I’m starting my 7th novel and know how difficult it is to get going.  For those of you who are thinking of writing a book—fiction or nonfiction—the process of how to start writing a book can seem overwhelming.  I’ve got some suggestions for you from my experience.  It’s also important to remember what mountain climbers always talk about:  (And remember, we’re climbing a mountain also) You just put one foot in front of the other until you reach the top.  Don’t think about the top, just concentrate on the next step.  Good advice.  Here’s what I do to start writing a book.

Some authors dive into a new book and “let it develop,” as they go.  Unless you’re someone like Stephen King or Patricia Cornwell, I think this is a tough way to go.  For one thing, it means lots and lots of rewriting.

Instead, I’ve learned with each book to spend more time in preparation.  I know it’s exciting to get writing with a great idea or a character you have in mind, but it’s critically important to plan out the book.

1.  Think about the characters.  Draw up sketches of each one, background, physical looks, likes, dislikes, fears, joys, etc.  Since I write mysteries, I used to start developing the plot.  Now, I recognize that characters are equally important and should actually drive the plot.  So whatever kind of book you’re writing, even nonfiction, characters are most important.
2. Plan how the characters relate to each other.  They should be different from one another but, at some point in the story, they will intersect in conflict.  Think about those relationships and what conflicts will arise from those connections.
3. To start writing a book, develop the plot.  In a mystery or suspense story, I know roughly what the ending will be so I work backwards from the climax to be able to plant clues and plot turns.  I don’t have every chapter outlined, but i do have a sense of the direction the story will take by dividing it into four to five stages.
4. Finally, I begin to start writing a book!  The key, for me, is to keep at it every day.  Even if you only get one page or one paragraph written, the discipline of writing as often as you can is important.  The pages start to add up, you edit as you go, and, suddenly, you’re at the end!
5. With fiction or nonfiction, there are rough formats that you’d be wise to follow.  Of course, we all want to be creative, but readers expect certain minimum things from a story.  A mystery, for instance, must hide who did it and offer clues that tease the reader into trying to figure it out before the end.  Without that, it’s not a mystery and readers will be disappointed.  Keep that in mind whatever genre you’re writing in.

When you start writing a book, be sure to take time to celebrate your accomplishment as you go.  Don’t forget the reasons why you are doing it and—have fun!