HELP! I HAVE BEEN WRITING A BOOK FOR DONKEY’S YEARS AND I STILL CAN’T FINISH IT (PART 3)

When it comes to authoring a book, many aspire, but only few achieve their aspiration. Previously, I have shared six (6) important reasons why your book project might have stalled. Today, I will cap it all with the most practical issue on this series:

Many aspiring authors lack understanding of the book writing process.

Note the word "PROCESS."

Process is defined as a series of actions or steps taken in order to achieve a particular end.

Rather than mastering and working with a process that works, you might fall into the common trap of using a laisse a faire approach. Truth be told, ideas come to us spontaneously, but we achieve excellence by processing and organizing our ideas properly through planning and discipline.

If you merely act by the impulse of inspiration and without planning, you would put the cart before the horse at different times. For example, you might want to title your book before writing it. While that has worked for some people and some book projects, it is actually a faulty approach to book writing.

A book is not primarily about its title, but about its message which is its value proposition, or, better put, its benefit to readers. So, focus on expressing the message as much as you can. Let your heart soar in your writing.

The danger of titling a book before you write it is that the title might limit your expression while you are trying to adjust to it.

You might work with a tentative title while writing, but don't be rigid about it. Your tentative title should serve as a label to help you recall what the book idea is about.

Every creature was named after - not before - they were created. In real life, when you behold an object, you can understand why it was so named; perhaps, considering its features, purpose or inventor. The most creative and accurate title of your book would most likely come after - not before - it has been written.

So, if not the title, what do you begin with?

First, write down the value proposition of your idea in a clear and comprehensive manner. Then take out time for thorough research. Find out what has been written about that idea before then. The quality of your research will determine the quality and efficiency of your writing.

Next, think of how to convey your idea to your audience using a step-by-step approach. Ask yourself, "If I wanted to teach this idea to people, what would be the sequential flow of thought? This helps you to draw out an outline - like that of a sermon or presentation.

As you break each point written down into chapters, sections and sub-sections, you have a full-fledged book outline to guide your writing. In fact, considering your audience, you can go further by indicating in each chapter the most appropriate illustrations, quotes, references, and statistics in each part of the book.

This provides you with a comprehensive map for writing with which you can maximize your flow of inspiration. You will notice that your ideas will be more refined and come more easily when you start using this approach. And writing with ease will encourage you to continue writing until your book is done.

Would you like to know more or get started on your book project? Then let's talk.

Reach me on 07080401080 or 08135273602 or send a mail via hello@scribetribe.ng

To your greatness,

Bright UK

The Chief Scribe