You know you have a book in you that God is asking you to put out there but you don’t know where to start?
I know that writers often have a wealth of ideas swirling in their minds, but turning those ideas into a cohesive book or series of books can feel overwhelming. But as authors ourselves at Beyond the Book Media, we have learned a few tips and tricks that we know will help you in the process of putting together your first book draft.
The key to success lies in a combination of listening to God, organization and letting your creativity flow.
5 practical tips to help you structure your thoughts and get started on your writing journey:
1. Brainstorm Freely, Then Prioritize
Start by jotting down all your ideas—no matter how big or small. At this point, they don’t need to be super organized. Use a notebook, digital tool, or sticky notes to capture everything. Once you’ve emptied your mind, review your ideas identify the ones that excite you the most, and organize them accordingly.
2. Create an Outline
An outline is your roadmap. Break your story or concept into chapters or sections, and briefly summarize what each part will cover. This doesn’t have to be perfect—it’s a flexible guide that will evolve as you write. Outlining helps you see the bigger picture and prevents you from getting stuck. Click here to see a full class on how to do this.
3. Use Visual Tools
Sometimes, seeing your ideas visually can make a huge difference. Try mind maps, storyboards, or even Pinterest boards to organize characters, settings, or themes. Online tools like Trello or Notion can also help you categorize and track your progress.
4. Set Small, Achievable Goals
Writing a book is a marathon, not a sprint. Break your project into manageable chunks, like writing 500 words a day or completing one chapter a week. Small goals keep you motivated and make the process less daunting. However, you also need to give yourself a deadline, or you will keep leaving it for tomorrow and it will never become a reality.
5. Embrace Imperfection
Don’t let the pursuit of perfection paralyze you. Your first draft is just that—a draft. Focus on getting your ideas down on paper without overthinking. You can always revise and refine it later. But just like in the step before, be careful not to get stuck in the editing process.
We have seen so many people abandon their project because even after 5 or 6 rounds of editing it is still not PERTECT but does that even exist? Is God asking for perfection?
Remember, every great book starts with a single idea. By organizing your thoughts and taking consistent action, you’ll transform your vision into a story worth sharing. Happy writing!
