In this series, we’ve been discussing the main reasons so many dreamers never get starting on writing a book. As we’ve discovered, when it comes down to it: Dreamers dream, and doers do. Now that you understand exactly what’s been holding you back for so long, it’s time to put on your big kid pants and get to work!
Here are 5 ways to finally get started on that book:
1. Brainstorm
Write down every idea–no matter how silly! Script out fun pieces of dialogue, draft the layout of an imaginary town. Names and events can be changed later. Simply enjoy the process. Mind maps, lists, freewriting with an egg timer for 15 minutes. Whatever works to get those ideas down and inspire you to start writing, do it! Check out this series for more on how to get those creative juices flowing.
2. Read
Book, audiobook, short story. The format is for you to choose. What matters is to consume a vast variety of stories both in and outside of your genre. Pick a bestseller, pick a classic. You can even beta read for others. The point is to be inspired to generate new ideas by checking out what other writers have penned. The more exciting or intriguing, the better. Just don’t plagiarize. Plagiarism isn’t cool.
3. Netflix & Chill
Similar to reading, watching inspirational films and TV shows is a great way to inspire yourself. They’re also a a much faster medium than reading, so you can consume more story in a shorter period of time. (It’s rare that I watch a classic like Jurassic Park and come away uninspired.) And when you’re ready to take a break from binge watching, take a walk. Pull on inspiration from your surroundings, nature, people, friends. Stories are happening all around us every day.
4. Phone a Friend
Never underestimate the value of talking things over with someone you can trust. A loved one can help you take an idea from good to brilliant. And if you’d rather bounce ideas off someone with more writing experience, join writer’s groups or swap pages with a critique partner . There’s no shortage of online forums where you can link up with other writers. Find one or two partners whom you can trust to help develop your ideas and let them hold you accountable. Groups like Camp Nanowrimo are great for this sort of thing. But with likeminded dreamers on community boards and social media, the support is available year-round.
5. Just start
There are numerous ways to start a book: writing prompts, short stories, even freewriting. For our daily journaling, one of my writing teachers instructed the class to jot “Don’t know what to write” whenever we drew blanks. I utilized this strategy regularly, and soon found myself in an inner dialogue which led to discovering exactly what I did want to write. Commit to writing something every day. Establish a goal of 100 words, then 200, then 400. Set a timer for 15 minutes and let those words fly!
Conclusion
Starting a book and seeing it through to the end takes hard work and dedication, but it can be fulfilling—and even fun—when you have the right mindset. With some smart strategies, you’ll find that once you’ve developed a consistent writing habit, you won’t want to turn back. Ready to complete your first manuscript? Learn how to do so here in 5 simple steps.
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