Fulfil your dream of becoming a published author
– and writing tips
They say ‘there is a book in everyone,’ and I couldn’t agree more!
What are you passionate about? What experiences can you share with us?
We all have unique and inspiring stories to tell that will not only educate, entertain, empower and touch people, but will do exactly the same for you too! Writing a book is a soulful way to develop yourself and connect with others.
I can honestly say writing and publishing my book has been the most bonding and rewarding experience with myself and others, and I would never have imagined that my book would WIN a Readers’ Favorite International Award too!
When my daughter got a job away from home and my son left for university, I was left wondering what to do next…
Whilst we all know the day will come when our adult children no longer need us in the same way they have for two decades, no matter how much planning one does, it is a new phase of life that is unfamiliar. So I took myself off to see a Life Coach.
I was lucky enough to find a fantastic coach who listened to what I did for a living and what my passions and loves were. Aside from other great advice he gave me, he suggested I write a book about something I was passionate about.
One of the many things I am passionate about in life, and luckily happens to be my profession, is helping children and families whose children have a learning difference (difficulty). I wanted to write a book that helped families discover how they can support their children at school and home. And so my book, “Dyslexia: Time For Talent”, was born earlier this year.
So, what are you passionate about? What experiences can you share with us in a book?
Here are my tips on writing a book:
- Create an inspired writing environment, where you are comfortable and won’t be distracted. This might be in your office, your dining room, your bedroom, your terrace, on the beach, or amongst nature, for example.
- Be disciplined about when you write. Take regular breaks and do something fun, don’t isolate yourself.
- Join author and self-publishing forums. You may even choose to attend a short writing course to focus your ideas and expand your knowledge.
- Understand the self-publishing process, especially self-publishing companies’ formatting requirements. Join forums.
- Do your research and pour your ideas on to paper. Remember that every idea is worthwhile, so don’t discard anything until after you have finished brainstorming. Then draw a MindMap of your chosen topic or novel and ideas.
- Then, assemble your ideas into logical, progressive chapters. In the case of nonfiction, I found that using sub headings and bullet points really helped me focus on the contents of each chapter.
- Write a book proposal. Even if you are not planning going down the ‘traditional’ publishing route, it is good practice to write a book proposal. It will help ensure you cover every aspect of the book publishing process, so that you are as professional as ‘traditional’ publishers.
- Get feedback about your book proposal.
- Some authors like to use novel writing software or writing programs, which break the process of writing into manageable chunks and helps you develop themes, characters and scenes.
- In the case of nonfiction, reference clearly as you write, so you don’t forget to acknowledge any sources. Don’t leave referencing to the end, when you may have forgotten where the source came from.
- When you have finished your book, make sure you have Beta readers who read your book, such as book reviewers. I paid for a book review, which gave me excellent feedback and suggestions to work on.
- Make sure you use a professional editor – this is vital. You can find editor and indexer associations worldwide, by genre specialty.
I wish you good luck and fun in your writing!
Call me or email me to book a complimentary 90-minute discovery call to establish what you want to achieve and how I can help you.