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There is a writer in everyone. If you are a buddy writer, my next three blogs are dedicated to you. I will take you through the process from how to write a book to how to publish the book.
The process of writing a book begins with an idea but this process is often clouded by uncertainties – will I be able to write a good book, will people like my book, will I be able to publish the book, etc.
Stop!
Repeat this mantra to give yourself confidence
I want to write a book
I can write a book
I will write and publish a book
Now get started!
When you begin writing, don’t bind yourself to logic or logistics, writing is a creative process.Free think and free write until your book or screen is full and you can’t write anymore.
If after writing a few pages, you get stuck and begin to struggle, don’t panic. Take a break, relax, observe the world around you for new ideas, pamper yourself until thoughts flow freely once more and begin writing again.
This free write forms your first draft. This draft may not be very long, it will not be very good, it will have grammar and structural issues but it will form the concept of your book. So don’t be upset if it does not live up to expectations. Instead, celebrate achieving the first milestone of writing a book.
Now the real work begins.
The second draft is longer process. You have to read through the first draft to understand your vision. It might be upsetting because the initial draft may not live up to your expectations. Don’t be discouraged. The second draft is a fine tuning process. You need to connect the dots, define the plot, build the characters, smoothen the story flow and break down your long free write into smaller, more palette-able chapters.
Once this process is complete, your confidence level will shoot up and fill you with pride.However, you will be plagued by uncertainties in the back of your mind that is still something missing. This is normal. Don’t worry. Relax and celebrate. Take a break before entering the next round of editing.
During this round, you get rid of uncertainties created by the previous round of editing. You will need to spend time bring your characters to life.Transform them into real people with personalities rather than stick figures with names. Use your own life as inspiration. After all, our lives are a story, full of emotion, drama, adventure and suspense. Also, look and fill plot holes that can detail your storyline.
After this you have two to three rounds of editing left before you can send it to a publishing house. During these rounds, you will have to be more practical. You will have to start thinking and writing with your mind not your heart. You will have to focus on taking your story to the next level based on the following prescribed steps that publishing houses will demand:
Define a plot
Define the genre
Define the characters
Define the flow of the story, including chapters
This editing may be more tedious but it polishes your writing from scribbles on a paper to a book. This stage may not be as enjoyable as the previous rounds but take pride in it as it is a sign of maturing as a first time Author.
Once this editing is complete, comes the hardest part, sharing your book with others. You need to share your book with a few close people to gain feedback. Listen to opinions. Observe their reactions. Use this information to do a final edit.
Once you are satisfied, shortlist and prepare a synopsis and send it to the chosen Publication Houses.
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