Making a book has been termed a lifelong dream for various people, yet one that’s somewhat out of reach. Do you know it is one thing to say you want to learn how to write a book, and it’s another to do what you say? According to research, roughly eighty percent of Americans have desired to write a book and publish a book one time or another, but less than one percent have done what they said.
So, the question here is, what is the secret that unlocks your creativity and gives you the interest on how to write a book? Some authors posit that there’s no single path to authorship as all writers’ journeys are unique.
But I’ll like to counter this, and that’s every bestselling author has some unique skill in making a book. If you desire to know how to write a book, all you have to do is emulate some of the writer’s skills.
Step by Step on How to Write a Book
Here are the simple steps to follow;
Create a Dedicated Writing Space
Do you want to the right that megabook? Then you need to create a dedicated writing space. Create a dedicated writing space in which you can work on your first draft without any form of interruption.
To start with, your space is supposed to be sparse and devoid of any distractions. That means you need no game consoles, televisions, or all other items that seem to make you distracted in making a book.
Some of you might say, well, I have no space? Even if you don’t have a space in your office or house, you could go to a quiet, pristine place outside—perhaps a coffee shop or library. Most big authors or writers made their books in cars, parks, gardens, or somewhere that made them connected both emotionally and physically.
While others love listening to good music, it must be soothing to get them in the mood to be creative.
Find your Big Idea
The next thing you need in making a book is, of course, an idea. And if you don’t have that, you’ll not be able to get past the draft. All you have to do is ask yourself these few questions;
- Who is my audience?
- What is the subject?
- Will I be able to carry out the idea I have in my mind effectively?
- What do I feel is essential to write about?
All the answers to these questions will surely help you narrow it down to your best alternatives. Now, for example, if you have various book ideas, but only one you seem to be truly passionate about and feel you can do very well when executed, then you got it right! That’s your premise.
While if you lack the needed ideas on how to make a book, these questions should steer you in a good direction. Think about the kinds of books you love to read and books that have significantly affected you. And with all likelihood, you’ll want to create something that tolls that line.
There’s no perfect way
Well, how do I move ahead? That’s the question of every first-timer. And many more random questions are being asked by these newbies; here’s another, should I have every plot idea mapped out?
The answer to this is, try something and see what works for you. And no matter how you go about it, you have to know one thing; creation isn’t easy. All you have to do is do it, by making that book. No one is an acclaimed perfect writer—we all have our pesky mistakes.
Create your Outline
If you desire to write a good book, you need to outline it first. This is essential for your first book, and since you do need a solid blueprint to rely on when you do get stuck.
Read also, Book Publishing Made Easy: Follow These Simple Steps to Publish a Book
So, how do you go about creating that nice masterpiece? Here are some of them;
Do pick a format that works out for you:
There are various kinds of outlines; we have the free-flowing mind map, the character-based outline, the rigorous chapter, etc., and if one approach doesn’t work out for you, it is pretty good to try another—any kind of plan than doing none is better.
Body
Do you have a beginning, middle, and end? So many writers lag when it comes to this part, and what I mean is the rate of the murky mid-section, and their ending seems like it never existed. Why not take this time in fleshing them out and do connect them. You have to remember this; the best books do have endings that feel a whole lot earned, so it would be nice to build toward it from the beginning.
The Conflict Points
This part draws in the reader and conjures the much-needed emotion and tension—I believe this part shows that you know how to make a book, especially when executed well. And it ultimately reflects the theme you do want to pass across.
You don’t have to know the exact spot in which your conflict will manifest; all you need to have is a pretty good grasp of how it works throughout the book.
Know your Characters
If you haven’t done the much-needed character development, your outline is a good opportunity. This section would need how your characters would interact in the story and how would such interactions demonstrate who they are and all that matters to them?
To start strong
Now, let’s get into the specific writing and make a dent in your first draft. One of the essential parts in making a book is beginning the story—and it is no exaggeration that the first few pages can either make or mar your book.
If these pages aren’t that interesting, then many of your readers would lose interest quickly without batting an eye—possibly never returning to your book in any way.
First of all, I recommend that you need an opening book that grabs the attention and does make it impossible to look away. In bold, CAPTURE THE READERS ATTENTION.
And right from there, your job would be to maintain the reader’s interest by increasing the tension and bringing a whole lot of emotion into the plot. It would help if you also made the reader care about the main characters by giving them unique motivations and personalities.
And you can write your first chapter in many ways. One thing is for sure here, make sure you experiment with different opening lines and opening scenes so that you can find the right balance. Nonetheless, it’s worth the effort to set the stage to perfection.
Set the Word Count
Word count goals play a huge part in making an effective writing process, especially if you’re trying to finish up your book at a specific time.
Make sure to create word count goals for both your per week and personal sessions, only if that’s how you want your writing output. For new writers, I advise the following word count objectives;
- 500-600 words in a day
- 2500 words in a week
- 10,000 words per month
These goals are wholly based on a pattern of 3-4 sessions per week, which is pretty reasonable for a beginner—but still commendable to make good progress.
Even if you follow the minimal recommendations of 600 words per session at three sessions per week, you can finish your book within a year. This is how most new writers start and finish with making their book.
Read also, Self-Publishing a Book: 18 Powerful Steps to Becoming a Best Seller Author
If you desire to speed up the writing process, then your word count goals should look like this;
- 2000 words per session
- 15,000 words in a week
- 50,000 words in a month
If this is your first time making a book, do make sure you take all the time you need to grasp the ideas, set manageable word goals, and gradually build on bigger goals.
Jot down ideas
For the nonfiction category, readers do expect accuracy and much research. But if you’re writing fiction and your story tends to take place in a real-world situation, you need to know that the details in the book matter a lot. All good writers do have a way they structure their ideas for their present and future books.
Now, do try these options;
- Use a mind map
- Learn how to journal
- Do keep in place a type of book using index cards
The main lesson here is to have some system for storing and structuring each book idea in one place; without these elements, then you’re starting on a wrong note on how to make your book.
Conclusion
Making a book can be a time-consuming task or a project that demands months or even years of your time. You need to ask yourself if you do have the creative energy, mental resources, and time to do it.
You must write daily and rearrange your day too to put your book writing first. Making your book takes much commitment from you, and you need to give as much as you have to make it a success.
Do stick to your commitment when the writing feels more like a task rather than a passion, especially if you don’t feel like it or aren’t inspired in any way.
Well, I’ll have to say good luck! And here’s a titbit that can be helpful in the long run, ‘adopt the mindset of a professional writer who’s passionate to do his job that’s the basic element on how to make a book”
