Writing a book about a veteran or your family history isn’t just about sitting your butt in the chair and letting words spill onto the page. It requires a lot more that may surprise you.
The last few days I’ve been focused on writing a client book about a famous World War II fighter pilot. I first did the research on this veteran, the family provided copies of photos and documents they had and the last two months the writing has commenced.
I’m also been working on another client book but in a different capacity, that of developmental editor. A few years ago I did the research for a client who wanted to write a book about his World War I and World War II aviator grandfather. The client is writing the book and I was developmental editor. Once my colleague did a final edit, I began book layout and will help the client publish the book on Amazon.
Another client just started working with me on her father’s Japanese POW story. This is a story I’ve never written for a client and I have a sense it will be life changing for not only the client and anyone who reads the book, but also me.
As I was writing all weekend, I was reminded that it is not all about sitting my butt in the chair over and over but many other things have to happen to produce a good story or book.
Step 1: Do the research
It’s vital that before we really dive into writing we do the research, especially if you want to publish for public consumption. People will want to know where you got your information.
Step 2: Sit your butt in the chair and write
A story or book cannot be written if you don’t sit down and do the writing.
Step 3: Take breaks & take care of you
Writing is great but did you know that amazing insight, inspiration, and questions can arise when you take a break? Yesterday after spending several hours writing, rewriting, creating questions to ask the client, I decided to leave the house and grab a coffee. I’m currently a Starbucks iced Americano with blonde espresso lover so headed out for a coffee and change of scenery.
The sun was out and the leaves on the trees shimmered as I drove past on my way to the coffee shop. I was reminded I had not been outside enough the last week as the leaves have changed and for my own well-being I needed to get out for a walk with my boyfriend in the afternoon. As I drove, this happened…
Self-care when writing these emotive stories is vital to your well-being. Make sure to get out and enjoy nature and ground your energy. Get to the gym and exercise and release those emotions. Talk to others who can understand or empathize with this work. Also make sure you get enough rest so your mind and body can flow more easily with the emotions that may rise.
Step 4: Listen to the whispers (and have paper and pen on hand!)
As I was driving, my brain was no longer focused on the writing. It was free to roam and check out from that, but yet….. Ideas and questions began to flow from my guides and ancestors. I had to pull over near Starbucks and write down all the things I didn’t yet write in the book. I also had to write all the questions and concerns coming through I had to ask the client.
When our minds are distracted from the writing or we are doing something meditative like folding clothes, washing dishes, walking, or staring at the squirrels play outside, information is more easily able to come through. We need to write what shows up on paper. So keep paper and pen nearby. I’ve often found that the best ideas flow when I’m walking in nature or exercising at the gym. But of course there are those that show up when I drive and don’t have a recorder handy.
Step 5: Sit your butt in the chair and write
When you are finished with your break, go sit in the chair and write if you can while these thoughts and questions are fresh. It will save you a lot of time and frustration later when you can’t remember all that came through.
Even if you write notes, try to at least dump it into your document(s) so you don’t lose all context. Trust me, this will help when you pick the writing up again later.
Do you have any other tips for people writing stories?
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