8 Secrets to Writing Your First Book
So you have the perfect book idea for writing your first book?
You’ve been thinking about writing your first book for a long time, and you’ve decided that now is the time to get started.
You have a clear structure, a plan for each chapter, and you know exactly what you want each character to be written like.
So what’s the problem?
You have no idea where to start writing your first book.
Like many writers before you, you find the process of writing your first book excruciating.
Writer's block, creativity deserts you, and you constantly question every single sentence that you write. Ultimately if you don’t tackle these problems early on, this could end up with you giving up on your book altogether, and your incredible novel will never be read by the masses.
Well, we can’t have that, can we!
Check out these secrets that I wish I had been told when I started writing my first novel, and get writing your first book back on track.
Find the Space and Time for Deep Thinking
This one is easier said than done, but if you are truly serious about writing your first book, then you need to ensure that you are giving yourself the space and time that is necessary to get your creative juices flowing.
Search for someone where you can get into the right mindset for deep thinking. For some, that will be early in the morning before you do anything else. For others, that will be late at night before you go to bed. One thing I have discovered is how exhilarating the writing process can be!
Even if you feel exhausted, I have found over time that once you get going, you’ll be surprised at how much intellectual energy you have in the tank!
Use Your Situation as Inspiration
Everyone's situation is different. That is one of the beautiful things about being a human being!
Use that individuality.
Harness it when you’re writing your first book. Could you work it into your novel somehow? If you are able to talk about your trials and tribulations openly, you will find it much easier to do so than creating a story that bears no relation to the life you lead.
When you are writing with emotion, you are also writing with passion, and this passion is what drives you to continue working on your book and moving the story forward, even on days where you feel less motivated to do so.
Ask Yourself Difficult Questions
writing your first book can also be an excellent form of self-therapy. Try asking yourself questions that you don’t know the answer to, ideally something that you have had difficulty within your life.
I tend to pose questions where I am able to see each side of the story as a rule of thumb.
Consider How Your Story Will End
Even before you begin writing your first book, you need to think about what the ending looks like. You don’t need to worry too much about how you are going to get there from the starting point of your story, but if you don’t have an ending planned, then you will find it difficult to write a truly compelling book that has a rewarding outcome for the reader.
Think about how many books you have read and films you have seen that have poor endings. Do you want your first book to leave readers with the disappointment you felt then?
Absolutely not! So the sooner you think about the ending, the better.
Learn About Your Characters as you Write Them
Characters with interesting personalities and backstories are absolutely essential if you are writing your first book and want to write a compelling novel. The best way to write interesting characters? Look for them in your real life.
I, and many other writers, tend to keep notes regarding unique traits people I have encountered have, and when inspiration hits, I look to weave that into my writing.
Before starting your first book, you should flesh out your characters' personalities and backstories as much as possible. This will allow you to write them consistently throughout the book, and in the sort of detail that will capture your readers, and have them truly invested in your characters and plot.
Map Out Problems Your Characters Will Encounter
Detailed planning about how all of your chapters will unfold can seem like an extremely daunting task, but there are a couple of tricks you can use to get around this! When I am finding it hard, I try and consider what problems I am planning to have my characters encounter along the way.
I have found that this creates a strong focal point for all of my writing to reach, and then overcome, making it easier to map out the remaining chapters.
The Secret Editing Trick
This trick is one of the best ones I have ever come across.
When you are working on writing your first book, making a start each and every day is a necessity. I have found that having a consistent routine is important, but that can be tricky when life gets in the way!
One clever tactic I use when I am struggling to get started is to begin the day by reviewing and editing the words I wrote the day before. For starters, you will want to edit your work as you go anyway, but I have found that it is also a way that I trick myself into getting immersed in the story once more.
Once you are done editing you are back fully invested in the project, and you will notice your eagerness to write has returned!
Write From Passion, not for Success
I can’t stress this one enough. You need to almost take the outcome out of the equation completely. Only once you focus on the passion and love of your project, will you be able to write something that is authentic and of high quality.
If you are writing purely for the success or financial gain that may occur, you will struggle to write your best work, and ironically probably put yourself further away from achieving these things!
There you have it, all the tips and tricks you need for writing your first book! Now all you have to do is get it all down on paper!
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