My Writing is Never as Good as it Sounds in My Head!

Have you ever stifled the urge to throw your laptop against the wall because your book just doesn’t sound as good on paper as it does in your head?

Don’t worry. Breathe. Step away from your technology.

That’s probably thee most universal frustration for writers, but there’s a solution. You don’t find your voice by torturing yourself over every single sentence. You find your voice in conversation. Furthermore, you don’t even have to start that conversation with actual people, you can start it with books. Way less intimidating than real life.

Choose 5 books that grab your attention and are similar to the one you want to write. Some of these books will become your companions throughout this process. If you feel even the slightest intimidation about other books in this space, apply a little business sense.

When an entrepreneur wants to start a business and they see other similar businesses, they take it as a good sign that there will be an audience for what they have to offer. They learn the conventions of that space and then distinguish themselves. This exercise is the first step in distinguishing yourself.

Take your 5 books and read the beginnings. You can do this by hanging out at a bookstore or just downloading free samples from Amazon. As soon as you think you’re hooked answer the following questions:

A. What’s the conflict, problem, or imbalance the story will address?

B. Identify the fears and the desires of the characters. (Or readers in the case of personal development books.)

C. Which book are you most eager to read? Put your 10 books in order from most to least compelling.

D. Why is your first choice so interesting?

Do a little analysis on each book. What turns you on and what turns you off. Then use conflict to propel you. Distinguish yourself. How will your book be different?

You don’t need to write it down, just keep that question alive in your mind. Remember, no one else has written your story, you still have to write it.