Tis the Season to Write a Book blog series continues as we countdown our way to Christmas. So, you want to write a book, but you have so many ideas. I see this all the time as a book consultant, aspiring authors come to me with a desire to write a book, but they don't know which idea is the best one. Today is Day 3 of 24 and it's all about getting all your ideas down then focusing on one, let's dive right in.
Are you the person with a ton of ideas but not sure how to go about turning it into a book? Then this blog post is for you. And I want to ensure you that you're not alone. It's easy to feel overwhelmed, discouraged, or stuck with too much going on in your head. Follow these blog tips to get those ideas out of your head so you can finally get that self-published book in your hand.
It's time to Brain Dump!
A brain dump is simply getting all your thoughts out of your head and making a list of ideas. Think of creating a To-Do List but with brain dumping it's not as much about doing as it is about releasing. Release yourself from the pressure of having to know what the answer is and the solution will jump out at you.
When to do a brain dump: You can do a brain dump anytime you have a lot of ideas. For the sake of this article, we are using it to help you write a book.
Start by gathering a pen and paper, a long sheet of paper is preferred. You can do this activity on your laptop however I recommend handwriting to really connect your brain and heart to this process.
You can use a big white poster board
A legal writing pad
Blank or Lined Journal
You are going to start by setting a timer for 15 minutes. During these 15-minutes write down every idea you have or think you would like to include in your book.
When you do a brain dump you're not trying to organize or structure your thoughts just get it all down on paper.
Write as much as your mind can think of in 15 minutes. If the timer ends and you're on a roll, meaning the ideas are flowing, keep brain dumping.
If the timer ends and you feel like you're done great, begin the next step.
After brain dumping now it's time to reflect and review what you have written down.
Next, I want you to circle 3 things that you're really passionate about. Do you feel excited about that idea that you could talk about it a lot? This is key because whenever you're passionate you speak confidently about the matter.
Next, look at those 3 and ask yourself these questions:
Which one do people often ask me about or compliment me about or do I hear a lot of people discussing?
This is a sign that this idea is already in the market and people have already identified you as a solution.
Then take that idea and research it. Go to Google, Amazon, YouTube, and Social media. Is anyone else talking about your idea? This is good. If someone else has a book out in the marketplace then there is room for your book too.
Last criteria, which idea do you feel will help a specific person you're trying to reach? Here is the point: your book is written with one type of reader in mind. Your idea doesn't have to appeal to everyone nor should it. There is power in the focus of one.
Now that you have answered these questions pick one out of the 3 ideas that. . .
You're passionate about
You get asked a lot about
You see other books in the market about it
You have one reader in mind who can benefit from this idea
If your idea has all these criteria, guess what? You have a winner. This is a recipe for a good book idea.
Now remember just write your first book, you can always do the second or third idea in another book.
If you try these steps and still need assistance, I get it, some people need to talk it out one-on-one. Well, good news I offer one-on-one consultation.
Tomorrow Day 4, I share tips to help you get clear on your "Why" and this is where you start when writing a book so stay tuned. Was this blog post helpful? Tell me, are you going to do a brain dump? If so I'd love to know how it goes. If you enjoyed reading make sure to like, comment, and subscribe to this site so that you never miss a post during this series.
Need clarity? Don't know which idea to focus on with your book, want my expertise to assist you? Book your one-on-one consultation Success Plan to Self-Publishing Fall Special is currently $150 vs. $250. You will walk away with clarity and 3 actionable steps to write your book and self-publish the right way. Click here to schedule your success plan.
If you're an aspiring author of faith this book is for You. Also makes a great gift for someone you love. Available now on Amazon for $14.99 click the link here to get your copy.
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Hi, I'm Tahira! Author, Writer, and Book Consultant at TahiraGift Consulting LLC. As a Blessed Author, I share on this blog tips to help other women of faith write and self-publish a book for impact and income in 30 days. Learn more and get my Write a Book 6-Step Blueprint Free Checklist click here.