Non-fiction still needs stories

Non-fiction still needs stories

You might hear fiction authors discussing ‘narrative arcs’ and ‘plotting’, but even non-fiction books need stories.  Why?  Because people engage more and remember better when there’s a story that brings your point to life. The difference between a fictional story and...
Your non-fiction book writing plan

Your non-fiction book writing plan

I recently read an excellent post on LinkedIn about ‘inspiration’.  The point was being made by a commercial copywriter, that professional writers can’t afford to wait for inspiration or we’d never be able to sustain a business! When you’re facing the task of writing...
Before you start to write your book …

Before you start to write your book …

When you tell someone you’re writing a non-fiction book, they’ll often ask if you’ve done your research.  They’re usually thinking about fact-checking, verifying statistics, or making sure your content is accurate.  And yes, that matters.  But...
One step at a time …

One step at a time …

(and here are the steps) Writing a book is a process – and every process has steps. Contemplating becoming an author can be overwhelming, especially if the idea of writing thousands of words is daunting.  But there are lots of things you can do that will make that...
What if I just can’t write?

What if I just can’t write?

Having a great idea for a book doesn’t automatically trigger great writing skills.  Everyone can learn to write well, but it takes time and that may already be one of the reasons you’re not getting started – not enough time. However, not being a brilliant writer...
Mindset and motivation for authors

Mindset and motivation for authors

The key to getting your book from an idea and into print is taking action.  But, if writing isn’t your thing, you need something to get you moving. When I work with people on their books, there are a number of things I encourage them to do, before they even think...