Writing a book for the first time can seem like a daunting task and you may be wondering how to get started. First, get rid of the idea that you don't have the time. Many people talk themselves out of writing before they even get started because of all the other responsibilities they have. Not to say that family, friends, work, etc. aren't important but if writing is something you really want to do, then to put it simply, you just have to make the time. I know what you're thinking...that's easier said than done. Not really. Life is hectic and everyday brings something different to deal with so don't get discouraged if you can't etch out an hour or two everyday to write. You should try to write a little everyday. Even if it's just a sentence or two, you should add something to your story.

Okay, so what do you write about? Now there is only so much I can do. You have to come up with a concept yourself. Start by thinking about what interests you and go from there. If nothing interests you then before you begin writing a book, head straight to your nearest psychiatrist. Once that's all sorted out get back on track. It sounds more difficult than it is. Maybe you've always wanted to tell your father's life story or how about that vacation you took and all the things you saw and think other people should see upon visiting the same place. There are a multitude of things to write about. The trick is ti figure out something that you are truly interested in. That way it will be easier to focus and the words will flow better.

You've got the time and the idea, now what? Well get started. You have nothing to lose at this point. Everything else will come as you go along. And don't worry about not knowing how to do something. Writing is a learning process and many writers learn as they go. Another point to remember is to make sure you are in the right atmosphere to write. What gets your creative juices flowing? You should designate a place to write, someplace that is conducive for being creative. Ideally I would recommend a quiet room with soft music and candles. However, if your life is like mine, you don't live in Walgreen's world of perfect. If you don't have a quiet room, then anyplace that you can make peaceful enough to work is fine. Don't get hung up on the location. It's important but not essential. It's about creating the right atmosphere for you. Who knows, maybe you're one of those people that can write in chaos.

This sounds like you may actually want to do this. You have a ton of ideas swimming around in your head and you're sitting at work. Now it's time for story structure. How do you want the story to flow? You need to create an outline or notes that you can refer back to when you get ready to write your story. And every time you get a new idea, write it down. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention the notebook. Get a notebook or pad of some kind that will designated for your book ideas and nothing else. That means no groceries or to do lists in this notebook. Everything pertaining to your book goes in here, no matter how big or small. But make sure that you understand your own notes. They are no good to you if you don't understand what you wrote because your handwriting is atrocious or because you have no idea why you referenced a rhinoceros when your story is about baking.

Now that you have all the tools you need to get started, begin writing. Don't force the words, let them come to you. And remember...when you're a famous author and everyone knows who you are, I want 5% of the royalties.

Lori Medford
Author