How to write a book
Over the last ten years (and 10 books!) or so, I’ve been asked over and over how to go about the process of writing a book. It seems insurmountable when you’re at the “idea” phase — even for a seasoned author. Writing and running Simplified at the same time (while doing the rest of life) isn’t easy, but I’ve found a system that works for me. It changes a little with each book topic and each season of life I’m in, but the bones are pretty much the same. So, if you’re an aspiring writer — or just someone who loves to hear how other people do life, here you go!
Note: what this doesn’t cover is a) getting published, b) finding an agent, or c) getting a book deal. I grew up wanting to become a published author, but it wasn’t until I first built a platform and cultivated my voice that it became a reality for me. In short, I never pitched my first book. Instead, I started writing on the internet (back when blogs were a big thing) and on social media and my publisher (still with the same wonderful folks at Thomas Nelson that I wrote my first book with back in 2015) found me. I was sitting in the preschool parking lot, getting ready to walk in and get Brady, answering a few last minute work emails from my phone when I got the email.
We’ve been reading what you’re writing. And we like it. Would you ever consider writing a book? (I then burst into tears, called my mom, and nearly fell out of the car).
And the rest is history. Because my entry into publishing was an anomaly, I’ll leave that advice up to the pros in that area. Conceptualizing, writing, finessing, and birthing (quite literally) books into the world is where my expertise lies. Part 1 of this series will cover the writing part… the finessing and the birthing (read: marketing) is a whole other ballgame. I’ll save those for parts 2 and 3. Without further ado, here’s I write a book!
Start with a felt need. This is a phrase I learned from my publishing team. According to the American Psychology Association, a “felt need” is a “a consciously experienced need that may relate to a sense of deprivation or a discrepancy with an affective ideal.” In other words, it’s a longing or hope for a change. The felt need behind Grace, Not Perfection was perfectionism and the hope for a simpler, more joyful life (and the freedom to be okay with the mess of it all). The felt need behind You’re Always Enough was the feeling (particularly in kids) that we aren’t measuring up or we aren’t good enough. You get the picture. Start here. Felt needs are key. (I have a whole bucket of felt needs I’m working with on a few upcoming books — simplicity in the kitchen, inclusivity amongst children, the confidence to stand tall and strong in your values, and the importance of raising adults (not children)).
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