Writing a book may seem daunting in the beginning, however, all that’s required is careful planning and commitment. Writers should explore the different methods available to plan for their book and cultivate the motivation needed to see it through. This article has come up with 7 book planning tips for anyone who intends to write a book. Exploring these may help you discover the methods that work best for you.
1. Be Observant
Book writing ideas and storylines are sometimes created by mere observation. It isn’t always when one sits on a desk and creates a story. Being observant throughout the day, whether you’re taking a walk, enjoying a conversation, or driving to your destination, may be the reason you then write the book in the manner that you do. Carry a pen and notepad with you, and jot down what you observe. Your observations may not initially fit into your ideas, or you might never use them at all. However, you may find notes that might even form the crux of your book.
2. Write An Outline
An outline can be defined as a short descriptive essay that presents the details of a work of fiction, or non-fiction, in the most focused form possible. It gives readers a quick overview of the entire work, giving them enough information to get a good idea of what’s being presented. You should consider spending some time researching how to write a book outline so that you’re well equipped for the process.
3. Read Books
The more books you read, the more you broaden your mind. Books are a way to take a peek into other realities aside from your own. You may get inspiration and can also have an idea of the types of tones and flow structures that other authors have pieced together. Such exposure may help you create your unique writing style.
4. Write, Then Edit
The most important part of writing a book is getting your thoughts, ideas, characters, and plot on paper. It’s advised you don’t prioritize editing before you have the story down. When you focus on editing, you may forget a few fantastic ideas you had, and those will be left out of the story. Consider writing the entire story, and then edit from the beginning.
5. Create A Schedule
Creating a schedule may or may not work for some. Some writers state that they can only write when they’re inspired or motivated, meaning creating a schedule isn’t productive. Others, however, find that if they don’t stick to a schedule, they struggle to complete the book.
6. Step Away From Your Script
Sometimes, stepping away from your script may help you return with a fresh set of eyes. Stepping away may mean taking a breather from writing for as long as it takes for you to reset. When you take it up again, you may notice errors, story gaps, and missing characters that you may not have picked up while in the thick of writing.
7. Let Someone Read Your Ideas
If you give your draft script to a trusted person to read, you may get some pointers that may help your story. Keep in mind that each person that reads your book will understand and perceive it differently from the next. This means that you have to sieve the feedback. Consider what is worth including and the feedback that you can do without, then you can begin consolidating your book.
Book Planning Tips Conclusion
Writing and completing a book are a milestone; a writer needs to deliberately include effective methods to get there. Some of these include constant observation of surroundings and writing an outline. Reading books may also give inspiration. Writing the script before editing may help one to stay focused. Creating a schedule, stepping away from the script, and getting a different opinion about the story may also help one during the book writing process.
