So, you want to write a book—great decision! But knowing how to start and understanding the process can feel overwhelming. Staring at a blank page can feel overwhelming—you may even find yourself facing, dare we say it, writer’s block. Fortunately, Lucy McCarraher—founder of Rethink Press and mentor to thousands of authors—has developed a straightforward, effective process to help you overcome these challenges.
In this step-by-step guide, we’ll break down Lucy’s tried-and-true methods for pushing through creative obstacles and getting that book written.
Step 1: Plan, Plan, Plan
According to Lucy, the first mistake many aspiring authors make is skipping the detailed planning stage. Rather than just jumping straight into the first chapter, create an in-depth blueprint of your book before typing the first word. This includes:
- Identifying your ideal reader: Know who you’re speaking to. Write for one person—the reader most likely to benefit from your expertise.
- Listing out key topics: Brainstorm all the subjects, case studies, and stories you want to include. Lucy advises aiming for around 30 topics, which can form the foundation of each chapter.
- Outlining thoroughly: Organise these topics into a clear structure. Map out sections and subheadings for each chapter, so you always know where you’re going next.
By creating a roadmap, you’ll be prepared with clear, specific tasks for each writing session. And if you ever feel uninspired by a certain section, simply move to a different topic on your list and return to it later. “You’ll avoid writer’s block because you’ll never be sitting down without knowing what to write,” Lucy says.
Step 2: Embrace the Rough Draft
A rough draft is exactly that—rough. It doesn’t need to be perfect, but many new authors try to make it so on the first go, leading to stress and creative block. Every sentence doesn’t have to be flawless from the start; embrace the rough draft!
“Every first draft is meant to be rough,” Lucy reminds her authors. “It’s not about polishing the text right away but about getting your thoughts onto the page.” Like sculpting, writing is a process that begins with rough shaping and becomes refined over time. The first draft is where you create a “book-shaped” work, without worrying about every detail. Later, you can return to add nuance and style.
Step 3: Break Down Each Chapter into Smaller Tasks
As we discussed in step one, one of the main reasons new authors get stuck is trying to manage too much at once. To make the process less daunting and more manageable, consider dividing each chapter into smaller, focused tasks. Tackling an entire chapter in one go might not be the best approach; Lucy suggests aiming to write a ‘topic’ at a time.
Let’s break this down a bit further (see what we’re doing here):
- Set micro-goals: Plan to write 500-1,000 words on a specific topic within a chapter.
- Build momentum: Completing small tasks helps you build confidence, keeping the writing process enjoyable and achievable.
- Allow for flexibility: If a topic isn’t flowing, move on to another one. This ensures you’re consistently productive without getting bogged down.
Step 4: Use Your “Inner Librarian” to Work Through Ideas
Lucy suggests that every writer has an “inner librarian” within their subconscious, cataloging ideas and organising information while they focus on other tasks. By ending each session with a plan for the next topic to write, you give your mind time to process in the background. “Let your inner librarian work for you,” Lucy says. When you sit down to write, you may find that the ideas flow more naturally.
Step 5: Embrace Feedback and Refine in Stages
You’ve completed the rough draft—celebrate a bit, maybe pour some champagne! Now, it’s time to get back to work and shape it into a finished product. Lucy recommends self-editing, sharing with beta readers, and, finally, working with a professional editor to polish your manuscript. With each read, you’ll discover something new that will help you transform the rough draft into a well-crafted, compelling book.
Let’s Start Writing!
Now that we’ve broken it down into steps using Lucy’s method, we hope it’s clear that writing your own book is entirely achievable. Following this process can help you overcome writer’s block, maintain momentum, and ultimately publish a work that showcases your unique knowledge and perspective.
It was a privilege to have Lucy on the latest episode of Greatest Minds. To listen to the full episode, as well as our back catalogue of guests, see here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6VA92DGHbqC3eaod0KbfTI?si=BSahf0l3Qwalnh16dpsZYw
