Writing a book starts with an idea

Take an idea, any idea, and start writing.

It’s all you need to do.

“Your intution knows what to write, so get out of the way.”

The late great science fiction author and storyteller Ray Bradbury said that.

So what does it mean?

Don’t over-think when you write. Go with your heart, your gut.

When you begin a book, it’s easy to fall into that practical, left-brain mode of overthinking.

Maybe you know the drill.

“Okay. I have a great idea, but where do I go from there and how about the next chapter and the one after that … and what if this book doesn’t work. My God. This is overwhelming. I can’t write a book.”

Slow down. Don’t panic. Don’t trip before you take that first step.

Just go with the flow.

Let me repeat that: Just go with the flow.

Much of life requires us to plan and organize what we do. And that’s fine.

It would be difficult to get through our daily lives if we didn’t.

And you can write that way, in a cautious, slow and plodding manner. You can outline a book, plan every chapter, do character sketches out the kazoo.

God knows, many writers go about writing a book this way, and it isn’t necessarily wrong.

But there is a better way.

Do you know what it is?

Get the words down fast, let the writing determine where the book goes.

Here’s the thing. It’s likely when you sit down to write that magnus opus, you had a pretty good idea what you wanted to say anyway.

So trust your instincts. You’ll be surprised what happens when you turn on that spigot and let the words flow.

What you write won’t be perfect. So what?

First drafts of books never are perfect. Then again, neither are eighth, ninth and tenth drafts.

There will be time for reflection, for editing, to go back and fix those parts of the book that don’t work.

Make writing a book a journey, not an arduous task.

Write fast, write from the heart.

Mike Reuther is a novelist, journalist and the author of Write the Darn Book. His blogs and newsletters help aspiring authors. Hit the link for more from Mike: https://mailchi.mp/450f8b46071e/write-the-darn-book