Begin with Purpose: Elevating your Non-Fiction Writing Process
As a young writer for a major airline, I learned one of the most invaluable lessons about starting the writing process. My boss at the time was as daunting as Meryl Streep’s character in The Devil Wears Prada. Even seasoned writers would approach his desk with trepidation when they needed to review a project.
Despite his intimidating demeanor, he had one simple rule that transformed my approach to writing. He insisted that every writer sum up the entire point of the article, technical page, marketing campaign, piece of legislation, or customer response in one sentence—no more, no less. This sentence had to be compelling enough to capture the reader's attention and receive his approval before any further writing commenced.
I remember spending what felt like days crafting the perfect sentence, striving to avoid his sharp tongue and remain in his good graces. This exercise taught me how to summarize my work in the most powerful way. More importantly, it made me think deeply about the core message I wanted to convey.
Beginning the non-fiction writing process with a clear, compelling summary sentence is not just a useful exercise—it's a game-changer. It forces you to distill your thoughts, focus on what's most important, and set a strong foundation for your work and the next steps. By doing so, you elevate your storytelling and ensure that every word you write serves a purpose.
At the beginning of any writing process, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the scale of the task. Dozens of plot lines or topics may seem essential to include, making it almost impossible to think clearly. Writing a whole book is very different from creating a technical piece or a marketing campaign. However, if you understand how the narrative will develop and have properly defined all the component parts, it becomes much easier to focus on your starting point.
This is why I find it incredibly helpful to also plot out a synopsis of the entire book before beginning chapter one—or that dreaded page one. A well-thought-out synopsis not only provides a helpful road map but also serves as a useful pointer for where to focus your thoughts from the very beginning.
Crafting a synopsis ensures that the essence of your story or argument is front and center, preventing you from getting lost in the weeds. It clarifies your intentions and helps you stay true to your primary message, making the writing process smoother and more coherent. This strategic approach elevates your storytelling, whether you're writing a full-length book or a concise marketing piece.
Another trick of the trade I learned in my early days was to just get on with the task of writing. Get something, anything on the page. Once the words start to flow, you will quickly find your direction. Remember, writing is not about perfection from the outset; it's about progress. Every great piece of writing begins with a single word, so don't hesitate to let your ideas spill onto the page without self-judgment. Allow your creativity to unfold naturally, and give yourself permission to revise and refine later. Embrace the journey of constructing your narrative, as it's in the process that you will discover the most profound insights.
Something else along those same lines is to allow yourself the freedom to write badly. Don't trip over yourself trying to craft the perfect sentence. Don't let perfectionism hold you back from getting your ideas on paper. Remember, the first draft is just that - a rough draft. You can always go back and revise later, but the important thing is to get your thoughts out there and into solid form.
It's also essential to prioritize your writing time and make it a non-negotiable part of your routine. Just like any other skill, writing requires practice and commitment. Set aside dedicated time each day to work on your writing project, whether it's for 15 minutes or several hours. Make it a priority and stick to it, even if you don't feel completely inspired or motivated. The act of showing up and putting in the effort will pay off in the long run.
It should go without saying, but do yourself a favor and get rid of all distractions. I find it helpful to put my phone on silent mode, close all unnecessary tabs on my computer, and find a quiet space to write without interruptions. You will be surprised at how much more productive you can be when you eliminate potential distractions.
Finally, remember to take breaks and step away from your writing every once in a while. Writer's block is real, and sometimes, the best way to overcome it is to change things up. Go for a walk, grab a cup of coffee, or do something completely unrelated to your writing project. Not only will it help clear your mind and allow new ideas to flow, but it's also essential to take care of yourself and avoid burnout.
If you are still stuck after days and days, maybe weeks of struggling, consider asking yourself if you are writing the book you really want to write. Are you passionate about your topic? Are you writing for the right audience? Is there a different approach or angle that could make your writing more enjoyable and meaningful to you? It's crucial to have a genuine connection with your work, as it will ultimately reflect in your writing. Make sure to regularly check in with yourself and make necessary adjustments if needed.
Empower yourself by believing in the value of your unique voice and perspective. Trust that your experiences and ideas hold the potential to inspire and resonate with others. Writing is a powerful tool for transformation, not just for the reader but for the writer as well. Each sentence you craft is a step towards expressing your authentic self, contributing to a larger dialogue, and leaving an indelible mark on the world. Keep faith in your ability to convey your message vividly and compellingly, and let your passion for the story drive you forward.
Aspire to finish your writing project and make it the best it can be. Most importantly, celebrate your progress along the way. Each word written is an accomplishment, no matter how big or small. And remember, the true power of writing lies in its ability to convey complex ideas in a clear and simple manner, inspiring others to think, feel, and act differently.
