Congratulations, you just did it! You have finally committed to drafting down your novel, which is the initial step in your multi-step journey to publishing. Nonetheless, as numerous seasoned authors will tell you how to write a book, even the idea of writing your first draft can be massively intimidating; and at times, it can be so daunting that it prevents you from even starting. Usually, much of that overwhelm emanates from concentrating on too much at once. Luckily, this guide has everything to help you not only get rid of sources of your intimidation but also get some relevant writing tips to keep in mind to complete your first book. Check them out…
1. Pick a Deadline and a Writing Goal
When you have no deadlines or any goals to beat, it can be quite challenging to complete a project. As such, it is therefore not surprising that this is the first rule on this list of tips on how to write a good book: establish a measurable and realistic deadline and writing goal. Usually, most novels vary generally between 50,000 to 100000 words. Since it is much easier to add words rather than reduce them, it is recommended that you set a word count goal of fewer than 75000 words for the first draft.
To come up with the best deadline and writing goals for your draft, think of the number of words you can write within a day and as such, determine how long it will take to complete a 75000-word count.
With a deadline, you will effectively push yourself beyond your limits and help you continue working even when you are not necessarily feeling motivated.
2. Prepare Before Starting Your Writing
Although some writers only sit down and just start writing without any idea or plan, it can usually get quite tricky keeping the story going not to mention hitting a writer’s block. Nonetheless, by creating a basic mind map, synopsis, or an outline for your ideas, you will have something you can refer to anytime you hit a writer’s block. Generally, there are numerous ways through which you can prepare for writing your first book. Some of those ways include:
Writing a short (1 to 2 page) synopsis of your book
Coming up with your book’s outline
Using Evernote to plan and organize your book
Some little prep can do a whole lot in helping you not only remain focused but also keep writing. Having all of your ideas and research in one place can significantly assist you in keeping your ideas and thoughts organized.
3. Ensure You Only Make Use Of the Right Tools
Depending on the type of tool you are using, your writing process can either flow smoothly or get frustrating over time. Typically, most beginner writers tend to use Open Office or Microsoft Office. Nonetheless, while these particular programs are quite useful for writing some projects, most professional and acclaimed writers utilize specifically-designed software for writers.
There are numerous great tools and programs which can assist you in writing your first book quickly. The internet is packed with many free programs. You can check your paper at https://samedaypapers.com/write-my-paper-for-me-cheap or upload your document for writing assistance, editing, and proofreading among other services. Even so, the key is to ensure that your tool choice is reliable, productive, and useful.
4. Write First, Edit Later
Here’s the thing…there is no arguing that staring at your blinking cursor when you should otherwise jotting down your story can be quite a daunting experience. Essentially, you want to ensure that you are choosing the right words as well as saying precisely what you mean. However, those expectations can become a hindrance when you are writing your first book.
Typically, it is reasonable to want to create a perfect book; nonetheless, when writing your first book, you should permit yourself to be imperfect and as such, simply start writing. Jot down your thoughts and have fun while at it. Your sole concern at this phase should only be putting words on your page. The words don’t have to be the ‘perfect’ words…there is always time to find those later!
While at it, shrug off any feeling that your writing has to be perfect to continue. Your primary objective is to create your first draft and get over with it. Refrain from fixating on that which you have already drafted. After you are done writing a chapter, go on to the next chapter. If a section or a chapter does not appeal to your ‘writing sense’, simply highlight it somewhere, but only so that you can fix it later. That is just a revision concern, but not a drafting one. After all, there are so many parts of a book to work on.
5. Start Writing
Finally, and one of the essentials in writing is simple – just to get going with writing. While this prospect might come off as relatively scary during most days, you will have to push through this feeling. In essence, all you need is just to write. For now, anything will do. Over time, you will find yourself gradually getting into the rhythm.
Conclusion:
All things said and done; this is basically everything you want. It is what you have been preparing for. After all, isn’t it why you are reading this excerpt? While writing is not any simple, the idea is to keep going on even when you feel like quitting. With diligence and persistence, as well as following these few tips, nothing is stopping you from doing it.
Happy writing!
Author’s Bio:
Jeff Blaylock is a renowned personal development coach and an accredited freelance author. He is the holder of a Master’s degree in Psychology. Besides authoring, Jeff is also involved in many motivational programs helping individuals cultivate their personality.
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