First, the bad news: there is no magic formula, potion or pill that will turn the story idea in your head into a manuscript. Words will not automatically appear on paper. All of the necessary elements for a “purpose-driven” book will not fall from the sky and converge in your lap as a completed literary work. It is entirely up to you.
The burden is on your shoulders. You are the one who must do the research, interview persons, recall conversations, develop an outline, create a draft, make your characters come to life, and keep readers interested enough to continuously turn to the next page. The good news is, you can do it.
Remember, whether you believe something is possible or not, you’re right. However, I invite you to follow this compelling model for effectively writing a personal bestseller: M.I.N.E. (Motivation + Inspiration + Narration + Eternization). The right reasons (motivation) move you
(inspiration) to capture words on paper (narration) for future generations (eternization).
But before you can get the full impact of M.I.N.E., there are three commitments that you must make to yourself before you can make any progress in writing a book:
1. Make a decision to write.
Since you have already thought about writing a book, there is really nothing else for you to think about. Stop thinking and start doing. Before you leave this page and before you finish this paragraph, make a decision to write. It can change your entire life. If you don’t take new action, you haven’t made a decision.
2. Make a committed decision to write.
How to do it, and if you can do it, are not to be considered now. Would you attempt to write if you knew for certain you couldn’t fail? Since failure is often defined as “not trying,” then trying equals success. I’ve discovered that carrying out a commitment is often easier than making one. You’ve made a real decision about a goal if, and only if, you find yourself doing something about it.
3. Make a committed decision to write with which you can be
flexible.
Once you’ve decided to write your book, don’t get stuck on the means to achieve it. You are going after the finished product. For example, most people think you can just write a book straight through. However, there may be greater value in planning out your book before you write your first word. Circumstances change and you must be able to change with them.
Most new writers and seasoned ones as well, don’t write as much as they can on a daily basis. Even writing part-time, two pages per day is a good start, and more can easily be done if the effort is put forth. Spend the next 90 days writing at least one page per day. This will get you out of your comfort zone, out of the limits you have placed on yourself and out of what you have convinced your brain that you can and cannot do. As you become more and more accustomed to writing and working towards your goal, you will probably discover that you didn’t set a high enough quota of pages.
How New Authors Can Keep Their Manuscript Coherent
In large publishing houses, many manuscripts penned by first-time authors, never make it past the "first reader" who for all practical purposes is a gatekeeper of sorts. This person's job is to weed out manuscripts that do not fit certain established submission criteria. However, many never make it to the editor's desk, simply because they are badly disorganized and downright incoherent.
Understanding The First Rule Of Writing—Before You Start The Great American Book
Chaos and confusion come when established rules and procedures are not followed. Even mixing and matching systems to favor one’s own position can cause a great deal of consternation. In writing a book, the first rule is to know and understand why you want to write in the first place.
Why Book Writers Need A Running Mate
By far, I have found that the lack of discipline is the biggest hindrance for most people, when it comes to writing a book of any kind. Although I urge you as a would-be writer to develop a theme because once you are clear on "why" you want to write a book, your motivational level will shift into a higher gear, I also urge you to get an accountability partner. This person will be the most important asset you can have as a writer.
