Write Your Book: Getting Past the First Chapter

Three tested ways for getting past the first chapter

Are you an excellent writer? Perhaps, when you sit down to write, the words come easy to you. If so, you are also an unblocked writer. But still, you haven’t started or finished your book. For most, the problem is easy to identify. Life keeps us busy. Undoubtably, we all have work, dirty clothes, family obligations and other essential things. Whatever the case, something keeps you from writing your book.

1. Form a Writing Habit

Do you have a writing plan? If you don’t, you’ll need one to get started on that book. First, you’ll need to set a specific place and time to write. Go to your designated spot every day and stick to the set time. Maybe for you, it means getting up earlier or staying up late. No matter the challenge, promise yourself you’ll do it. To learn more, read 6 Tips on How to Make Writing a Habit.

2. Write a Mission Statement

Now that you’ve set the time and place to write, let’s move on to the next step needed to get past the first chapter. You must define your purpose. Have you determined what you want to accomplish with your book? Perhaps, you want to tell a great story? Teach watercolor painting? No matter your goal, your next step is to write it down. When you complete this step, you bring life to your vision and you move closer to completing that book.

For my debut novel, Private Matters, my mission had several parts. Here are two of them:

• I want the reader to walk with the protagonist; to see and feel with her.
• I want to put on display the healing power of community.

I completed the book but only the reader can say whether or not I achieved these lofty goals. For some, seeing the goals spelled out is all the motivation needed to write the book. Jot down your goals and let them inspire you to complete your book.

3. Outline Your Book

We all remember the pain of making an outline for a school paper. Well, this is different. You’re excited about your idea and it’s your book. Doing the outline will help you get to the finish line. If you feel stuck, this exercise can free you up. At the end, you’ll have a solid plan. Remember, it’s nothing formal.

You don’t need to fret like back in high school. Just pick up your pen and list your chapters. For non-fiction, write the subject or title of each chapter. For fiction, write down the first thing that happens in your story. Keep going until you write the last thing that happens or the last chapter title.

Now, don’t stop at the list. Go back and state the purpose of each item.

Here’s a non-fiction example:

Chapter One: How I married My Husband
Purpose: I want to show how my good fortune had everything to do with following my Grandmother’s advice.

Now, a fiction example:

My protagonist wins the lottery. (Chapter One)
Purpose: Show the events that led up to winning the lottery.

The protagonist’s brother tries to steal the winning ticket. (Chapter Two)
Purpose: Set the story in motion. Protagonist has to hide from the brother until the following morning.

Hope that doesn’t seem too difficult. When you devote your time to a plan, the book will follow. If you want to make the process even easier from the start read How to Format Your Manuscript.