Best Ways to Write a Book

What are the best ways to write a book, you ask? You've come to the right place! These writing tips apply to fiction writing, freelance writing, blogging, business writing, and everything in between...

If you don't find what you're looking for here, please comment below. I run Quips and Tips for Successful Writers, and have hundreds of book writing tips up my sleeve.

Best Ways to Write a Book

Picture your stories as “full circles.” A story can be circular, with a beginning, a middle, and an end. Some stories even end up in the same place they started — and the best ones have hints and quiet references to the beginning throughout the whole story. I also like to think of it as leaving a trail of breadcrumbs throughout your story: your readers pick up one crumb at a time, nibble throughout your story, and end up satisfied. To learn more, read Story Writing Help – 6 Ways to Write Better Fiction. 

Remember Anne Lamott’s writing tip. “Perfectionism is the voice of the oppressor,” said Lamott. “It will keep you insane your whole life.” Your writing won’t be perfect, fellow scribes…but it will be done, and it will be yours. To overcome procrastination, fear, and self-doubt, forget about being perfect. Instead, write the way your heart and head dictates. If you need motivation, read How to Write the First Draft - Writing Tips From Writers.

Carve out 30 or 60 minutes a day for writing your book. I had to force myself to keep writing both Fire Up (or Just Fire!) the Muse and 75 Ways to Make (More) Money Blogging – I wrestled with self-doubt and fear (What if nobody buys my ebook? What if people buy it, but don’t like it? What if, what if, what if?) The best way to write a book is to overcome doubt and fear is to set your ebook writing schedule and stick to it. (Which, by the way, is what Fire Up the Muse is all about: overcoming writer’s block, fear, doubt, self-criticism — and being a successful writer).

Find your writer's voice. In an article about menopause for alive magazine, I used the phrases “the crimson tide” and “Aunt Flo” instead of “your period.” I hesitated at first (Would readers get it? Is it too casual for a health magazine?), but decided to let it rip – and the editor emailed to say she loved those specific phrases! Taking risks when you write will help you find your writer’s voice -- and finding your voice is one of the best ways to write a book.

What do you think -- are these the best ways to write a book? I welcome your thoughts below!