5 steps to writing a book Writing a book feels like a colossal project because it is! But really, it will be made up of many small parts.
An old adage says that the way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time.
It can’t be written all at once any more than that proverbial elephant could be eaten in a single sitting.
So keep it simple.
Step 1: Write your premise in one sentence
A murder mystery of a troubled girl/motivational story based on my experiences/marriage story based on my uncle's life.
The common thread that connects the above three premises is that it limits the scope of your genre and inspiration. It is henceforth easy to stick to the theme. If you feel you are going out of the scope while writing the book, RE-DEFINE the premise. Write it on a board next to your work table. It will work like a lighthouse, taking you slowly to the shore.
Step 2: Construct your outline
It is your time to get scientific about the book. Make a graph about the timeline of the novel. It should include climax and crisis. Make sure all the climaxes are not pushed towards the end. The intensity of every revelation in the book should push the reader to go to the next page.
Step 3: Research about the profession of your characters
The easiest way to research is to talk to people. If you have read novels like The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand, then you know how important it is to sound real when you write about another person's professions. This is an area where you cannot fake it. The best way to go forward is to make a list of what your character does for work and talk to people working in similar fields.
Step 4: Work with discipline. Don't wait for Inspiration
2000/1000/500 words each day, every day. Good or bad. It doesn't matter. What matters is that you are inching forward. To understand the theory of consistency with writing, read about the working schedule of Haruki Murakami.
Step 5: A book is written during redrafting
The first draft is a set of words, the second draft is intention, the third draft is a book.
Believe in the fact that your first draft is bad. Take honest reviews from friends and family. Once you have reached your 3rd iteration, you might have something that can be called a book. Save it for later.
