Talent is a blessing, but it doesn’t equal hard work. Plus, you’ll be grateful to have this road map to return to as your project develops. Outlining may take a bit longer than anticipated in the beginning, but you need to get a sense of the big picture before diving in.
It’s tempting to want to skip the outline stage and just figure everything out as you go along. That’s part of the process, too-embrace it! If you’ve started writing your book about a certain period of history or culture, you may even find yourself doing some research along the way. How and where is the protagonist introduced, what are the key events or conflicts in their story, where does the rising action take place, who else has a supporting role, and does everything build toward a climax or resolution? If you’ve started writing a memoir or collection of essays, decide if you want sections of the book in chronological order or grouped according to a theme. If you’re drafting a novel, you’ll probably think in terms of chapters. Then turn to a clean page, and start outlining your book. Reserve a few pages or even a whole notebook where you can record these book ideas or inspiration and build on them in the coming weeks.
Start by jotting down a few keywords or phrases that come to mind regarding the setting, theme, plot, or characters. However, one common suggestion from successful writers is to break down the project into smaller, more feasible pieces.
#Outline for writing a book how to#
Make an OutlineĪsk three authors how to start writing a story from the beginning, and chances are they will have three different answers for you.
#Outline for writing a book full#
Whichever genre or subject matter you choose, allow yourself this first moment of clarity because before you know it you will be heading full speed into a whole new creative world. Or perhaps you have an idea for a graphic novel. Will it be a work of mystery or science fiction? Do you want to write an autobiography or a novel? Maybe short stories are more your speed. Unfocused writing and a disinterested audience are not what you are aiming for! When you do not have a strong grasp of what you are creating, it will not only become frustrating for you as the author, but it is also likely to confuse your readers.
Without a clear focus, it is far too easy to get off track during the early stages of the writing process. It may sound obvious, but an important first step is to ensure that you have a solid idea of what you plan to write about. When it comes to starting to write a book, intention is everything. Use this beginner’s guide to keep you on track as you embark on this exciting creative journey. No matter where you’re starting from, it helps to have a plan of action. Getting those first few paragraphs (or even sentences) down can feel like a tremendous achievement-and it is! The good news is that there are steps you can take to make the process of writing your first book smoother, more productive, and truly enjoyable. Now what? The blank page can be daunting for writers at any career stage or experience level, and especially so for beginners. How to Start Writing a Book: A Guide for Beginners
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