Book Writing 101! How to Write A Book

Today I'm talking about the very basics of how to write a book! I'm walking you through 7 steps to take to go from "I want to write a book" to, well, writing a book!

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+RECOMMENDED CRAFT RESOURCES+

Save the Cat by Blake Snyder
Anatomy of Story by John Truby
The Emotional Craft of Fiction by Donald Maas
Story Genius by Lisa Cron
Paper Hearts by Beth Revis

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[marshmllow]

Summary:
1. Come up with an idea
-Long enough for novel (60-70, 000 words)
-Plot conflict, character development and stakes
-Original idea

2. Develop idea
-Plan out beats of plot
-Outline story
-Could be pantser who doesn't plan, just don't
-Or can be in the middle

3. Plan characters (could be second step)
-One main character
-What want, what stands in way
-What are stakes if don't get it
-Plan character arc that goes with plot arc
-Come up with antagonist
-Stands in way of protagonist, could be opposite
-Develop same as protagonist
-Romance subplot
-Supporting characters

4. Get tools
-Can use laptop, pen and paper
-Scrivener=novel writing tool
-Get outline, is tool
-Do you want to keep track of wordcount?
-She puts star in notebook for every 500 words
-Can get writing buddies, check in, do word sprints
-Decide on all this before, although can change before

5. Create schedule
-Every day or as often as possible
-No excuses
-Very hard, but make writing a habit
-Can use cues
-Don't need motivation, push through
-Don't force it if not morning or evening person, try what works

6. Set word count goal and deadlines
-Break up entire wordcount into manageable chunks

7. Be kind to yourself
-May doubt yourself, not enjoy what you write
-Forgive yourself, you will keep more than you think
-No first drafts are perfect, just write A book not a GOOD book
-Will get easier eventually

[yas]

I think I speak for everyone when I say your channel is so informative, plus it doesn't hurt that you're lovely to listen to. You just seem so kind, thanks for the vids!

[Thessalin]

Directions unclear: Laptop is burning in the microwave and my mouse is currently attacking New York. Started the Zombie Apocalypse in Starbucks. Please advise.

[jordanc]

I always feel like writing when I’m at work. Because I don’t want to be at work haha

[rachelyork]

I write everything besides the book I’m actually working on. I have a 60k+ word fanfiction 😂

[BlockDriver]

Me in the moment: This is garbage! I hate my writing!
Me a day later: Hu. This is actually okay.
BUT ALSO
Me in the moment: I am the next JRR Tolkien!!!
Me a day later: WAS I DRUNK WHEN I WROTE THIS HOT MESS?!?

[BralonThompson]

This may be too personal but I just need to ask how do you keep your skin so clear its like a freaking commercial

[hayleyhistorynerd]

Hi'a Alexa, I'm in a first draft right now and although I've been writing since I was little I have yet to complete a novel. I determined to do it. Thank-you for this nice refresher and the reminder of your intro to story beats. Your perspective is super helpful to me as I think I tend to be more of a pantser too, so seeing how you keep the story beats in mind, but give yourself the freedom to decide them as you go.

Hayley ^_^

[skyebelongstodavidburditt]

Alexa Donne I love how enthusiastic you are! It makes me want to watch more and more of your videos! 😍
I am a newbie writer and have learned so much from you.

[kaizah]

Well, currently close to 30k word count, my goal is to get 60k+ words but I believe the story will drag to 80-90k words. My deadline is 27th August since there's Pitch Wars contest that I want to submit to it REALLY hard...
So I will go all out! trying to get 600-1k words in the work days, and at Saturday, which is my day off, I will push myself to write 2-3k words, since math is not in my favor T^T
And good luck everyone!

[TuckerTheReader]

"Plantsing" I love that term

[SysterYster]

I actually didn't know I was a pantser before I actually started writing. But what I did know was that I had had many ideas for stories, but never actually wrote them. Why? Because I was scared. I had heard I had to know what was gonna happen, know the beginning, the end, and all the important bits in between. But I didn't know. So I never wrote because I was sure I'd fail. Then one day (this February) I just sat down and wrote anyway. And I found out that the parts I hadn't planned, were the best ones! :)
Deadlines are killers for me! I don't get motivated by them, and I'm already motivated to write. A deadline will only add needless stress for me, and make the writing process less enjoyable.

[lukadollart]

I am finally starting my book, and as a mom to a small child, a writing schedule and routine is definitely helpful.

[Nanthecowdog]

How to write a book:

Step one through five:

[korynnininm]

tip for other pantsers instead of an outline I write out a list of scenes I KNOW I want to happen, then get started so if I get stuck or don't know where to go I can look at the list and see what scene I might have missed or what I wanted to come up next

[estherflores]

This is super helpful! I got to 50, 000 and then realized I did not know precisely how I wanted the story to end. I needed to stop and evaluate the story and characters. Will loosely outline next time!!

[oddsox-sensei]

Thank you another good video. I have a 20k word ahh something…. I’ve decided that was my first mini book/short story. All this advice hits home. I’ve tried for years to write first thing in the am…nope. Now I recently learned my writing brain kicks in after 10pm, if not midnight. 😊 Thanks again, from an older noobie. And I love the term “plantsing, ” genius.

[ChatarraCrow]

A good bluetooth keyboard is my number one writing tool. Mine can remember three different platforms like my phone and a computer and maybe a third party option. It makes me profoundly comfortable with a keyboard I can take anywhere.

[santanasg]

Excellent video! Even for writers that are already far into the writin craft, it's always nice and useful to come back to the basics once in a while!

[admiral_red_shirt]

I started writing when I quit smoking and now I write on my work breaks instead of smoking. Thank for the tips.