How I Write A Book

Writing a book is a lot easier said than done. It's no walk in the park to create something so interesting from the confines of your imagination that others will want to read it. However, allow me to detail my writing process; maybe my insights will help make your writing process easier(:

1. Come up with a unique idea that you're passionate about

If you're struggling with coming up with an idea, watch a movie or read a book in the genre you're writing. Take notes on what you like and dislike and what you would've done differently to make the story more interesting. The more unique your idea, the more likely people are to read it.

2. Develop the plot and then the characters

Character development is ESSENTIAL. If characters don't evolve throughout the story, then readers won't feel connected to them and in turn, will lose interest in the story. Likewise, if a plot is bland, readers will get bored. The best way I've found that works for me to balance these two critical elements is to create the plot first. Insert a plot twist (or two) that'll captivate a reader's interest and craft side scenes to compliment the main plot. Once that's settled, work on developing the characters and their personalities. Give them weaknesses to make them relatable and create scenes that'll force them to confront those weaknesses. Doing so will assure that development happens and will aid you in weeding out plot holes.

3. Divide the plot into chapters; plan out what'll happen in each chapter

There's nothing worse than sitting down to write and not having anything to write about. Maybe you're a pantser and you don't have this problem (I envy you if that's the case), but it's a million times easier and faster to write a book if you have a plan.

After your plot is developed, split it up into chapters. Elaborate what you want to happen in each chapter; detail as much as you possibly can. The more detailed it is, the more your words will flow and the less your creativity will be obstructed.

4. Write a first draft of the book

Complete the first draft of your book. It's not going to be perfect; there's going to be a lot of things that you'll need to fix... and that's okay. Your first draft is not meant to be flawless. The whole point of it is to record your ideas and have a rough story to work with.

5. Revise, get feedback from beta readers, and edit

After your first draft is completed, revise your book as many times as needed. Insert smoother transitions between one scene and the next, move around side scenes so the plot makes more sense, double check that a character's personality stays consistent throughout the story, and make any other necessary changes. Once you're satisfied with it, send it off to trusted beta readers to get their feedback. Take into consideration what they say since they're your target audience and edit your book accordingly.

My writing process may be untraditional, but it works for me and I hope it'll help you get one step closer to completing and publishing a book!

Thanks for reading!(:

>> Berlyn Hayes

Interested in reading my books? Check them out on Amazon!

HEIRS OF SECRETS - YA fantasy, BOOK 1

PRODIGY OF REVENGE - YA fantasy, BOOK 2