How to Approach Writing a Book: Embrace Your Creative Process

Writing a book is a journey, not just a task to be completed, and it shouldn't follow a rigid, formulaic approach. Many writers fall into the trap of thinking they need to meticulously draft, edit, and polish their work until it feels perfect. This can lead to a cycle of frustration and procrastination. Instead, embrace your creative impulses and let the process of writing itself be the focus. In this article, we'll explore why the traditional approach to book writing often fails and provide a more intuitive path to getting your work out there.

Understanding the Traditional Approach

It's common to hear advice such as: 'Write a first draft, edit it, read the edited version, and repeat until it feels right.' While this approach might seem logical, it often results in aCreatedBy dull and uninspiring output. This method assumes that the perfect book can be crafted in a linear, mechanical process. However, books are not written in a vacuum. They are the result of your unique voice, experiences, and creative impulses.

The Problem with Rigid Editing

The problem with the traditional editing approach is that it often undermines the very essence of writing. When you constantly revise and rework your drafts, you might lose touch with the energy and freshness of your initial ideas. This can result in a lack of authenticity, as your work becomes more polished and less personal. Additionally, if you're part of a crowded literary market (as the author points out), endless revisions can mean your book never sees the light of day due to inaction.

Following Your Creative Impulse

A more effective approach is to follow your creative impulse. Writing should be a joyful and fulfilling process, not a source of endless stress and self-doubt. The author's experience with her first book is a testament to this: setting a goal of 50 pages a month and continuously refining those pages until they sang with beauty. She didn't stop there; she kept going, allowing her creative energies to flow naturally.

The Sacred Process of Writing

Writing is a sacred process, much like a spiritual journey. It is through this process that you grow as a person and honor The Creation. When you write, you're engaging with something deeply personal and powerful. This shouldn't be reduced to mere editing or mechanical revision. Instead, treat your writing as a form of self-expression and creative growth.

Embracing the Writing Process

Here are some steps to help you embrace your creative process:

Set a Writing Goal: Set a realistic goal (like 50 pages a month) and stick to it. This helps you maintain a consistent writing habit without feeling overwhelmed. Refine as You Go: Read and refine your work nightly, as the author did. This keeps the writing process dynamic and engaging. Play with words until they sing, and don't be afraid to remove or add elements that enhance the beauty of your work. Let Go of Perfection: Recognize that perfection is unattainable, and strive for beauty instead. The most painful thing in writing is failing to create something that resonates with the reader. Write Until It Feels Right: Don't follow external advice blindly. Trust your instincts and let your inner muse guide you. Many writers, including best-selling authors, follow this approach and produce remarkable works.

Conclusion

Writing a book is a personal and passionate endeavor. Embrace your creative impulses, treat writing as a sacred process, and let your work speak to the world. Don't get caught up in the minutiae of endless editing or following advice. Instead, focus on the joy and fulfillment of the writing process. By doing so, you'll create work that truly resonates and brings value to the world.