KWE Publishing Newsletter - 06/2923
Maybe you're taking a walk, driving, or working, when suddenly, BOOM—inspiration hits!
These moments are pretty freaking awesome, and when they happen, you want to take advantage of them! We've all had to work through the dreaded writer's block before, and working when you're inspired and excited to write is much easier.
So now, you have this idea in your head. If you're like me, this idea kind of eclipses your whole world because you can't stop thinking about it, and you feel like you absolutely have to write it down.
But how do you know if this idea is worth turning into a book? We all get ideas, and while they're all worth exploring, most of us don't have the time or energy to spend turning every single one of our ideas into a book.
Here are a few steps you can take if you want to figure out whether this brand-new idea is worth pursuing!
1. Consider what draws you to this story.
When you first get a new idea, asking yourself questions about why you like it probably isn't your usual course of action, and that's totally normal. However, when you're trying to figure out whether you should spend time fleshing out this idea—and beyond that, whether you want to turn this idea into a book—then it's worth spending a little time doing so.
Ask yourself why you like this specific idea. What about it excites you? What makes it different or unique? Is there a specific scene or message that you've envisioned in your head that you want to get down on paper? What goals do you have that writing this story could help you achieve?
Of course, it's okay if you can't come up with a huge list of answers at this point. But if you can isolate at least a handful of factors that really interest you, you can then focus on those elements as you continue to explore this new concept.
2. Think about the longevity of the project.
The truth about creating a book, regardless of its genre or length, is that it takes time. Of course, there are authors in certain genres where authors will publish new books every month (looking at you, speedy romance authors!); still, there's a lot of work behind the scenes that goes into creating a book!
This fact shouldn't be a deterrent; you can always start and stop the project if you need. However, you want to make the most of your time and creative energy. Do you think this project is one that you'd be interested in days, weeks, or months into the future?
If you're not sure of the answer, that's okay! Keep exploring the idea. If you find yourself losing interest over a matter of days, it's possible that this story might not be one that you should turn into a book—or you might need to rework a few elements to add more interest.
3. Make a loose outline.
One of the best ways to uncover different facets of a story is to create an outline. Don't worry, this doesn't have to be a super in-depth outline! Just focus on getting down the basics here.
During the early stages of outlining, you'll probably have some bumps in the road. Just because you do, though, doesn't mean you should abandon the project. But if you're consistently struggling with your outline, there may be a better way to tell the story. Think about how the story could change if it was told from a different point of view, changing a plot point, or adjusting a character arc.
Again, remember that your outline doesn't have to be perfect. By creating a rough outline, you can start to refine your idea. You'll realize what you like and what you need to expand upon, and even a loose outline will make you feel more confident in your story.
Would you want to create a children's book, a memoir, or an adult fiction book? What format and genre might suit your story best? ]
At the end of the day, it's important to explore the ideas that excite you, the ones that you don't quickly get bored of. When you're writing a book, you spend a lot of time with your story, and though there will inevitably be some challenges, those challenges are made easier when you truly believe in what you're creating.
How do you decide what ideas you want to explore further? Reach out and share your experiences; we appreciate hearing from you!
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