing new drafts, though.
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Will You Publish It?
Here’s the big question, right? Writing a book usually means that you will publish it so others can read it.
There are many different routes you could go, from traditional publishing to self-publishing. You can check out some great book printing services to help you out.
Welcome to the Writing World
There’s a lot to do when writing a book. When thinking about the steps to writing a book above, keep your purpose in mind at all times. Work through the book’s desired points, and make sure you always write more than one draft.
It doesn’t have to be daunting. Writing a book is one of the most rewarding things in the world, so get yours published and printed today!
