The Basics of Writing a Book

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Lots of people talk about writing a book but not many of them actually finish or even get much of a start. Writing is hard and it takes a serious amount of dedication. If you'e dying to write a book but don't know quite where to start, follow these tip to streamline the process and get on the road to authorship.

Ideas

Do you know what you'd like to write about? Often, people are best at writing the kind of books they most love to read. The books you read in your free time are the books you've got the most experience with. For fiction, experience means you'll be better at spotting a boring or overused character type or plotting device before it gets totally out of hand. If you love non-fiction, knowing what subjects interest you will make choosing one to write about much easier.

Time

Writing is a skill. No one, except maybe F. Scott Fitzgerald, has ever been born knowing how to write well. The more you write the better you'll be, so set aside some time every day to write. Write in a journal, start a blog, send letters to your cousin - whatever motivates you to put words in a row is good practice.

Once you do start writing your book, make a schedule. If there's a time of day when you're focused and undistracted, use that time to write

. Some authors swear by afternoon writing and others prefer the wee hours of the morning. The important thing is to be consistent so you get into the habit of writing at that time every day.

Space

Writing a book is a long process, so find a dedicated writing space and settle into it. Ideally, this is a room with a door you can close, no TV and no internet access. You are in your writing space to write, not check your Facebook page. Turn off the internet or use a typewriter if you can't focus. Of course most people don't have a spare technology-free room in their house, so try to make do with what you have. Take your laptop to bed and close the door. Ban your spouse from the garage every evening from nine to ten. Just make some space, because having to clear off a desk for your laptop is a perfect excuse not to write, and procrastination is a writer's worst enemy.

People are best at writing the kind of books they most love to read