It’s summer: time for rest, play, enjoying longer days. And you’re torn. You know you want to write a book this fall, and you wonder if you should start preparing now. But you don’t want to miss one relaxing ounce of summer.
Not to worry. You can take a few steps to prepare for fall book writing that fit easily into your summer pace. Let’s take a look.
Why Summer Steps Will Help You Reach Fall Goals
The last weeks of summer are the perfect time to start getting ready for fall writing. That doesn’t mean you have to start writing now. But you can start with simple, helpful ways to prepare.
Easy preparation now will help you from feeling overwhelmed later. And starting in a relaxed summer mode will set the tone for a wonderful fall writing experience.
You can start reflecting on ideas and scenes, even as you enjoy the beauty of summer. Simple prep will have you thinking of ideas while you’re swimming in the pool or sipping iced coffee in the park. Your book will start to take shape, before you sit down to write. You’ll be surprised at how easily your book will come to life because you’ve done creative prep.
Simple Ideas for Summer Prep
Here are some easy ways you can weave fall writing prep into your summer rhythm:
- Keep a phone notes page for book ideas that come to mind. Don’t worry about how they fit. Just capture them for now, while your mind is in a relaxed, creative mode.
- Make a list of several topics you’d like to share with your readers. Don’t worry about turning this into a book outline now. Just write down your ideas as you think of them.
- Think about lessons or stories you share most often with family, friends, or business associates. Jot those down, as they might lead to or inspire topics for your book.
- If you have your computer nearby, get a folder set up for your book project and create sub-folders so you’ll be ready to keep notes, drafts, edits, photos, research, and other materials organized. You might not know everything you need yet, but you can always delete, create, or rename folders later. Just start with what you might need, and it’ll save you time and headaches when you get started with writing.
- Think about who your book will help, how, and why. What are the reasons this book is important to you? Your summer reflections will help shape your goals and motivation when you start writing this fall.
- Think about what success will look like for your book. Success will mean different things for different authors. Success might mean having a book you can hand to someone who is struggling with what you overcame. Or a book you can use to teach classes. Maybe your book will be the business card you give out at conferences. Or success might mean sharing your family history with a younger family member. Thinking about what success really means for your book will help you stay motivated in the fall.
You Don’t Need Writing Experience to Write a Book
Many people hesitate to start working on a book because they don’t feel like a writer. But you don’t need a background in writing to write a book. Amazing books are written every year by people who have a story, insights, or words of encouragement they want to share with others.
You don’t need to sit down at the computer this fall as “a writer.” You just need to show up as yourself. Small steps this summer will help you get ready to do exactly that. You’ll be inspired, focused, organized, and ready to start turning your thoughts and experiences into words to share.
Looking toward Autumn
As autumn approaches, you’ll be able to focus more on creating a book outline. You’ll capture more ideas in writing and in more detail. You’ll be piecing those stories and lessons together. Thinking of questions your readers might ask, and then answering those within your book.
Your summer prep steps will help you be ready and more confident as you ease into that new season. And you’ll avoid the blank screen—you’ll already have ideas to build on. It’ll be easier to dive in because you’ve already set the foundation.
Book Writing Is a Journey
Book writing is not a race or a hurdle to jump. It’s a journey. An enjoyable one. You can start that journey quietly in the relaxing days of summer.
Every idea, bullet point, story blurb, or reflection right now is a meaningful step forward. Every step counts—even those quiet thoughts you capture on a summer evening while watching fireflies from your porch swing.
Janet Eriksson 