From Book Idea to a Completed Manuscript
Do you have an idea to write a book but feel overwhelmed about where to begin? You're definitely not alone. In fact, more than 80% of the American population dreams of writing a book, yet less than 1% ever achieve the title of "published author." This gap isn’t due to a lack of passion or creativity but often stems from not knowing how to start or follow through. But here’s the good news: we’re going to change that! With the right guidance, tools, and support, you can go from idea to published manuscript, turning that lifelong dream into reality. It's time to take the first step toward becoming a published author!
Key Takeaways:
How to come up with book ideas.
How to outline your book ideas for fiction and non-fiction.
Creating a writing practice.
From Idea to Manuscript workbook and course.
Ideas to Write About for a Book
Deciding what to write about can either feel like the hardest or the easiest part of the process. If you're struggling with ideas or feeling overwhelmed, don’t worry—you're not alone. One of the best ways to spark inspiration on how to come up with book ideas is to do a simple mind dump. Take out a blank piece of paper and jot down everything that’s been swirling around in your head.
Ask yourself:
What do I love about other books?
What topics do I know inside and out?
What interests or hobbies do I find myself constantly talking about?
Getting all of these thoughts out of your head and onto paper is a powerful way to begin organizing your ideas.
Once you've done this, patterns and themes will start to emerge. Maybe it's a specific character, a setting that fascinates you, or a subject you’re passionate about. The key is to find a topic, character, or world that not only excites you but is something you can explore in depth. Ask yourself: What can I write 60,000 to 80,000 words about without losing interest? Identifying this will not only give you clarity but also set you up for a successful and enjoyable writing journey.
Outlining Your Book Idea
Once you have a book idea in mind, it’s time to outline. Being able to sit down and outline your idea is a crucial step for both fiction and non-fiction writers, as it provides a clear roadmap for your book. In fiction, an outline helps you organize plot points, develop characters, and maintain consistency throughout the story. I enjoy using the Three-Act Structure to help me get clear on what needs to take place and when.
For non-fiction, it ensures your ideas are presented logically, with each chapter building on the last to support your thesis. Whether you’re crafting a narrative or conveying information, an outline allows you to stay focused, avoid writer’s block, and see the bigger picture, making the writing process smoother and more efficient.
An outline provides intentional structure while also allowing flexibility as you embark on the writing process.
Writing Practice
Creating a writing practice is essential for building consistency and making progress on your book. By setting aside dedicated time each day or week to write, you establish a routine that trains your brain to focus and generate ideas more easily. A writing practice also helps you develop discipline, allowing you to move past procrastination and creative blocks. Whether it’s 15 minutes or an hour, the key is to make writing a regular habit. Over time, this consistency leads to steady progress, helping you bring your book to life one step at a time.
Writing a book may seem daunting, but by breaking down the process—finding your idea, outlining your chapters, and establishing a consistent writing practice—you’re already well on your way to becoming a published author. With the right mindset and tools, anything is possible.
If you're ready to take the next step and turn your book idea into a polished manuscript, I invite you to sign up for the Idea to Manuscript course and workbook. This course and workbook are designed to guide you through every stage of the writing process, from the initial concept to a completed draft. Let’s get your story out into the world—your narrative, your way, unapologetically!
