Have you tried writing a book but have gotten stuck when it comes to organizing and structuring it?
Most of us come to write a non-fiction book with a lot of ideas. We have so much material. How to keep various drafts organized? What to do with scraps and bits of writing we have here and there? Then, how does it all go together? What belongs in the book? What’s tangential? What goes where? You can see how madness can quickly descend. When we are disorganized and uncertain, it’s a sure cocktail to foment writing insecurity. Helplessness takes over and we abandon our book writing. Don’t do it!
In this solo episode, I will share two of the main stumbles that stop people from writing their non-fiction books or memoirs.
A caveat, there is so much to say about this, so I am just sharing a few approaches that may help you. Also, each book is its own thing and has its own voice, shape, and agenda. There is no one-size-fits-all. I love helping my clients shape their ideas in world-changing books in my customized coaching.
Mentioned in this episode:
Diane von Furstenberg’s Own It
Bibliophile, An Illustrated Miscellany by Jane Mount
Nick Bantock’s Griffin and Sabine stories, illustrated serial novels
Drawing is thinking / Milton Glaser ; introduction by Judith Thurman
We are each other’s harvest: celebrating African American farmers, land, and legacy
Cynthia, I loved this podcast on organizing and structure for my book. I am usually a very organized person but this creative thing challenges that because the ideas randomly show up and often when least expected. Today I finished putting all my ideas in one place, but still wrestle with the structure. Your advice was very helpful on both topics. Thank you so much!