Book Writing Tips for Aspiring Debut Authors

Book Writing Tips for Aspiring Debut Authors

By Wendy Yorke  

Everyone’s story counts and can help other people, which is why we have been sharing stories since we existed on this planet. My mission is to help people to spread their messages out into the world through their books, fiction and non-fiction, to help other people improve and change their lives for the better. 

Step One: What; Why; Who

Before you start writing be very clear about the What, Why and Who of your book. Answering the following questions will help to provide you with the author clarity you need to begin writing. Your answers will ensure that your purpose, passion and commitment are expressed through your written words. Many people write their first book for themselves. Answering these questions will help you combine your focus on yourself, as well as your readers. 

• What is my passion that I wish to share with the world in my book? 

• Why will my book serve me and other people? What is my purpose in writing my book? What will I benefit from publishing my book and what will other people benefit from reading my book?
• Who is my book for? Be very clear about your target audience and intended readership. Write your book specifically for them. Can you identify, describe and visualise who they are in detail? I encourage my authors to make detailed Reader Vision Boards to focus their writing on. 

Working through these and other practical preparatory questions with an author coach will, of course, fast track your book writing journey. 

Step Two; How 

Once you have absolute clarity, you can move onto the How of your book; deciding on the best structure, framework or the narrative arc that brings your content together. While fiction books often follow a standard 7-point, non-fiction books similarly, follow a standard 9-point narrative arc. Once you have established the narrative arc which best suits your content, intention and audience, they can be used as a book and chapter: content planning tool; writing companion; and completion check list.  

The three key foundations of great fiction stories are the: world setting/context created; plot/storyline; and characters development. These all need to be engaging, memorable and impactful. In particular, authors need to create believable, well-rounded characters who readers care about enough to keep reading, to find out what happens to them or to learn from them. Many authors use the Hero’s Journey as the arc of each character’s story because great stories are about a character’s fight with death or a heightened moment of tension or emotional charge for the central characters. Examples include: The Iliad; Harry Potter; Pinocchio.

In non-fiction writing, it is essential to establish your credibility as the expert of your subject matter. Your words need to build the reader’s trust in you, allowing it to grow all the way through your book. Your readers want the knowledge you have. They read your book to learn from you and to apply it in their lives. Your narrative arc might include: authority quotations; personal/client stories; research; case studies; exercises/practical interactive activities; and an uplifting chapter wrap up.

In fiction, conflict or tension fuels the reader’s engagement. Opening a chapter with dialogue is an excellent technique, which dives the reader immediately into the action. Or, use an opening hook, which if not tension or conflict, might be humour, or words of great beauty, or powerful emotional impact. For example, Daphne du Maurier’s, Rebecca; “Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again” which immediately establishes the voice, context and dream-like atmosphere. Or, George Orwell’s 1984; “It was a bright cold day in April and the clocks were striking thirteen” which equally alerts the reader to something unusual.

Step Three: Author Voice

I encourage authors to write from their heart because I know readers feel this through the power of the written words. Start by decluttering your mind and your working space before the creative process can flow abundantly. Focus on your purpose, your passion and who you are writing for. 

I recommend a daily writing habit, incorporating: Ritual; Routine; and Rhythm. Start your writing session with a regular ritual, such as making a cup of tea; lighting a candle; a short meditation; or movement to stimulate your conscious creative juices. Once you have downloaded your ideas establish a writing routine; write – revise – edit; write – revise – edit; write – revise – edit etc. Also, create a writing rhythm to flow smoothly, such as writing for an hour or more – and having a break or moving – before returning to it. 

If you do not have an author coach supporting you, it is beneficial to write with a book buddy; someone you can read out loud to and share constructive feedback with. Reading your written words aloud is incredibly powerful. You can also use your mobile telephone to record yourself and listen carefully for any inconsistencies, mistakes, dead endings, or unresolved character developments. My first published book (Exploring the Thames Wilderness; a Guide to the Natural Thames, Bloomsbury, 2013) was written with a co-author and we are now crafting our second book together, Walking Beside Water; a Guide to the Thames Tributaries.

Book writing is an organic, dynamic and creative, conscious process. It is best to allow your author voice – your unique writing style – to develop as you write. When you establish a regular writing habit, you allow your voice to emerge as you show your true self in your writing. 

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Wendy Yorke is an international literary agent, author coach and book editor working across the European, American, Australian and Middle Eastern markets. She has a reputation for discovering and supporting debut authors from, aspiring writer to bestselling and award-winning published authors. Wendy came from a successful corporate career to found her own global business. She currently represents authors from: Australia; New Zealand; Canada; Dubai; France; Portugal; Ireland; India; Poland; Czechoslovakia; the United States; and the United Kingdom. 

Wendy has worked with eleven Amazon bestselling authors since 2017, mainly in the non-fiction, empowerment and transformational genres, working with books which have the power to change people’s lives. These include: Health and Wellbeing; Popular Psychology; New Thinking; Mind, Body, Soul; and Spirituality; as well as Business, Leadership and Management books. She works with authors who are high-profile leaders, entrepreneurs and changemakers in their respective fields. She also works with a selection of spiritual, crime, thrillers and children’s fiction. 

She is a professional speaker with a wide range of international experience from the annual UK Mental and Wellbeing Summit; World Literacy Summit, Oxford University England; The Emirates Airlines Festival of Literature in Dubai; and the Sharjah Book Fair in the Middle East; The Centre For Stories in Perth, Western Australia; and the Institute of Directors, Waterstones Bookstores, Author School London; and The Power of Your Story Group, in London. In 2014, she was a co-winner of the Thames Heritage Trust John Coleman Award in recognition of her outstanding contribution co-authoring her first book, The Thames Wilderness – A Guide to the Natural Thames, published by Adelard Coles Nautical, Bloomsbury Publishing PLC, in 2013. She is currently completing her second book about the iconic River Thames, Walking Beside Water – Exploring the Tributaries of the Thames.

Wendy also provides: annual author coaching Writer Retreats in the south west of France; literary presentations; writer’s workshops, seminars and Masterclasses; Lockdown Inspiration 2020; as well as guest articles and interviews.

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Category: Contemporary Women Writers, How To and Tips