So you're writing a book. Some tips for making it

So you're writing a book. Some tips for making it happen.

Most people like to think that they have a novel or another kind of book inside them. However, only a few ever get around to starting one, let alone finishing one or getting it published. After all, writing a book is a big undertaking, and can take a lot of time and effort. It's also a very solitary endeavor, which is one reason why many people never finish their first attempts. Here are some tips to help you make your goal of writing a book a reality.

The first thing you should do is pick a topic that you're passionate about. Pick something that interests you, or that you'd like to read about. If you're going to write a book, you're going to be spending a lot of time with it, so you want to make sure you enjoy the process. Find an area that interests you, and narrow it down to a specific theme or point of interest. Fiction writers have a little more leeway here than non-fiction writers, but knowing what your book is about will help guide the writing process.

Some writers like to sit down and plan their book from beginning to end. Others may like to draw a concept map, or brainstorm. This part of the process really depends on your own preferences. However, if you are an inexperienced writer, or one who lacks discipline, planning is a good way to go. Planning doesn't have to be exhaustive. You don't have to stifle your creativity by mapping out every detail. Even a general overview or outline can be useful, as otherwise many writers end up spinning their wheels after getting only a few pages in.

The next step is to sit down and write. It sounds simple, but this is the step that many writers find the most difficult! If you fulfill your goal of writing a book, you'll have to stop talking about it, and actually do it. Set aside some time each day to write. Turn off the internet and the television, and make sure that your loved ones know not to distract you. This is time that belongs to your book. If you set aside an hour a day, you may well end up with a finished book within six months or a year. That's quite an achievement! However, it is essential that you do make time for writing. This is something that many people struggle with. They'd prefer to watch the football, or go out with friends. If you're serious about your writing, you'll need not only to find time, but to make time.

Once you've finished your first draft, the next step is to put your book away for a while and forget about it. Once it's sat in your drawer for a few months, it's time to get started editing. Some people love editing, while others hate it. However, editing is part of the process, and it's an essential step in making your book the best it can be. Just remember that all of the greats had to edit their work, too. Nobody can write a whole book's worth of perfect words even on the first go!

The last thing to think about when writing a book is your passion for writing. If you start to feel like you're not enjoying it, think about why. Book writing is your passion, after all. Why else would have you begun a book? If things get tough, reassess your goals and your approach, and try to make things work for you as best you can.