To determine if your idea has legs, write an elevator pitch, a short, to-the-point speech about your topic. If it sounds innovative, thrilling, and or interesting as an elevator pitch, it should make an excellent story![2] X Research source If you are struggling to come up with a topic or narrow the list down to one topic, step away. Take your mind off of the book by exercising, shopping, or completing household chores. When you feel ready to tackle the task, return to the list refreshed, refocused, and re-energized!
You could also make a flowchart, use bullet points, write on note cards, create a concept map. Sometimes it is helpful to create multiple forms of an outline. Each type of outline forces you to think through your story in a slightly different way. Storyboarding requires you to visualize the plot and your characters; flowcharts force you to consider how one subplot flows into the next subplot. Don’t aim for perfection. Outlines are meant to be rough sketches of your story!
If you are struggling to identify your book’s individuality, don’t panic. Revision is a natural part of the writing process! Return to your outline and be willing to make changes to your plot and characters. Your work will be stronger as a result of these alterations! Don’t get disappointed when you discover a book with a similar plot. There is nothing new under the sun!
If you feel too close to your work, ask a friend to look it over for you. They may be able to identify any plot holes or tangential sections.
Some weeks or months you will have more time. Be flexible. If you see an opportunity to write for an hour, grab it!
Don’t stress over failing to reach your goal in the allotted time. Instead, remain positive and try to meet the goal during your next session.
If you are feeling stuck or having a hard time getting started, join a writing workshop. Talk over your problems with other experienced writers; get feedback on your work. [9] X Research source Use one word file instead of multiple word files. Keeping your work together in one place will generate a sense of continuity. Plus, if you make a change to your plot that impacts an earlier chapter, all you have to do is scroll up to make the alteration. [10] X Research source
A work is never completely finished, but at some point you must stop striving to perfect it. If you struggle to edit your work with a critical eye, ask a colleague, friend, or family member to serve as your editor.
Always start printing at page 2. Page 1 is your cover page and must be printed separately.
Pizza boxes work great!
