Stop Dreaming about YOUR Book and Start Writing With These Strategies
Dreaming about writing a book? Haven't started yet? Wondering what it takes to be successful at writing your book?
The ugly truth behind being successful is determined by how well you connect with a reader. It’s your readers who make you successful. No readers…no success. No readers…you’re writing into a black hole.
Writing to spark ideas, create thought, expand your reach, as a key to higher paying speaking gigs or corporate consulting - you need that connection. You also need strategies to help you write your book.
If you want to write a book, you have to start somewhere, and you have to have a strong foundation for when the going gets tough. Readers are fickle. There are a lot of distractions. There are some things out of your control. But these things — you can control.
As a book coach, I work with all kinds of writers. Some are new to writing, and others are well-versed. No matter what level they are, we always start here - this is my favorite strategy to teach and coach for writing a book.
“When I sit down to write a book, I do not say to myself, ‘I am going to produce a work of art.’ I write it because there is some lie that I want to expose, some fact to which I want to draw attention, and my initial concern is to get a hearing.” — George Orwell
Step 1: Define Your ‘Why’
Why are you writing this book?
Take some time to discover your purpose. Ensure that it is clear and authentic. It has to be YOUR WHY, not anyone else’s why.
For new writers, this step is the cornerstone of your foundation. For established writers, it realigns your focus.
Know your why — write it down. Keep it visible.
“Your audience is one single reader. I have found that sometimes it helps to pick out one person-a real person you know, or an imagined person-and write to that one.”― John Steinbeck
Step 2: Understand Your Audience
Identify who you’re writing for. Really take the time to get to know your audience. Narrow your audience down to a specific person.
Share how understanding your audience’s needs and challenges leads to a book that feels personal and valuable. This sounds jargony I know. But if you don’t know who you’re writing for and what they need how can you give them what they want?
The best way I know of to understand your audience is to read what they are reading. Discover what their pain points are and what gets them excited. Listen to conversations (yes eavesdrop). Read book reviews on your mentor texts.
“Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible.” — Tony Robbins
Step 3: Set Realistic Goals and a Writing Routine
Success starts with a consistent habit. Motivation is great when you’re feeling motivated. But on those days when you don’t, then what? Set yourself up with a realistic routine that works for YOU. If it’s writing 10 minutes during lunch, then do it.
For new writers, it helps to understand what word count works for you. I like to get an overall view of the entire project and discover how many words I need to write to complete my task. Then, I set realistic goals for myself. Don’t make them too big, or you’ll fail and then give up. Make them small so that when you reach the milestone, you have an immediate positive experience.
For experienced writers, I also encourage them to set aside time for deeper planning or edits. Planning and editing can create writer turmoil and writer’s block. This phase needs careful planning and attention to prevent the feeling that you want to quit.
Keep your book writing strategies in clear view.
Write your goals, your WHY and who your reader is down where it’s visible. I like post it notes on the wall near my desk.
These are the top three book writing strategies that I work on with my clients. ALL writers struggle with them. And without having these firmly set as your foundation, you’re bound to struggle, get writer’s block, and then quit. Starting with a firm foundation also give you clarity as you move forward.
I’m interested in knowing what area of writing is the hardest for you. Have you tried any of the three suggestions before you started? Have you thought about where you'll start? Have you considered your reader?
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