3 Tips to Get You Writing Immediately
Lately, I’ve been dipping in and out of authors’ and writers’ groups on LinkedIn and Facebook. I was searching for potential customers and how the mechanics worked for each group. Despite the platform, there was always one or two writers with anxiety or misperception about beginning their book or novel. If this is you, the following 3 Tips will push your book to the ending you imagine.
Tip 1: BRAINSTORM
Brainstorming is just writing all your ideas out or typing them out on a document. This applies to any idea or plan you are trying to develop. In the case of a book, you will probably brainstorm your characters, plot, and/or chapters before writing them in your manuscript. For instance, if you are writing a mystery, you might want to start with what happened. Place the word Murder in the middle of a blank page and circle it. Next, surround the words, places, and characters that relate to that murder. Add as many circles as you see fit. I suggest working on this for an hour, at least.
As you brainstorm, generate as many ideas as possible during the session, criticizing ideas is not allowed, wild and ambitious ideas are welcome, and be encouraged to build on other ideas.
Tip #2: Research, Research, and RESEARCH
People often dread reading this word. I find it fun and strengthening my knowledge always feels good. I'm sure you don't feel that same excitement. You may be wondering, 'Why does a book writer need to research, especially if it’s a novel???” Yes, ALL authors research everything and everything pertaining to their books. This is key to any successful book because truth creates a sense of comfort and familiarity for your readers. It also makes them
want to continue reading because trust has been established. Those bits of reality validate your story and you as an author. Even with Fantasy and SciFi. You can create whatever you wish but, if there is no reality familiar to your reader, your book will never sell. Think about the Star Trek or Star Wars series, which both started as books. The authors used familiar plots or character archetypes and placed them in a foreign and imaginary outer space. It worked, shoot, it’s still working.
Research the type of charters you need to make your book breathe life. Learn about the cities they live in and, be sure your plot can survive there. Once a reader sees continual holes in your story, you will lose them. Research their jobs, and the places they like and frequently visit. Where would they never go? What would they never do? Remember, you’re building realities. As you brainstorm and eventually form your outline, research becomes an integral part of your book’s success and following.
Tip #3 Outline Your Book
There is no specific outline for you to use. But, whichever outline you prefer, remember to Keep It Simple, Sweetie. I usually begin an outline with a basic Roman numeral five-paragraph outline. This outline is simple, familiar to you, works for both fiction and non-fiction and is easy to follow. I wrote my first outline for Becoming a FEARless Author while riding home on the #26 CTA bus in Chicago. It started as a list with a few short sentences, some sloppy bulleted words written here and there in green ink on my pink notepad. Between my thoughts and bus stops, I would accent my list with green decorative flowers, bubbles, and scribbles as I waited for more ideas to download.
It's your job to do accurate research before writing the Body of your book. The Body of either type of book will probably be more than three paragraphs. This all depends on what type or genre of book you’re writing (fiction or non-fiction). Incorporating this five-paragraph technique in your Outline will make your writing process much easier to follow and easy to complete.
The Body is the substance of your book, fiction, and nonfiction. The majority of your writing will be spent on creating the body. Developing your book’s outline will not just keep you focused but, will make your book so much easier to complete.
Do you remember learning about writing a story or an essay in school? For some of us, we were in elementary or middle school. I remember learning all stories have a beginning, a middle, and an end. While essays have five paragraphs, introduction, body, and conclusion. Remembering these basic fundamentals will guide you as you create your outline.
Again, all stories have a Beginning, Middle, or Climax followed by an Ending. Your beginning chapters will introduce your main characters, also called your protagonist and/or antagonist, and their supporting characters to move your novel forward.
How will you outline your book? You can start with either Tip or just begin writing a scene or a character. Either will work to get your book started. For more information about writing a book, invest in a copy of Becoming a FEARless Author, or schedule a 15-minute consultation with me.
About the Author
Crystal Renée was born and raised on Chicago’s South Side. After battling Multiple Sclerosis & Ovarian cancer, she founded, DreamWriterInk! Writing & Publishing to bring more BIOPIC authors to the forefront of big and small bookstores.
Contact Crystal Renée at her Website: www.authorcrystalrenee.com
Note to Media: Crystal Renée is available for interviews and speaking events.
To arrange an interview or receive an ecopy of Becoming a FEARless Author, contact Crystal Renée
Email: author.crystalRenée@gmail.com
Phone: (773) 796-3639
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