Having created a working title and outline (list of items that will be discussed) of your ebook, you'll need to write its chapters. But doing so need not be a big deal if you focus on a chapter at a time, rather than the entire project. Remember that a journey begins with a single step. The following tips show you ways to mske writing flow from your head to that paper or computer screen with less hassle and effort.
- FACE YOUR WRITING ANXIETY OR FEAR AND WRITE ANYWAY.
Getting the first few words down in any given chapter at first seems like a big deal. You're sitting in front of a blank screen on your computer or at a table staring at a blank sheet of paper. The words don't come. Nothing happens. Or if the words do come, they're not exactly what you had in mind. What to do? First, remember that nothing is written in stone, second, that only you can see your words in type, and third, writing perfect sentences from the get-go is impossible and shouldn't be attempted. So for now, write whatever occurs to you. It doesn't have to make sense or spelled correctly, nor does it have to be perfect right now. As the saying goes, let it all hang out.
- BEFORE WRITING A CHAPTER, MAKE A SHORT NOTE OF WHAT YOU'LL INCLUDE (AND WHY)
You can write, "This chapter is all about -----------, and will include ----------." For example, "This chapter is all about getting the best container for hanging plants and will include sections on different types of containers and how to pick the right one." As for reasons why in this example, you can point out that successful planting of plants in hanging containers depends on paying attention to such basics as finding and using a suitable container --- or something along those lines.
- GIVE YOURSELF AND YOUR READERS A BREATHER
See or view chapter subheadings as breathers or "pauses." Let's say that you've just written a draft of a chapter's introduction and are ready to jump to the next section. What topic will that section include? Create a pause by including a temporary label for that discussion. Even if you write something like "my next topic is.....," or even a simple word as "Tools," you have given your reader something to anticipate.
- REMEMBER THAT EACH PARAGRAPH IS A MINIATURE ARTICLE OR ESSAY
It should have a clear beginning, middle and end. Or if you prefer, think of a paragraph as a house. Its beginning is the door or entry, its interior is the body or middle where you "show" your reader around by presenting and explaining your points. Toward the end, you prepare the reader for the end of the tour with a few concluding statements. Two or three of those statements should emphasize an idea or two that you want your reader to remember, even if he or she forgets everything else.
- ANSWER THE READER'S QUESTION, WHAT'S IN IT FOR ME, IN EACH CHAPTER
Briefly explain or show how the information in a given chapter section is going to benefit your reader. By following the instructions you have provided, what benefit will he or she gain? In other words, what's in it for him or her? For example, will reading a short anecdote two allow a reader to get quicker results or avoid a mistake?
- PUT AWAY YOUR CHAPTER DRAFT AND DO SOMETHING ELSE
Your chapter draft is finished or nearly finished and needs some cooling-off time and you need a rest. So instead of making corrections or editing your chapter when it is hot off the press, put it away and then eat or play or simply relax for a few hours for the rest of the day. You've earned it. Even better, you'll literally read that chapter with a new pair of eyes and catch those subtle errors. You can mark or write a question mark next to statements or words that need revision or correction.
Dorothy Zjawin is the author of a number of Instructor articles that inspired her published book, Teaching Ideas for the Come-Alive Classroom (Parker/Prentice-Hall). For more ideas, visit her website at http://www.profitable-pen.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dorothy_Zjawin
By Dorothy Zjawin
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