As millions of people across the globe self-isolate, this unprecedented (editor; we need a new word) period presents a unique opportunity for us to dedicate time to ourselves and practice some self-care. Well, we think that sharing stories and putting pen to paper can be one of the most therapeutic ways for us to make sense of this difficult time.
The good news is that popular self-publishing platforms, including emerging AI book publishing tools, offer endless opportunities to tell your unfiltered story in your own words. Indeed, self-publishing gives budding authors a new avenue to success, by removing traditional barriers and dramatically improving the efficiency of the publishing process.
This extended period of downtime offers a chance for anyone who’s been thinking about writing a book or documenting their life story, or that of a loved one, to put pen to paper (or rather fingers to keys).
With the help of Rutger Bruining, CEO of biography-writing service StoryTerrace, a company built on helping people to write their life stories, biographies and memoirs, here’s 4 IDEAL tips for writing that book you’ve always wanted to.
WRITE WITH PASSION
The most important part of all; write from the heart. Think back to your school days; there was no fun found in writing about a subject which didn’t interest you for an essay, nevermind several hundred pages. Go into a new writing project without enthusiasm and this lack of passion will leap off the pages.
Very few people have an exact idea of what they want to write when they begin, and the plot, theme and content will likely evolve as you write. But writing with passion is what will keep your ideas fresh and unique, and will get you to that finish line.
Stuck for somewhere to start? Your own life story, or the story of your parents, might be the best place to look!
BUILD AN OUTLINE
Again, your book is likely to fluctuate, transform and evolve as you write. And that’s fine. But actually reaching ‘the end’ of your book is pretty impossible with no clear pathway – you need to have a good idea of where you’re going to act as a structural device throughout the process.
Devising a solid foundation and structure will help you fill in the gaps and give you that push to progress when you hit an inevitable bout of writer’s block.
BREAK YOUR BOOK DOWN INTO SMALL BITE SIZES
Or as some aficionados might call it….’chapters’.
We’re joking a little, but the idea of sitting down to write hundreds of pages in a few sittings is not only unrealistic but takes the joy out of writing. Your book is a huge collection of sentences, paragraphs and chapters – write in small chunks, with consistency, and before you know it you’ll have hundreds of pages drafted.
Slow and steady really does win the race here. Don’t rush to finish your book before the lockdown lid is lifted.
KEEP A SCHEDULE
The key to getting your book moving, flowing and ultimately finished boils down to consistency. It’s easy to write when you feel like writing, but you must set yourself a realistic and achievable schedule which sets aside some time every week for you to write, even if you don’t feel like it.
You won’t always be feeling energised and inspired to write, and even if you only manage a single paragraph or some editing in your allotted time, this is still progress. Stick to the schedule and you’ll have a much greater chance of finishing your book. Only when your book is penned and polished can you start to consider whether you’re ready to hire a book publicist to get your words read by the masses.
Check out our other tips on fighting off boredom during lockdown to keep you inspired and busy during this, erm, unprecedented time…
…’unparalleled’! There it is.