Writing a book is an important project, whether it's a biography, a fictional novel or a collection of poems. If you face it without having prepared an action plan, you may encounter some rather frustrating obstacles that could lead you to give up. However, with a little preparation you can reach the goal and complete your project. Make sure you have all the materials and the right environment ready and have a clear writing strategy in mind before you start writing your book.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Preparing the Materials and the Environment
Step 1. Choose the tools to write with
There is no right or wrong way. Some people think that writing on the computer creates a distance between them and the work, so they prefer to write by hand. Others use computers because they can edit text more easily and search the internet at the same time. Do not feel obliged to prefer one method over the other: what matters is that you choose a writing tool that allows you to be productive and efficient.
Step 2. Create an organized system
Whether you decide to work with a computer or pen and paper, you need a structure to organize your thoughts. It is better to work out this system before the annotations become too confusing, or you may no longer be able to understand what you meant when you took note of that idea or concept. If you use a computer, create a folder for the entire book, then create subfolders to catalog the different types of information. If you use pen and paper, reserve a drawer for the materials you need for the book, and put the notepads or folders relating to various useful information in it.
- Non-fiction books will obviously need a lot of research. Make sure, with your organizational system, that you are able to find all the information you need quickly and easily.
- If you're writing a novel, you may have a file or folder that contains all the information about a character's development. For example, if one of the characters is a rescuer, you will need to do some research on the subject to make it more realistic.
- You could use software that helps writers organize their research and chapters.
Step 3. Write regularly in one place
For most people, this routine is a way to stay true to your writing schedule. It is well known that J. K. Rowling wrote much of Harry Potter at a small table in Nicholson's Café in Edinburgh.
- The environment and the noises of public spaces can distract you; in this case it is better to work at home.
- However, even the home is not free from distractions. If the bed or TV takes you away from writing, then you will need to get out in order to write.
- The important thing is to have a regular place to write that is comfortable and where you can't wait to go every day.
Step 4. Look for a place that is also a source of inspiration
Inspiration affects each writer differently. What do you need to get your creative flow flowing? If you need the quiet of nature, you could set up your workplace on an outdoor table in a park. If looking at people gives you ideas of possible characters, you may want to put yourself in an area where there are bars and restaurants. If you decide to write home, choose your favorite room.
Don't work in places that give you a stressful or negative feeling. For example, writing in the kitchen might remind you of all the crafts you need to do around the house
Step 5. Make the space where you write comfortable
If the chair creaks or causes pain in your back, you will not be able to concentrate on work. Simplify things by making the environment as comfortable as possible. Remember this will be easier at home, where you have multiple factors under control.
- Make sure the temperature is comfortable. If you don't have access to the thermostat, wear warm or cool clothing to accommodate the climate.
- Choose a comfortable chair. Use pillows to protect your bottom and back during long periods of sitting.
- Arrange research materials so you can easily retrieve them. You won't have to waste time searching for the information you need while you're writing. At home, keep your bookshelf or notes close at hand. When you are out, take the books you need with you.
Step 6. Decorate the space where you write
The more you personalize your writing space, the more you will want to spend time with it. As you write, you should be surrounded by objects that entice you to keep doing it. What motivates you? If there is a particular book that makes you want to write, keep it at hand for the moments when you get stuck. You could also include photos of your family or quotes from your favorite authors. Surround yourself with the colors you love, or play music you like in the background. The space where you write should be a place where you can't wait to take refuge every day.
Part 2 of 3: Creating a Routine
Step 1. Understand when is the best time for you to work
Some people work best early in the morning, when the house is quiet and the mind is free of thoughts. But if you're someone who doesn't like getting up early, you may find yourself napping at your desk instead of writing. Be honest with yourself about the best way and time to write.
Step 2. Consider other commitments as well
Before preparing the roadmap, you will need to determine what other things will take time to write. Does your working hours change from week to week? Do you have small children that you have to dedicate a lot of your time to? Older children whose activities could make your life hectic? You will need to determine if you work better by following a very rigid schedule or a more flexible one.
