The Beginner Writer: How to Write - and Finish - Your First Book

People often say: "I wish I had the time to write a book", "I wish I could take six months off to write", or "I don't have the discipline".

Many people want to write and have ideas they would like to express, but are intimidated by the process, by thinking that it is too hard or that they don't have the requisite talent, or think they don't have enough time to fit writing into their already packed schedule. If you would like to write a book but don't know how to start, are bewildered about the specifics or don't even know if you should contemplate writing, this book is for you.

There are many reasons to write a book.

Some people want to write a book for the same reason that others decide to climb a mountain or join an Ironman competition ? it is a challenge, and you feel a sense of achievement when you have completed it. Maybe you would like to be able to tell your peers that you wrote a book. Or you want to become a speaker or consultant, and writing a book on your method or ideas will give you added credibility. Perhaps you would like to write a book for your grandchildren, telling them what it was like to live through the Vietnam war or the historic era of Obama's presidency or the global pandemic. Maybe you want to ensure that your family's favorite recipes are recorded for posterity.

Whatever the reason, if you have always wanted to write a book, but didn't think that you could do it, or didn't know how to go about it, this book will help you get from the blank page to a finished book.

What do I cover? The basics of writing a book, whether it is non-fiction or a novel, from getting the initial idea, to writing a first draft all the way to a finished book. I cover how to find time to write, dealing with writer's block and editing. If you have wanted to write a book for years, but did not know where to start, this book will give you the tools to finally have a completed book that you can hold in your hands.

I wrote this book to share my insights with others who may be struggling with putting pen to paper. I know what it's like to want so desperately to have the courage to follow a dream, but not know how to take the first step towards it. I still remember what it feels like not to believe in yourself. Not to think that you can do it. That you have what it takes. Or that you can keep going for the length of time it takes to write and edit an entire book.

I want to show you how to finally finish writing your book. To show you that you can take your dream from "I wish" to "I did".