Writing a Book: From Firewood Stacking to Wordsmithing

📝Structure is crucial in writing a book. Start by envisioning the finished book and identifying the main ideas to build around.

💡Don't let ideas overwhelm you. Focus on the process of writing and the rules of language.

📚Writing is a craftsmanship. Treat it like any other physical task, such as stacking firewood, and follow the rules and principles.

🔍Start with a question and structure your book around answering it. Each chapter should introduce a new question that leads to the next.

🗝️Give your book structure from the beginning. It will guide your writing and prevent you from getting stuck.

What is the most important aspect of writing a book?

—Structure is crucial in writing a book. It provides a framework for organizing ideas and helps keep the writing process on track.

How do you overcome writer's block?

—By focusing on the structure and organization of your book, you can overcome writer's block. Break down the writing process into smaller tasks and set realistic goals.

How do you turn ideas into a book?

—Start by envisioning the finished book and identifying the main ideas you want to convey. Then, create a structure that allows you to explore and answer the questions raised by your ideas.

Can anyone become a writer?

—Yes, anyone can become a writer with dedication and practice. Writing is a skill that can be developed over time, and everyone has unique experiences and perspectives to share.

How do you find your writing voice?

—Your writing voice is unique to you. It develops naturally as you write and gain confidence in expressing yourself. Don't worry about sounding like someone else; focus on being authentic and true to yourself.

00:00The speaker shares their experience of growing up in a fishing village and being encouraged to become a poet.

05:52Writing a book is challenging, but many great authors have faced the same struggles.

10:07Giving your book structure is essential. Start thinking about its genre and competition.

13:32Estimate the word count of your book and use it to create an outline.

19:00Focus on one main idea per chapter and follow the formula of question, answer, and new question.

23:12Structure comes before voice and style. Don't let the fear of sounding like yourself hold you back.

26:41Writing is a craft. Approach it with dedication and treat words like physical objects.

30:45Embrace the process of writing and don't let ideas overwhelm you. Start with a simple structure and build from there.