If you’re writing a book about your life story or family history, you’ll probably want to include photos. Not only do photos help portray your story, but they are also a valuable part of the memories you’re sharing with future generations. Here are some tips for how photos can help you piece your story together.
Continue reading “Photos Help to Tell Your Life Story or Family History”Rabbit Trails and Writing
When you’re writing a book, it’s easy to get so caught up in the story that you end up on a rabbit trail. A rabbit trail is a detour away from the main focus of your book. How can you tell if you’re on a rabbit trail, and how do you find your way back?
Continue reading “Rabbit Trails and Writing”Every Word Counts
If you’re just starting to write a book, the scope of the project might feel overwhelming. You think of how many words go into a book. You’re just starting out. How will you get from here to there? Can you do this?
Yes, you can. You can write and finish your book. Just remember: every word counts.
Continue reading “Every Word Counts”Got 10 Minutes? Freewriting Can Help
You want to make progress writing your book, but it’s hard to find time. And when you have time, you don’t know where to start. Did you know 10 minutes of freewriting can help create momentum and a low-pressure habit of writing?
Continue reading “Got 10 Minutes? Freewriting Can Help”Start Your Book by Writing a Simple Letter
You want to write a book. You have a message to share. You know the kind of readers you can help with your book. But how do you get started? It feels kind of overwhelming.
Here’s a simple way to start moving toward your book: Write a letter.
Continue reading “Start Your Book by Writing a Simple Letter”It Is Not Too Late to Write Your Book
This question comes up a lot: “Is it too late to write my book?”
Absolutely not.
If you have a book inside you, it’s not too late to write it.
Continue reading “It Is Not Too Late to Write Your Book”Organizing Your Book Notes by Category
A question I hear from new non-fiction book writers is, “How do I organize my material?” While my first answer is always to do what works best for you, I would like to share a strategy I learned in college. I think it will help you see how all your thoughts and notes fit together in your book.
Continue reading “Organizing Your Book Notes by Category”How To Start Writing Your Book Just By Talking
If you’ve been wanting to write a book, but you don’t know where to start, you can get started just by talking. Writing a book doesn’t mean you always have to be writing. Sometimes it’s easier to get thoughts onto a page by saying them out loud.
No writer’s block. No staring at a blank screen. No flashbacks of high school English class. Just talking.
Continue reading “How To Start Writing Your Book Just By Talking”Write Your Book Your Way
The first question most non-fiction, self-publishing writers ask me is, “What’s the best way for me to start writing my book?”
My answer? The best way is your way. You have to find what works for you. What will bring your words to life for your readers? You’re the only one who will know what works best for you, and it may take a little exploration to figure it out.
No matter which way you choose, there is one very important guideline: Put your heart on paper first, in whatever way you can. All the rest is editing. You figure out the best way to get the words out of your heart and onto the written page (that’s writing). Then you shape the material from there (that’s editing). That takes off a lot of pressure. You don’t need to have everything figured out just to write.
Continue reading “Write Your Book Your Way”
