Writing a book is something many people aspire to do, but most don’t get around to it. The reason: They get overwhelmed. As an author of several books of my own and ghostwriter of more, I know writing a book does not have to be an impossible task. All it takes is organization and a plan.
I’ve written a book in less than a month (actually, I’ve written one in only a few days) and I’ve written a book in about nine months. So I’ve been across the spectrum. And since I make my living as a writer, I’ve developed some processes that work. While these suggestions can work for novels and other types of books, I’m talking specifically about nonfiction here because I find this process most helpful for those books. Memoirs, motivational books, how-to books, all those can be produced using this process.
Here is how you can write your nonfiction book in less time than you think:
1. Get your thoughts together. That means being a bit organized before you start writing. Take some time to consider what you want to share with your audience and why. Write these ideas down — use a notebook, your computer or a PDA. Whatever works for you.
2. Consider how much you know. Think about the info you already know and think about what you still have to find out. Do your research before you start writing the book. This can save you a lot of time so you don’t start twiddling your thumbs or get overwhelmed with what you don’t know. Trust me, take the time to do this. It’ll serve you well.
3. Plan some writing time. I know of people who think writing a book should take years and year. And for them, maybe it does. But that doesn’t have to be the case for you. Another key for writing your book quickly is to figure out when you’ll write. Don’t leave your writing project to chance, or to the possibility of doing it only when you “feel” like it. Chances are, you’ll “feel” like watching TV more often. So get to a schedule, or at least settle on a time of day. Can you dedicate thirty minutes in the morning before work or an hour in the evening before bed? You schedule other things, so schedule this.
4. Forget the idea of a masterpiece. Don’t think of this book as your masterpiece. That will put too much pressure on you to keep revising, tinkering and changing. And if there is one thing that can destroy a book, it’s too much tinkering. Write it. And then be done with it. That’s not to say you don’t revise — you will. You will revise and you will send it to an editor to fine-tune it. But you will not constantly keep changing it. Constantly tinkering is the thing that will make sure you never finish. Spare yourself the drama.
5. Write. You’d be surprised how many people talk about and plan to write, but never do. So put your rear in the seat and start typing on the computer. The book won’t get written on its own. It’ll take your effort. So do it. Now.
If you approach your writing project with these keys in mind — organize your thoughts from the outset, research, set aside specific writing time, don’t think of this as your life’s work and then just write, you can write your book in 90 days or less. I know, I’ve done it.
And if you still have trouble getting it done, hire a ghostwriter.
Immobilienmakler Heidelberg Makler HeidelbergSource by Monica Carter Tagore