[Tipster] How To Start Writing

In this edition of Tipster, our focus is on starting to write a book and specifying your big idea. 

If you've never written before, starting a book is crazy hard. Or at least crazy confusing.

Where do you begin?

You can just start writing. That works. In fact, that is a good thing. At least you're putting words to paper (er, screen).

But in addition to the act of writing, here is one activity that can help you get off on the right foot.

Grapple with Your Big Idea

Every book is fundamentally about an idea, even fiction.

So are a memoirs. Or a business book. Or a spirituality book. Or a cook book.

So what is your book about? What is your big idea?

An Idea Has Two Parts

We always like to say that an idea has two parts. And it's helpful to break down your idea this way:

• The Subject, and
• The Complement.

The Subject of your idea can be identified by asking the question, "What is the topic that I am writing about?"

So, for example, the topic of Dave's book on the suburbs was "how to live a deeper spiritual life in the suburbs."

But that's not enough. That's only half of an idea.

The Complement of your idea can be identified by asking the question, "What am I saying about my topic?"

So, for example, in Dave's instance, his Complement was "there are invisible, environmental toxins in the suburbs that pollute one's soul."

Thus, the thesis for Death by Suburb was born: "To live the thicker, more awakened life in the suburbs requires understanding the toxins that pollute one's soul."

A Book Idea Must Be Specific

The point of the activity is to help you be more specific with your idea.

A general idea will not work as a book idea. The idea has to be narrow, focused on a specific angle.

So, this week, spend an hour writing out 10 Subject/Complements for your book idea.

You'll come away much more clear about what your book is actually about.