How to Begin Writing a Book

When you have lots of ideas and research, where to start?

This week's question from a writer was about how to begin. Julia Cameron of Write For Life says if you don't know where to start, "Start where you are".  Her keen eye observes her room, the horizon, a flower - everything is inspiration. This may not work for you.

I find if I start following my curiosity about an area, reading Books, Papers, noting snippets on the subject, even news headlines, these are all fodder to take me into writing or mind mapping mode. Curiosity has a slow vibe to it.

Organising the Threads

For non-fiction, I find the hand-drawn Mind Map with simple images is perfect for organising ideas into a coherent structure and seeing the whole. We can retain 65% of visual learning material after three days (compared to 10% for auditory) and colour even more so. This means it’s easier to retain and recall information presented in visual form. (SafetyCulture, LucidLearning).

It is also easier to encourage the free flow of ideas, with both the brain hemispheres working together. This non-linear brainstorming method (Mind Mapping) results in what’s called Divergent Thinking.

The writing of other styles, like a poem or diary, can also unstick the flow of the pen. By writing in other styles, with more creative, sensory description, it invites more colour & life into your topic at hand.

Write fast - don't judge it .. Write longhand with a gel ink pen. Use an app to transfer it to your text, e.g. Handwriting to Text. I tried this and it missed some letters… but it’s pretty good if you are prepared to read it again.

Then, like writer Elizabeth Gilbert said (roughly), “Just get out of your own way and let the passing ideas find their way to you”.

Buy the book: Write for Life