Have the write stuff ? Let’s find out…

YOU WILL get many opinions, as many as there are book authors, about how to write your first draft.

Writing is also a process for healing yourself – all you need is time. Andy from Kroonstad asked me: “I can’t let the idea of writing my own book go. I have to at least try my hand. If I want to start, how do I write my first draft?”

Andy, I offer my own experience as an accidental writer. If you want more than that, I suggest you try one of the many online study courses.

From my perspective writing creates a bridge between an inner- and outer-world because what you share closes the gap between your private thoughts and other’s perceptions of you.

It begs of you to decide on the outset as to why you write: do you want to be famous? Do you want to achieve something with your book? Is it for your benefit, or for the benefit of others? If you understand the reasons why you write, you will stay motivated until the end.

Writing is creative. People don’t realise that their thoughts reveal their values. Your stories and ideas, fiction and non-fiction, reflect your deepest thoughts. By sharing, you let people in to explore your private reality. And yes, it might not be real, but while writing it and sharing, the writer exposes him or herself to feedback that can either be accepted or rejected.

I will start by creating a big picture of the book including with what I want my writing to achieve. I’ll write one to three paragraphs about the purpose of my book. Next, I chunk down the framework into chapters. Each chapter is a question that gets answered. Imagine that you are writing a book about your life. The framework is your timeline. The purpose of the book flows through the highlights in your storyline.

Perhaps the book demonstrates your talent to the reader with the intention to activate their awareness of their own hidden talents. This way you will achieve your purpose while enhancing the lives of others by sharing your story.

Add to that your understanding of the 10 aspects you’ve learnt from these experiences. These concepts can become your chapter headings and then each chapter a mini-story. Later, you can add more as you spot patterns across the chapters. Writing this way allows you to use reflection to follow a storyline. After a year or two of writing, you will need to find the right publisher, or self-publish.

If this sounds like you, start by scheduling time in your calendar every week for writing. Philani Dladla, aka The Pavement Bookworm and face of the World Book Day, says: “Just start writing.”

Three tips: answer the questions of each chapter; use a timer (I lose myself in time); and use a developmental editor before you show your work to anyone.

Adelé Green is a Transformation Specialist Coach and International Author of Can You See Me Naked: grow in a conscious relationship and hosts book study groups online.

Post your question at www.adele-green. com/askadele/ Listn to #360Brunch at noon on Sundays on Mix93.8FM.