Book Writing Strategies - The 3 Non-Negotiables For Writing a Book
- Dec 4, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 9
How to Stop Dreaming about YOUR Book and Start Writing
Thinking about writing a book? Have an amazing idea but aren't sure what to do with it? Have you been gathering information and thoughts for years and that book still isn't written? Worried you'll fail so you don't start?
Sometimes we are our own worst enemy, we get in our way. We let fear of the unknown drive us. We let our problems push us. Writing a book, if you're not a writer is daunting, I know it. It's overwhelming. If you want to write a book, you have to start.
As a book coach, I work with all kinds of writers. Some are new to writing, and others are well-versed. But we start in the same place with a strong foundation. Foundation? What am I talking about.
I'm talking about defining, developing and tuning up your idea to create a strong foundation to start building on. This foundation includes knowing your WHY, you WHO and setting ups some goals for yourself. This is just the beginning - it's the part that gets you started writing.
Step 1: WHY Are You Writing?
Why are you writing this book?
Take some time to discover your purpose. Ensure that it is clear and authentic. It has to be YOUR WHY, not anyone else’s why. DIG DEEP.
For new writers, this step is the cornerstone of your foundation. For established writers, it realigns your focus.
Know your why — write it down. Keep it visible.
Step 2: WHO Are You Writing For?
Identify who you’re writing for. Really take the time to get to know your audience. Narrow your audience down to a specific person. This will help you focus your thoughts and message.
What does your reader need from YOU and your expertise?
Who needs this answer to the question you’re asking?
My favorite tip is to journal as a person that would read your book. Try this for a few days and see what you come up with.
Step 3: WHAT Are You Writing? Or, WHAT Question Are You Answering?
Discovering WHAT you’re writing means understanding the heart and core of your message. Even if this is a cookbook, of a memoir – you my friend, still have a message. No matter who the book is for or why you’re writing, it is essential to ask yourself:
What is the central message of my book?
What kind of help do I want to provide to my reader?
What do I want to clarify?
How did this help me when I first learned of it?·
What does my reader want more than anything? (Hint you have to know WHO you're writing for.)
I like to keep the answer to these three questions in a place where I can see them when I am working. It helps to keep me focused an on task.
These are the top three book writing strategies that I work on with my clients. ALL writers struggle with them. And without having these firmly set as your foundation, you’re bound to struggle, get writer’s block, and then quit. Starting with a firm foundation also give you clarity as you move forward.
I’m interested in knowing what area of writing is the hardest for you. Have you tried any of the three suggestions before you started? Have you thought about where you'll start? Have you considered your reader?
Need some help? Have a question? Need a little direction? Book your FREE 30 MINUTE Get MY Book Done Strategy Session with me. It's easy. It's Free. And, you get your questions answered.
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