Who writes who stays!
I dare not take a chance at how many people dream of writing a book, but I am sure there are many. If you are reading this you are probably someone who would also like a book but, for some reason, you haven’t gotten to it yet.
With the following 10 tips, I hope you can bring your dream a little closer.
- Determine the theme
According to Vox Ghostwriting, Most authors write stories that are close to their personal life, experiences or personal interests. Based on this, they start thinking about the theme of their books and once they have found it, the writing process can begin. I always start by formulating a hopefully catchy working title for my books. You can still adjust it later. A working title gives you focus on the story to be written.
- Trump theme and working title not complete
Make sure you tell them as few people as possible what your book is about and what working title you want to use. The reason? Before you know it, someone else will start running with your ideas. It happened to me once too. So you have been warned!
- Determine the content
Writing a book is like a predetermined route to a one-holiday destination; you do that in ‘bite-sized’ stages. You know the theme of your book and now it is time to visualize the ‘route’ by which you will describe your story. Think of naming the beginning, the middle part, and the end of the story. Then name the chapters you want to write about. The titles of the chapters are primarily intended to provide direction for yourself. You can always decide later to give the chapters a different title or no title. Titles in chapters are usually omitted in order not to give away your plot too quickly.
- Work with a production goal/deadlines
Writing is all about discipline. You usually don’t write a book in a few days and you probably won’t have full days to work on your book; especially not if you have a job. That is why it is wise to impose a certain production discipline on yourself. You do this by, for example, taking an hour every day to work on your book. Maintain a fixed routine; whatever writing pace you impose on yourself. This will help you keep track of your objective and reach the target deadline. Example: One page per day is approximately 300 words. You don’t have to write much, as long as you write. Set a deadline for when you want your book finished and then, based on that, fix your weekly or monthly production.
- Write in the same place
Surprisingly, there are a number of writers in my circle of friends and acquaintances. What strikes me about them is that they all use a fixed place to write. One has a converted garden shed to which he keeps withdrawing, the other has his own workspace in the house and my friend Karel is always in his favorite café at his regular table, writing; still old-fashioned with pen and paper! So it doesn’t matter where you write, as long as it is a special space. A place where you can work concentrated and undisturbed.
- Content determines scope
Readers have certain expectations of the size of a book, but as a writer, don’t let the expectations of others limit you. My rule of thumb is that the size of a book is determined by its content. In other words, use as many words as necessary to be clear and complete. However, if you would like a guideline about the number of words per type of book, you will find some examples below:
- Determine and monitor the target audience
Books are of course intended to be read and preferably by as many people as possible. If you want to be read by more than 3000 people, it is important to know which target group will be interested in your book. It is therefore advisable to write a single chapter first and then have it read by a number of confidants for an ‘objective’ feedback. After all, there’s nothing worse than having to rewrite an entire book because no one is going to want to read it in the form you wrote it in. So bring in friends and family and ask them how you can improve yourself. Do try to find people who can and want to provide you with honest feedback.
- Use chronological writing and/or review
Many writers use chronological order in the construction of their story. This makes sense with non-fiction stories, but if you want to write a novel or, for example, a biography, flashbacks (looking back) can help to strengthen or increase the tension curve in your story. Sometimes I first write my story in chronological order and then, when editing, I change the order. Just give it a try.
- Let yourself go
When you are writing you will automatically get into ‘the flow’. It is important that you benefit from this for as long as possible. My advice is therefore not to edit your texts after every sentence or page. That will come naturally when your manuscript is as good as completed. So, if you’re writing, just let yourself go!
- Delete and edit
By the time your manuscript is ready, it will be time to go through your book from cover to cover. Delete unnecessary and / or duplicate words, check the reading rhythm and adjust the sentence if this makes it easier to read. Short sentences make it easier to read in any case. Placing punctuation marks in the right place can also help. As a writer, it is wise not to judge your own ‘flesh’ because, like others, you often read over the same typos. My advice is to hire an experienced editor and ask them to go through your manuscript with a fine comb. Pay attention! Do remain critical and do not blindly accept the ‘improvements’ made; after all, it remains your book and your language!
Good luck!
