Writing a book? Start here.
When you set out to write a book you’re faced with a myriad of choices. Do you just write and see what happens? Do you attend a creative writing course? Do you sit around doing “research” on social media all day (popular option).
It’s hard to know where to start so we’ve compiled this useful overview of the best articles about writing ever published on Standoutbooks.com.
We can’t write a book for you but this is the next best thing. Feel free to bookmark this page, share it with any authors who could use the help. Whatever you do, don’t just sit around doing nothing, keep writing.
Creative writing exercises
When you’re starting out as a writer it’s vital that you read a lot and that you write a lot. When you then come to writing a book you’ll find it far easier than it would have been otherwise.
4 creative writing exercises that will improve your craft
Creative writing prompts: The complete guide
The top ten books on writing that’ll make you a better writer
Starting to write a book
Starting the actual writing process is definitely the hardest part. This is where it’s good to have a good understanding of the fundamentals of writing. Knowing how to structure a novel and how to get through that first draft will really help you overcome writer’s block.
7 (free) online writing tools that will make you more productive
5 essential story elements you mustn’t forget
What everybody ought to know about writing a first chapter
Writing your first draft is not as scary as it seems
The pros and cons of plotting a novel
Scrivener Review: Is it the best book writing software?
Editing and rewriting your book
Once you have finished your first draft you’re going to have to think about editing. This can include both self editing and professional editing.
10 self-editing tips too vital to ignore
A quick note about the different types of editing
Four secrets that will turn you into an objective editor
Writing mechanics
Struggling to connect to your characters? Interview them.
Internal monologue: How to use your character’s thoughts to advance your story
Does every story need a character arc?
Why your characters need to have a goal
How to write compelling character arcs in a series
Writing genre fiction
The 3 golden rules of writing a young adult novel
The 3 golden rules of writing a science fiction book
Writing fantasy fiction: how to make the magic work
What readers want from erotica (and how writers can give it to them)
Writing non-fiction
How to nail your non-fiction introduction
The 3 golden rules of writing a self-help book
Writing creative nonfiction – how to stay safe (and legal)
The right way to write a memoir
Six tips for writing a memoir that people will actually read
