How to write your own first book - experiences and opinions?

[solarsystem87]

I have been dreaming of writing my own first book for many years. Once upon a time I wrote a draft and the first two chapters, but then unfortunately I didn't have the time to continue my project.

I don't have much time now either, but I would love to read stories from a book I wrote to my child when he is older. That's why I've decided to continue writing my book.

The only thing is that I don't know how best to do it. I have free time now and then just for me, but not very much. I probably have to be very disciplined, but when I get myself together, I'm not very creative.

What are your experiences and opinions? What is the best way to go about it to have success with your endeavor?

Start your own thread, @Nat6999 — this is an old one.

To motivate yourself to write a whole book, I'd recommend trying NaNoWriMo ("National Novel Writing Month" - actually international, but that's Americans for you!) - it's a global challenge, totally free - to write a 50k novel in 30 days. It takes place each November. You can add buddies and join local groups, there are also various MeetUps and "write-ins" associated with it, so lots of motivation and encouragement.

It's a crazy month of no sleep and endlessly trying to keep up with your wordcount (~1,700/day) but you feel a huge sense of achievement and relief once it's over. I've done it quite a few times.

@istara I agree - I think NaNoWriMo is a good suggestion - I've done the songwriting equivalent almost every year since 2008 BUT I think anyone taking part for the first time needs to read up about the change in mindset you need to really make the most of the challenge - I think it's a big leap for some people who, up until they take on this challenge, will have been very thoughtful, deliberate, controlled - perhaps precious and self conscious about what they put on the page - you really do have to learn how to let go - the one thing I've found so important beforehand is to engage with the huge community of people well before the challenge kicks off - it really helps with motivation, cultivating the "daring-do" mindset and getting the creative flow going. I don't think it suits everyone - it can be too much of an adjustment for some to make - my songwriting friend just couldn't bring himself to enter into the right spirit of the songwriting challenge - I wrote some terrible songs BUT in among them I did some if the work I'm most proud of - work I doubt I could have done any other way. So NaNoWriMo - it's worth considering but try and get into the mindset of it as early as possible.