“If you do not want to be forgotten when you are dead, either write something worth reading or do something worth writing.” –Ben Franklin.

Easier said than done, right? Just sit down and write. We all have a book in us, many say. What’s yours?

Recently I held a workshop and one of the participants challenged herself to use the form I provide to outline a book and finish writing her book in 5 months. Surprisingly, she finished in a few weeks.

So what is the strategy? It’s about getting the right direction, not having too many things you want to write at once, and perhaps, most importantly, figuring out the umbrella idea that you are most passionate writing about.

For example, say you are thinking about a book on creating a successful career. Write down that as an umbrella idea. Then go look at the best sellers on Amazon under careers. Write down the top 10 titles. Then go inside each of the 10 books and look at each book’s chapter titles for even more niche ideas.

Now add any more titles you come up with during the day. Next, let your list rest for a day or so. When you return to it, see if there are a couple of titles from the best sellers or interior chapter titles or titles you came up with that stand out.

Now go query friends and others online and off and choose a title. Create a mind map with 10 chapters (works best for me and others) for a non-fiction book and 14 chapters to start for a fiction book. Next, write out your chapter titles. Don’t worry. You can always change them later.

Now you have something. You have your book. It’s just the beginning, yes. But it’s all yours and if you keep going you will have your very own book. Why not try this? Is your book waiting for you to bring it to life? Is your life waiting for you to bring it into a book?

Tagged as: Books, chicago book writing, help marketing a book, help writing a book, publishing books, writing books