First things first!

Want to take on a difficult, challenging, insecure, but ultimately rewarding task? Have you thought of writing a book?

If you’re just embarking on the journey, I’d like to share some of my thoughts and experiences with you. If I can help you or inspire you to believe in your own stories, then this blog will be worthwhile.

So, where to begin when the process looks insurmountable?

First things first. Go for some long walks and don’t take your device. Find a sunny spot and daydream the afternoon away. Put a notebook by your bed and when you wake up with a brilliant idea, write it down. In other words, let your thoughts drift and this will help you a) let your subconscious lift ideas to the surface & b) help you develop the idea into something you can work with.

Then, write out a rough plan. This could be a storyboard or a narrative arc diagram (have a look at a previous blog post for ideas on how to do this here). The rough plan is like a mud map of ideas, plot, characters and setting. From there you can a) develop a strong story outline & b) get to know your characters better (for ideas on how to do this, you can read my blog post here).

Next comes the hard part. You write!

There’s no getting away from it. In order to have a book, there needs to be words. I don’t mean to sound facetious but the truth is that a book comes out of a jumble of words and thoughts. Sometimes the story doesn’t make sense, the structure doesn’t work or you struggle to communicate the concept but without words, none of this matters. Only with words can you shape and sculpt the story into something beautiful.

In whatever way you can, however you can, get the words down. Set yourself a daily or weekly goal and stick to it. Get up earlier, go to bed later, whatever you can do to get the first draft completed.

Then you’ll have a way forward.

I can’t wait to see what you create.

Let me know what you think or how you’ve found the writing process.

Until next time,

Jacqui.

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