So You Want to Write a Book

Introduction

• Speaker: Experienced author with over 40 years of experience
• Acknowledges the multitude of quick-fix writing advice available
• Emphasizes quality over speed
• Presents 13 foundational steps for writing a book

Steps to Write a Book

1. Establish Your Writing Space

• Importance of dedicating a consistent space for writing
• Example: The speaker's humble beginnings with makeshift writing setups
• Writers should never say they don't have a place to write
• Ensure the space meets your needs (solitude, privacy, proper equipment)

2. Assemble Your Writing Tools

• Essential tools: laptop, comfortable chair
• Importance of comfort (especially chair and computer)
• Keep necessary items within arm's reach to minimize distractions

3. Break the Project into Small Pieces

• Writing a book is a colossal task, akin to eating an elephant
• Break it down into sentences, paragraphs, and chapters
• Approach the task one piece at a time

4. Settle on Your Big Idea

• Big ideas are crucial for a book-worthy concept
• Criteria for a big idea: It excites you every time you talk about it
• Examples: "How to Win Friends and Influence People" (nonfiction), "Harry Potter" (fiction)

5. Construct Your Outline

• Outlining provides direction
• Even "pantsers" (writers who write by the seat of their pants) need a basic outline
• Nonfiction needs detailed outlines for editors and agents
• Fiction and nonfiction outlines should include setups and payoffs

6. Set a Firm Writing Schedule

• Include a firm deadline and keep it sacred
• Divide total pages by number of days available
• Adjust the schedule according to actual writing pace
• Importance of sacrificing other activities to maintain writing time

7. Conduct Your Research

• Essential for both nonfiction and fiction
• Specificity lends credibility; readers notice inaccuracies
• Use research to add seasoning, not as the main course

8. Write a Compelling Reader-First Opener

• The first line sets the tone for the entire book
• Categories of first lines: surprising, dramatic statement, philosophical, poetic
• Example of surprising: George Orwell's "1984"
• Always think "reader first, last, and always"

9. Fill Your Story with Conflict and Tension

• Readers crave tension in both fiction and nonfiction
• Inject conflict into every interaction to keep readers engaged

10. Turn Off Your Internal Editor

• Important while writing the first draft
• Save editing for later to maintain creative flow

11. Survive the Marathon in the Middle

• The middle of the book is often the hardest part
• Alternate setups and payoffs to keep it interesting

12. Write a Resounding Ending

• An effective ending leaves a strong impression
• Give your ending the time and effort it deserves

13. Become a Ferocious Self-Editor

• Polish your manuscript until it sings
• Agents and editors can judge within two minutes
• Self-editing is crucial for making a strong impression
• Resources: Jerry Jenkins' self-editing tips at his website

Conclusion

• Speaker offers free writing tips and resources on their website