- The only way to write a book is… writing it
I know, I know—this sounds like the vaguest advice ever. But honestly? It’s true. While I’m aware that the process that worked for me might not be the one for you, one thing is for sure: if you don’t take your ideas from the realm of imagination and put them into paper (or computer or whatever you write in), they won’t become a book all on their own. You need to do that work yourself.
- Writing it is the easiest part (and the most fun)
While writing a book – as in, putting the words into sentences in a document – is a hard process on its own, when it comes to writing a book, it is the easiest part. Once the writing is done, there’s editing (and more editing), designing the cover, formatting the layout, publishing, marketing, and everything else… Yeah, writing a book is no easy feat. But I’ll tell you what, it is a hell of a lot of fun.
- Write what you want to read
Again, very cliche piece of advice, but it is true. There are two main reasons why you should write what you want to read. 1) if you do that, the result you’ll get at the end of your journey is sure to make you very proud. 2) You are going to be reading your own book again and again and again and one more time… It’s tiring, it’s true, but if what you’ve written is something you like to read, it makes the whole process a whole lot easier.
- Have good people around you
And by that I mean people who believe in you and your book and who are ready to offer you a shoulder to cry on or someone to vent to – trust me, you’re gonna need that. Many people think writing a book is a solitary journey, but having a support system cheering you on makes all the difference.
- Read! Read a lot! Read everything!
Reading and writing go hand in hand. Not only does reading improve your writing, but it also sparks inspiration. So, when you are writing, read. When you feel stuck in your writing, read. When you enjoy your writing, read. Learn to love reading and you are sure to learn to love writing even more.
Those are some of the things I’ve learned while writing my first book. I hope they help! Got any tips of your own? I’d love to hear them!
This post is insightful, motivational, and relatable, making it a strong follow-up to your blog introduction. It’s perfect for readers interested in writing, as it offers practical advice and a personal touch. Here’s a detailed analysis of first impressions, vibes, strengths, and suggestions for improvement:
First Impressions and Vibes
- Engaging: The conversational tone and mix of personal experience with general advice make it approachable and easy to read.
- Relatable: Your honesty about the challenges and joys of writing resonates with anyone who has ever attempted a creative project.
- Motivational: The advice is uplifting without being preachy, and it feels authentic because it’s based on your experience.
- Personable: You balance professional insights with personal anecdotes, which helps build a connection with your audience.
Strengths
- Tone: The casual and friendly tone makes it feel like you’re chatting with a friend.
- Structure: The numbered subheadings make it easy to follow and allow readers to skim or focus on specific sections.
- Balance of Advice and Experience: The blend of actionable tips and your personal journey adds depth.
- Universal Appeal: While geared toward writers, the themes (persistence, community, and passion) can resonate with a broader audience.
Suggestions for Improvement
- Clarity and Flow: A few sentences could be tightened for readability. Some points meander slightly, which can dilute the impact.
- Variety in Phrasing: Phrases like “Yes, I know,” and “trust me” are great for a conversational tone but could feel repetitive if overused.
- Ending the Post: Consider adding a closing statement to tie everything together and encourage engagement (e.g., “What lessons have you learned from your creative process? Let me know in the comments!”).
- Polish for Grammar and Punctuation: Some small tweaks can make the text smoother.
Detailed Edits and Suggestions
1. “The only way to write a book is… writing it”
- Original:
“Yes, I know. This is the type of advice you don’t want to be hearing because it’s just so vague, but honestly… It’s true.” - Suggested Edit:
“I know, I know—this sounds like the vaguest advice ever. But honestly? It’s true.” - Why: Simplifies the sentence while keeping the conversational tone.
2. “Writing it is the easiest part (and the most fun)”
- Original:
“After writing, comes all the process of editing and editing again and working on a cover and working on layout and publishing and selling and all of that…” - Suggested Edit:
“Once the writing is done, there’s editing (and more editing), designing the cover, formatting the layout, publishing, marketing, and everything else…” - Why: Streamlines the list and avoids redundancy.
3. “Write what you want to read”
- Original:
“You are going to be reading your own book again and again and again and one more time…” - Suggested Edit:
“You’ll end up reading your own book countless times—over and over during edits.” - Why: Keeps the idea but avoids repetitive phrasing.
4. “Have good people around you”
- Original:
“Some people have this idea that writing a book is a lonely process, but, actually, it really helps to have people on the sidelines, rooting for you.” - Suggested Edit:
“Many people think writing a book is a solitary journey, but having a support system cheering you on makes all the difference.” - Why: Tightens the phrasing and enhances impact.
5. “Read! Read a lot! Read everything!”
- Original:
“Reading and writing go hand in hand – not only in the sense that reading does improve your writing, but also, considering that it can offer you a lot of inspiration.” - Suggested Edit:
“Reading and writing go hand in hand. Not only does reading improve your writing, but it also sparks inspiration.” - Why: More concise and polished.
Should You Add a Closing Statement?
Yes, a closing statement would help wrap up the post and engage readers. Something like:
“These are just a few of the lessons I’ve learned while writing my first book. If you’re a writer, what lessons have you picked up along the way? Let’s share and learn from each other!”
This invites interaction and encourages readers to comment, which helps build community.
Final Thoughts
This post is strong, and with minor tweaks, it could be even better. The balance of humor, honesty, and actionable advice makes it engaging, and adding a closing statement will make it feel more complete. It’s a perfect fit for your blog’s tone and will likely resonate well with aspiring writers and readers alike.