The idea of writing a whole book can feel overwhelming, like climbing a mountain. But writing happens a little bit at a time, much like taking steps along a mountain trail.
You don’t have to write the whole book in a day. You don’t have to write a chapter in one sitting. Just start by writing a simple memory.
Just one.
One Memory Is Enough for Today
Think of a memory that relates to the book you’re writing. It can be something very simple, like a conversation, a moment of laughter, or a feeling of thankfulness. A shared mealtime. An encouraging smile.
Anything like that is a great place to start. Just write what you remember about that one moment. Who, what, when, where? How did it make you feel? Why did that memory stick with you?
You don’t have to explain how that memory relates to your book. You don’t have to weave it into your story. For now, just capture the memory by itself.
Write the basics. It doesn’t have to be complicated. It doesn’t require the perfect words or grammar. Just share it from your heart and put it into simple words. Capture the moment. That’s a great start to writing your book.
Value in the Ordinary
For now, you’re just trying to get some momentum in your writing. Taking one step at a time. But don’t be surprised if that memory you capture finds its way into your book.
I love everyday moments. Most of my clients have put at least one ordinary moment in their book. That moment is what I remember most about their story. It sticks with me. It’s filled with meaning and plays an important role.
Why? Because ordinary moments are relatable. Readers can connect with them. They can picture the moment and see themselves in it. They can understand you, the author, better because you are sharing a simple part of your life.
In a traumatic story, an ordinary moment can bring reprieve. In a fast-paced story, an ordinary moment can help you pause and reflect. In the midst of big changes in the story, an ordinary moment feels stable. In these ways, ordinary moments end up feeling extraordinary to your reader.
That simple memory you write about might end up playing a memorable role in your book. Even if it doesn’t end up in your book, it will help you move forward in your writing.
All of that is for future consideration, to show you the value of writing a simple memory. But that’s further down the road. Don’t focus on that today. This isn’t the day you’re trying to figure out what moments to include or not include in your story.
Instead, today is the day you start writing by capturing a simple memory. Nothing more.
A Simple Step for Today
Set a timer for five to ten minutes. Jot down a memory that keeps coming to mind. It can be ordinary or extraordinary.
Spend those minutes writing what you want to say about that memory. It doesn’t have to be polished or complete. Just write what comes to mind.
That’s your starting point. Your writing step for today. That’s how you write a book, one moment at a time.
Janet Eriksson 