- If you have constant work commitments, create a strict writing routine.
- If your schedule varies from day to day, you will need to be able to take the time to write when you can.
Step 3. Prepare a roadmap
Establishing a daily writing schedule will help you stay true to your goals and finish the book. You should determine when you will write within the day and organize other commitments based on that. Depending on how flexible your busy schedules are, create a stiffer or more elastic work schedule. The most important thing is to have at least one hour a day, free from other distractions, to devote to writing. If you can find more time, so much the better! You don't have to write everything at once: you could take an hour in the morning before work, then another in the evening after everyone else has gone to sleep.
Step 4. Promise you will not be distracted during your writing time
Once you're seated at your desk, you won't have to allow anything to deviate your focus. Don't answer the phone, don't check emails, ask your partner to watch the kids - do anything that allows you to stay focused on your work. Ask them to be understanding and to give you some space while you are working.
Step 5. Set deadlines
Setting deadlines also means finding a balance: it's important to test yourself and avoid getting lazy, but you also need to be reasonable. Don't prepare for failure. Establish a schedule and be honest about how much time you can spend writing. Here are some examples of deadlines:
- Daily Word Count: You have to write 2000 words a day.
- Counting notepads: You have to fill in one notebook per month.
- You have to finish a certain number of chapters.
- You have to do certain research.
Step 6. Find someone to help you stay true to your commitment
A typical example is another writer who is working on their own book. You will be mutually responsible for following the roadmap and goals you have set for yourself. It's easy to get distracted when writing, isolating yourself from the rest of the world. A good writing partner will put you in front of your laziness and distractions and help you get back in line.
- Meet this person regularly. Depending on your schedule, you may be able to make a daily or weekly appointment. The important thing is that you stay in constant contact.
- Share goals and deadlines with your writing partner. He will have to be able to tell you if you are straying from the path!
- During your meetings, you can both work side by side on your respective projects and check each other's work. A second pair of eyes can be really useful while writing a book!
Part 3 of 3: Plan the Book
Step 1. Determine the genre of your book
To decide what the genre of your book will be, the first thing to consider is what kind of books you like to read. When you go to the bookstore or library, which section do you spend the most time in? Do you spend your free time relaxing while reading romance novels or would you rather learn something about famous people by reading their biographies? Do you find it more rewarding to read a novel or short stories?
- Writers perform better when they are familiar with the subject they write about.
- This usually coincides with the kind of books they like to read. Choosing the genre you know the most about will also give you a better writing experience!
Step 2. Establish the purpose of the book
Once you've chosen your genre, you'll need to figure out what you want to give the reader. Think about what you like about your favorite book of that genre; this will help you understand what the purpose of your book might be. For example, a biography of Sandro Pertini could help you better understand the history and culture of your country. Thrillers give you tension, curiosity and twists. Fantasy books help you escape from reality and let your imagination fly.
- Pause to think and write what effects you want to have on the reader.
- Putting your goals on paper before starting the project will give you a reminder, a point of reference that will help you when, during the writing process, you feel confused and disoriented.
Step 3. Do your research
If you are writing to provide information, it is obvious that you will have to spend a lot of time documenting. Don't think that, on the contrary, romance novels and short stories require no research. If the book is set in the past, you will need to provide precise details about the setting and social habits. If one of your characters is a cop, you will need to contextualize him while he is at work. To present the reader with a credible story, you will always need to read up on it.
- Search textbooks to find basic language that will make a character's professional life believable. You must not use the terms incorrectly!
- Check out historical data online and in books.
- You could interview people who are experts in the field you want to write about.
Step 4. Prepare a draft of the book
As you do your research, the big picture of the book will gradually come together. As soon as you realize that you know which way to go, start devoting yourself to the general outline of the book.
- Each chapter of the book must have its own section in the outline.
- Within each section, use a bulleted list to highlight the important details that need to be included in the chapter.
- The outline can be updated and modified as the book takes shape. If necessary, add or subtract information, but use the outline to make sure you stick to your goals.
- When you have done all the necessary research and prepared the outline, you are ready to embark on the writing process!
