I want to write a book, where do I start?
Five steps to start your writing journey
How many times have you told yourself that you can’t write? I’m sure many. But you most definitely can, it’s a skill that can be learned, just like any skill. And like any skill, it will take a lifetime to master. But to write, you just need one thing: an idea. From there it takes time, persistence, commitment, and a deep learning process to bring your project to life.
There are several things you can do if you want to write that book that’s burning inside you:
Join a writing course or membership. There are thousands of them available both in-person and online. Check your local community first as you may be able to find a mentor there. My membership and courses are available here. But you need to choose a teacher that you resonate with. Like all teachers - there are right ones for you and wrong ones. As a teacher for 30 years, I don’t believe there are bad teachers, just bad fits. Be kind, you are either a fit or you are not.
Read. Read in the genre/age group you want to write in as well as out of the genre. You can learn how accomplished authors write by reading. The more you learn about writing (see step 1), the more you see how authors make it happen.
Find a writing group. There’s nothing better than being in a group of supportive people who will be honest about your writing but also be your greatest cheerleaders. Friendship and community can also be found here. Again, look in your local community and online. Some organisations help link up writers. For children’s literature, I cannot recommend SCBWI enough. Most places also have writer’s centres. These are excellent sources of community.
Build an organisational practice. Everyone is different in how they organise themselves - ideas, time management, writing practice, plotting or pantsing (how you write), and life balance. If you want to schedule your writing, I have developed a tool especially for writers here. It is the ideal tool for scheduling projects and breaking them down into achievable chunks. If you need organisational help with your writing, I hope this can help you.
Write. It may seem obvious, but the famous quote, “90% of books never get written,” is true. Unless you write, it won’t write itself. You have plenty of choices to get your work down - handwriting, typing, dictation, and some people are using AI to plan out their novels. I usually carry a notebook around to respond to ideas and then write the first chapter by hand with a basic outline and then move it onto the computer. Neil Gaiman writes the draft by hand first - and who am I to argue with the master? Others type straight onto the computer. And of course, do not send your work straight to a publisher without having an editor look over it.
Everyone can tell stories, but with these simple tips, you can get started. Remember that most authors suffer from chronic self-doubt, so you are in good company if you doubt yourself. It’s those who have faced that doubt and done it anyway who have made their mark. Have courage, get organised, and just write! What’s the worst that could happen?
