How to write a book

«Writing is easy. All you have to do is cross out the wrong words», or at least that’s what Mark Twain believed. I agree with him… To a certain degree.

Writing isn’t difficult (okay, maybe it is a bit, but it’s not impossible). In fact, the most difficult part of it all is to actually make the decision to sit down, open your laptop/computer/notebook/papyrus or whatever best suits you and write.

So, in this article, I have 6 tips for you, to help you get organized now, in the beginning of your writing steps, so you do it more productively (and you don’t get disappointed after a week or so, because you won’t have written an entire novel, but just a few pages).

1.       Choose the idea that you will write about strategically .

If you are like me, then you probably get -on average- 947.832 ideas a day, while you eat, speak with your friends, lie in bed, scroll on Facebook etc. But which idea should you choose? The answer is simple: the most persistent. One morning, as I was sipping my tea, minding my own business, I goτ this idea for a romantic story. My characters would meet one another in a coffee place, fighting over a blueberry muffin. I wrote this down (ALWAYS WRITE DOWN YOUR IDEAS. SERIOUSLY, NEVER LEAVE THE HOUSE WITHOUT A NOTEBOOK). The next day, I started thinking about it again. I changed my mind. I wanted my little friend to buy all the blueberry muffins, as an excuse to talk to her. It was more romantic. Then I started thinking about the actual couple, who they were, what did they look like, how old they were, where did they live. I started building, floor after floor. My idea acquired a certain shape, before changing forms in my mind for days. That’s how I knew I had to write it.

2.       Set a daily/weekly word goal.

You are all set. You have your idea, you pretty much know what you want to happen. Se the next step is to start writing. You need to set a goal. It doesn’t have to be big. 2.000-3.000 words a week, especially if you are working, studying, etc is a decent start. As an author, I can tell you that you don’t need to write a lot. You need to write often. Don’t stop for two months, then write 5 chapters, then stop, restart etc. You will end up forgetting and mixing stuff. And when you move on to editing, you will discover how much of a mess you made, making your characters travel from Greece to Cyprus through France!

3.       Write at the same spot.

Yes, it is weird, but effective. Let me explain. I write on my bed but facing the opposite way (so I don’t get sleepy). I have made this my designated writing space. Good lighting, not too bright, not too dark, window view, place to put my cup of coffee/tea/alcohol (depending on the chapter). I automatically switch to writing mode when I am there. You can choose your office, desk, floor, kitchen, anything. Avoid choosing a place outside your house. How many times will you go to the same cafe, at a specific table, to sit for a bunch of hours and write?  (a change of scenery once in a while helps though, so don’t cross out entirely that little bistro you love).

4.       Ask for help

I cannot stress this enough. A book needs a title, a cover, editing etc. It needs extra pairs of eyes. Talk to your friends, don’t be shy. Somebody will come up with a killer title (my mum). Someone artistic will make you a fantastic cover (my aunt). Someone else will unblock you and inspire you (my male best friend). You also need a first reader. These amazing -and incredibly patient people- will read your book and leave you a whole bunch of notes, reactions and comments. We always need a bit of confidence, so an overly excited friend will come handy as well. Don’t hesitate to talk about your ideas and ask for help.

5.       Write for you.

Don’t trouble yourself thinking: “Will they like my story? Will I satisfy everyone? Will I become the next bestselling phenomenon? Write for yourself. Write what you would like to read. Write something you are passionate about. It will be easier, you will put more character and soul in your book and then one thing is guaranteed, people will like it.

6.       Do your homework (research).  

In writing, we don’t necessarily care about truth. Rather, it’s more important for your book to seem true, not be true (true stories are obviously an exception). However, if you decide to write a book set let’s say in Athens, your readers should see the real Athens. Open google maps, read articles, learn about the little details that differentiate life in Athens from life in other places. This way you will win your reader. DETAILS MATTER (don’t overdo it though). Make your reader imagine the place you are writing about, “see” it, “hear” it, take a stroll there with your characters. Try to match the setting with the characters. It will be compelling!

Elena Papadopoulou