Writing a book is a vast accomplishment. When writing my book, I didn’t know where to start. I always loved to write poetry and short stories; however, writing a book would be one of the most fear-provoking tasks that I would ever take on thus far. As I embarked on the process, these are the guidelines I found helpful.
Find/Develop a Voice
What do you want to write about? What will readers remember you for? Are you interested in promoting self worth or encouraging others to live their best life while in the present? Whether you write five books or 50, develop your own voice as an author.
I believe in uplifting, encouraging and inspiring others and that is my voice. Whether I write about the way we view ourselves through God’s eyes or how to have healthy (romantic) relationships, I will do so while uplifting, encouraging and inspiring readers. This is my voice. What is yours?
Informal Focus Groups
The opinion of others can help in writing a book. I did not realize it at the time but I had informal focus groups for my book while writing. Who were the participants? My friends! We would gather in a casual setting and I would ask their perceptions, opinions, beliefs, and attitudes towards the subject matter. This helped tremendously. I encourage (positive) insight from others.
Just Write
When writing a book, your mind is overloaded with inspirations, suggestions, ideas and opinions. Don’t be so focused on completing a particular chapter before starting to write a new one. Create a writing schedule. My life coach, Casandra Roache of Inspire Many Enterprises helped me develop a writing schedule for each week, so that I could stay on track. She definitely held me accountable. This helped tremendously.
Your Editor is Your Best Friend
I had the pleasure of working with Editor-in-Chief of NEWD Magazine, Tiffani Knowles. She is wonderful and did an amazing job at editing my book, Through the Eyes of the KING. It is important to have a (really good) editor. I thought my manuscript was flawless until Tiffani sent it back with edits. But this is exactly what editing is for. To ensure that the book is flawless by the time it lands in the hands of readers everywhere. To hand over a manuscript to someone to read before it goes to publishing is nerve-wracking and there must be a level of trust there. I felt so vulnerable, but I trusted my editor and you should too.
I always wanted to write and be an author. I had every excuse possible as to why I should not have written a book, but I did it anyway. You can too. I will say this: Write because you love it and have a message to share. What is the beauty of a testimony if no one ever hears it? Be Blessed, Be Heard and Be Present! Until next time…
Guest Writer – Chrisnatha Derosier
She’s funky, soft and just plain fabulous!
Chrisnatha Derosier, an author and public speaker, has been writing since a very early age. She has written articles for Worksite Magazine, NEWD Magazine. She has interviewed activist and author Devin T. Robinson X, Jazz greats Jeff Hamilton and John Clayton, CitiBank spokesperson, Mark Rogers, Gary Sullivan Sr. VP of Elective Benefits of Aon Consulting Firm, owner of White Saffron, Ying Ying Chong, DeMarcus Reed, Miami rapper Smokey and Grammy-award winning gospel artist Tye Tribett just to name a few.
She has since written two books.
She lives in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with her family. Chrisnatha is the chief executive operator of Young Leaders of Today, LLC. She founded this organization in October 2007. Through this organization she inspires, encourages and uplifts the youth through workshops, seminars, retreats and community service. She believes that youth must be equipped with tools to serve their communities and become leaders of this generation.