Disclaimer: there are many different opinions on how to write a book. Now that I’m working on drafting my 3rd fantasy novel and editing my 2nd fantasy novel, I have developed my own process. My process has changed multiple times and will likely change more throughout my life. I hope this is helpful for someone just starting out! This post will explain how I get from an idea to a finished first draft.
How to Write a Book: Brainstorming
Have an idea for a book but not sure where to start? Here are some ideas. Some authors are “Plotters” and some are “Pantsers”. Plotters are authors who enjoy knowing how the book starts and ends as well as having a semi-clear idea of everything in-between. Pantsers are authors who enjoy not knowing exactly how the book starts or ends, but rather just a general idea of what the book is about. Neither is good or bad. Both ways have strengths and weaknesses. One way might already sound more appealing to you, or you might need to jump in and see what works best.
Whatever you decide, I still suggest spending some time brainstorming.
How do I brainstorm?
Personally, I enjoy grabbing a few pieces of paper and colorful pens and going outside for this step. I write down the idea for my book in the middle of a piece of paper, then I use different colors of ink to jot down what comes up as I think about the idea.
For example: Who are the characters? What is the setting? Are there any main themes that stand out? What is the challenge/mystery/tragedy of the story?
Next, I write the name of each character on a piece of paper and flesh out who they are as a person. What motivates them? Why do they care about what’s happening in the book? What’s their background? How do they relate to other characters in the story? Once I know who the people are, it’s much easier to hear their story. It’s vitally important to get to know your characters. You don’t have to know everything about them, but you must take time to develop them and build a relationship with them. I also do this with places and objects if they’re vital to the story.
How to Write a Book: Outlining
If you’re more of a Pantser, then I suggest writing out a simple outline in a Word Doc or some other writing program. This doesn’t need to be extensive. How long do you want the book to be? Do you want short chapters or long chapters? Keep in mind that most full-length novels are 80k-100k words. Anything longer might be a bit much. Anything shorter would be closer to a Novelette or a Novella.
If you want longer chapters, the standard advice is to keep them below the 5,000 word count. Readers need breaks. I would argue that authors need breaks as well. Most chapters are at least 1,500 words long, but most range in the 3,000-4,000 word length. However, it’s become more popular and mainstream to have books that don’t follow these rules. For example, The Hawthorne Legacy by Jennifer Lynn Barnes has extremely short chapters. Somehow, it works beautifully and it makes for an easy read.
Again, if you’re a Pantser, then come up with some general guidelines to help you stay focused. Other than that, get to it and have fun! If you’re a Plotter, then read below for how I go about my outline.
How do I outline?
I aim for the 80k word count for each of my novels. It’s fine if I end up having a longer book, but I like that to be the minimum number of words for the first draft. Most of my chapters range in the 2,500-3,000 word length. Some are a little longer and others are a little shorter. I do what I think is best as I go along and I remember that I can always adjust the chapters later.
Next, I take some blank pieces of paper (again) and write the name of the book at the top of the page. This isn’t necessarily a name I’m married to. Sometimes it’s as simple as “Book 1”. Beneath the title, I write out each Chapter number. Given my perimeters for word count, I generally end up with about 28 chapters total.
Next to each chapter number, I give a brief sentence or two of what will happen in that chapter. As a Plotter, I like to have a clear vision of how the book starts and ends and what it takes to get from point A to point B. That doesn’t mean things won’t change as I write. Characters surprise me all the time. However, most of what I put down as the outline will end up in the final draft.
Once I’ve written out the paper version of my outline I open up a new document on Dabble (NOT sponsored, just my favorite writing program) and create the outline again. This time I include lengthier descriptions of what will happen in each chapter. Dabble makes this easy to do with their “Notes” for each “Scene” of each chapter.
How to Write a Book: Drafting
At this point, whether you’re a Pantser or a Plotter, the only thing to do is write. Sounds so simple, right? Well, it depends on which author you ask! Some will tell you that you absolutely must write every single day or else you won’t succeed! Others will tell you to only write when you feel inspired. Then you’ll find a whole lot of advice somewhere in between.
How do I draft?
First of all, with a whole lot of compassion for myself. I set goals, but sometimes life happens and I can’t meet those goals. So I adjust. Generally, my goals are small and ever-changing. I don’t write every day because I don’t like it. Writing every day leads to burnout for me. My creativity is not endless, so I need to work with my body and my schedule.
Sometimes I’ll wake up every morning and aim for 250 words minimum. This is always for a season and not for all eternity. Sometimes I write once a week for a set amount of time. At the moment my creative energy and time is split between 3 different projects. I’m publishing Child of Shadows, editing Child of Thieves, and drafting Book 3. Writing every day isn’t going to work for me right now. But I have long-term goals and I find ways to keep drafting Book 3 a priority.
So, how exactly do I do it? I use my outline. I sit down, read through the description of the scene/chapter, and I start writing. I’ll read through character descriptions as frequently as necessary. I talk to my characters while I’m driving. Sometimes they talk to me without me asking them to. These moments of conversation usually end up being invaluable. By the time I’ve arrived at my destination I’ll whip out my notes app to jot down something they told me so that I don’t forget!
Final Thoughts
Writing a book is hard work. It takes courage and consistency. It’s not as glamorous as we’re led to believe. Most authors I’ve met write because they can’t not write. That’s why I write as well. Writing is a part of who I am, it’s built into my personality and gifts. I write because I love the stories inside my head and those stories won’t leave me alone.
Writing a book is also, often, thankless work. It’s work that very few see. There’s no immediate serotonin rush. Usually, by the time anyone sees your book, you’ve already poured countless hours of work into writing and (hopefully) revising it.
But writing a book is such wonderful work. The result is worth every ounce of effort and sacrifice. Saying no to something so that you can say yes to writing down the story living inside you is incredibly sacrificial and beautiful. The world needs your stories and your voice. Maybe you’re reading this because you’ve been struggling and were looking for encouragement. Maybe you’re reading this because you’re just starting out and trying to find a way that works for you. Either way, I hope this post has been helpful and given you ideas of how to write a book.
Ellen ES Ceely 
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