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Writing a book was never on my bucket list. It was one of those providential things that at the time I thought at the time just happened, but actually was supposed to happen. It lead to other good things happening.

Along this new world I found myself in as a writer, I discovered a few things. Writing was another outlet for expression. It was a way to help more people, and it was a way to generate more income.

I also discovered that people will ask you lots of questions (which is fine), but none the less there are questions like…

• What inspired you to write?

• How long did it take?

• How did you publish?

I don’t have all the answer to all the questions people may have but I think I can lend some wisdom and guidance for how to get started if you want to write a book…or how to finish if you’ve started and need a push.

Cookbooks & more

If you’re ever considered writing a book…or a workbook, manual, collection of poetry, scripts, or songs, here is the first step to getting you started. 

Set a goal for your writing. This matter for so many reasons.

• Goal setting works.

• Setting a goal for your book will allow you to write with intention and purpose.

• Setting a goal for your book will help you finish.

You can start goal setting by answering these questions:

• What type of bookare you writing? (Novel, manual, self-help book, cookbook, etc.)   

• Whydo you want to write it? 

• Who are you writing for? 

• What are3 things you want readers to gain from reading your work?

• When do you want torelease this work?Beginning with the end in mind will help you stay on track. 

After answering these questions, you should be able to summarize your goals into one sentence.

I am writing ______________________________ (title of your book) to help ____________________(audience) so that they can ______________________(result or your 3 things from above).

This step is foundational to being CLEAR about what you want to write. Once you’ve completed this, you’ll be ready to start just writing. 

You owe it to yourself and whoever your reader will be to not waste any time and just start writing already.

If you’re ready to go to the next step, grab a copy of my latest ebook, Just Write: A Simple Guide to Writing and Self-Publishing Your Book.