Writing A Book For The First Time

So you want to start writing a book for the first time. Goody for you. You might as well join the ranks of the other 30 million guys who also want to do the same thing. Well, some people get rich and famous from it, while most don’t. But with the internet, you’ve got the ability to set things on an even keel, especially with the right kind of marketing. First, though, you’ve got to actually plug away writing, and that’s the hard part.

Items needed:

• Storyline
• Schedule
• Notebook and pen

1. Pick a topic and stick to it. One of the biggest problems writers face when writing a book for the first time is picking a topic then deviating from it. Maybe they forgot what their whole plan was supposed to be, or maybe they changed their minds. Well, if you change your mind, don’t forget to go back and rewrite the part of the book that stuck with your old plan.
2. Make time to write on a daily basis. Half the battle is actually getting your book written. Most writers get about 30 percent of the way through and then give up. Schedule a writing slot each day for the first 30 days of your writing process. Once you get past the first 30 days (of anything, not just book writing) it becomes a habit, so it won’t be hard to schedule out the rest of your time writing.
3. Carry around a notebook. Seriously. Stick a little 3x5 pad of paper and pen in your pocket, or carry it with you in your briefcase. That way, you can write down your ideas on the go, because you never know when a great idea will pop into your head. If you wait until you get home, it will be gone.  If that’s too old school, type your notes into your iPhone or other personal media device.
4. Minimize distractions. Note that it says “minimize,” not “eliminate.” It’s virtually impossible to eliminate distractions unless you go sit in a dark, empty closet. And then all your inspiration gets drained, too. No, you need a few distractions, just not so many you can’t concentrate.
5. Write where you have some inspiration. Sit in front of a window, at a park or near a pond or lake. Try to free your imagination somewhere besides the confines of four walls and a ceiling.
6. Don’t try to be Stephen King right out the gate. Writing a book for the first time is likely not going to make you millions unless you’re J.K. Rowling. Write something you know about, even if it’s a manual for how to change a tire. Get your first attempt out of the way so you can open up your mind to bigger possibilities the next time.
7. Think small. Making a memoir about JFK or some other enormous undertaking will only discourage you. Writing a book for the first time should produce a book no longer than about 100 pages, or you might give up on it partway through.