What to Do When You Start Writing a Book?

Introduction

Writing a book is a challenging but rewarding experience. Whether you’re writing a novel, a non-fiction work or a how-to guide, there are certain steps you should take before you dive into the actual writing process. This article will explore what to do when you start writing a book, including brainstorming ideas, researching, setting writing goals and getting feedback.

Brainstorm an Outline

The first step in writing a book is to brainstorm ideas and develop an outline. Brainstorming helps you to get your ideas down on paper and organize them in a logical way. It can also help you identify any gaps in your knowledge or plot holes in your story.

When brainstorming, it’s helpful to write down whatever comes to mind. Don’t worry about the order or structure of your ideas – just let your creativity flow. Once you have your ideas down on paper, you can then start to organize them into an outline. This can be as simple as a bulleted list or as complex as a detailed chapter by chapter breakdown.

Research and Gather Resources

Once you have an idea of what you want to write about and how you want to structure it, the next step is to do some research. Research is important in order to ensure that your book is accurate, well-informed and up to date. Depending on the type of book you’re writing, this could involve reading other books on the same topic, interviewing experts or visiting relevant websites.

In addition to researching, it’s also important to gather any resources or materials that you might need for your book. This could include photographs, diagrams, illustrations or other visual aids. If you’re writing a fiction book, you may also need to create maps or character profiles.

Write a Synopsis

Before you start writing, it’s a good idea to write a synopsis. A synopsis is a brief summary of your book that outlines the key points and characters. It should be no longer than a page or two and should provide an overview of the plot, setting, characters and themes.

When writing a synopsis, it’s important to focus on the major plot points and characters. Avoid giving too much detail or going off on tangents. Keep it concise and to the point. The aim of the synopsis is to give readers an idea of what the book is about without giving away the ending.

Set Writing Goals

Once you have a synopsis written, the next step is to set writing goals. Setting writing goals helps to keep you motivated and on track. It also allows you to measure your progress and celebrate your successes along the way.

When setting writing goals, it’s important to make them measurable. For example, instead of saying “I want to finish my book”, say “I want to write 2000 words per week”. This makes it easier to track your progress and stay motivated.

Get Feedback

As you’re writing your book, it’s important to get feedback from others. Getting feedback can help you identify any areas that need improvement and provide you with valuable insights. It can also give you an outside perspective on your work and help to boost your confidence.

When asking for feedback, it’s important to choose the right people. Ask someone who is familiar with the genre of your book, such as a fellow author or a professional editor. It’s also helpful to get feedback from people who are not familiar with the genre, as they may be able to provide a more unbiased opinion.

Conclusion

Writing a book is a daunting but rewarding task. Before you start writing, it’s important to brainstorm ideas and create an outline, research and gather resources, write a synopsis and set writing goals. Finally, it’s beneficial to get feedback from others throughout the process. Following these steps will help you write a successful and enjoyable book.