This is such a loaded question.  Perhaps I can start by sharing with you why I wrote my first book in part, and why I am working on two others as well.  It’s really not as daunting as it sounds, it’s actually very exciting and freeing … In fact, it’s like the joy of birthing a new baby without the physical labour!  [smile]

However, back to why I wrote my first book, Hearts Linked by Courage; everyone’s got a story and stories inspire!  I wrote to share my experiences and to also give others a voice.  Things are rarely as they seem in all our lives.

“Hearts Linked by Courage has taken me on a very interesting path.  It’s uncanny and perhaps even divine, the people that have come into my life – especially with respect to creating this book.  I am inspired by those who have courageously shared their stories for the first edition of Hearts Linked by Courage, and I am humbled daily by their confidence and belief in this work.

The purpose of this book is simple.  It is to encourage compassion and kindness in others, and to look beyond what you see or hear.  Everyone has a story…”

So, what’s your story?  Have you always dreamed of writing a book, perhaps sharing about a particular time in your life, or about things you’ve learned that you are passionate to pass onto others?  Are you a business owner with a particular area of expertise?

Depending on how you are wired, you might be like many writers that feel they just ‘have to’ put pen to paper… they have something inside of them that just needs to ‘get out’ – and this can apply to non-fiction, as well as fiction.

Then there are others who have gained profound insights through personal or professional experiences that seem fitting to pass on in a book.

And there are still others who have learned and grown extensively in their area of education and business that are inspired to share their knowledge in writing.

If this is you, where do you start?

In one of my recent blogs, Key Steps to Making Your Book Concept a Reality, I do review some very helpful steps in the creative process.

To expand on that, if you don’t have a title, start there.  Keep it simple.  Usually it’s called a ‘working title’, and you can always refine it later.

I don’t think I’ve blogged about ‘idea bubbles’ either, although I often refer to them with respect to goal-setting, brainstorming and especially ‘creating’!  In case you haven’t heard of this process or something similar, I’ll elaborate:

Picture a blank page, with the title of your book ‘circled’ at the top.  Now, as you reflect on the possible content for your book, jot down ideas on the page and circle them.  Initially you can write as many idea bubbles as you like; however, what you will start to see is the how some of the ideas make sense as ‘chapters’ … and some fit more as a story or lesson within a chapter, etc.  You may also want to draw lines connecting the main thoughts / chapters directly to your title, eventually numbering them in the order that makes sense for you.  If you are like me, and a few others I know, some of those idea bubbles might end up being another book!  [smile]

Another great way to get the juices flowing is to write the Preface of your book first, simply telling the reader what the book is loosely about and why you wrote it.  Write it in ‘first person’ with the intention to make it a personal conversation with someone who has just picked up your book … and answer the What and Why for them.

This step (writing the preface) often provides some interesting clarity, especially when you are in the beginning of the creative process.  It should also help you explore further what the ultimate purpose of your book is, which will guide you down the road when it comes to making decisions about many other aspects of your book publishing journey (from marketing to production, costs and revenue stream).  ‘Time for another blog’…?!

In closing, my next literary project ‘Working From Home & Making It Work’ has a different feel and purpose than ‘Hearts Linked by Courage’, although it comes from the same passionate, creative place inside of me – a compelling urge to share the things I’ve learned to help others on their own professional or personal journey.

What about you?

I’d love your feedback and ideas for your books. Here on this blog, you’ll get commentluv. This is a wonderful opportunity to leave a link back to your own blog when you leave a comment.

Until next time,

Sheri