"There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you." ~ Maya Angelou.

World Book Day on April 23 pays tribute to the extraordinary power of books to transport us to new realms and explore the intricacies of human experiences. Seize the day and write the book you've daydreamed about during tedious Zoom meetings. With five published novels under my belt and a caffeine addiction that puts the Gilmore Girls to shame, these tips will help unleash your inner author to write the literary masterpiece you've always dreamed of. So, grab a coffee or 10, and get started!

Identify what lights your fire.

The first step is determining what genre or subject makes your heart race. Choose a topic that sparks joy and reflects your life's blooper reel - a romance that will make you cry more than a sappy rom-com, a mystery with more twists than a pretzel, or a memoir that dives deep into your soul.

Set goals that won't make you panic.

Writing a book requires consistency and goals that won't send you into a spiral of profound dread. Break your project into manageable tasks and set deadlines that won't haunt your dreams. Set a specific word count target or write a few chapters weekly or monthly. If writer's block strikes, take a break to relax or binge-watch Netflix to let your creativity recharge!

Craft a killer outline.

A rock-solid outline is like GPS for books - keeping you on track so you don't get lost on a highway of words. Jot down your ideas and arrange them in a way that makes sense (or at least seems coherent). Use index cards or mind maps to visualize connections between your thoughts and identify holes in your story.

Develop your unique writing voice.

A distinctive narrative is your superpower. Nurture it to develop a style that will have readers begging for more. Experiment with techniques like first-person or third-person viewpoints. Play with words until you find the tone that sings your story's anthem.

Embrace feedback and revisions.

Hearing criticism may seem like biting into a bitter lemon, but it's essential for making your manuscript stand out. Share your work with friends, family, or writing groups for honest, helpful, and valuable feedback. Then, take it like a champ, and revise your work. After all, practice makes perfect, or at least a little less cringe-worthy.

Connect with your writing community.

Find your people – fellow writers and readers – through social media platforms, forums, and literary groups. Workshops, conferences, and events will expand your knowledge to connect with those who share your passion. Like-minded individuals offer support, encouragement, and a shoulder to cry on when the writing blues hit.

Edit, proofread, and make it sparkle.

Before sending your manuscript to agents or publishers, keep polishing it until it shines like a diamond! Editing is about improving your story's structure, whereas proofreading focuses on identifying and correcting annoying grammar, spelling, and punctuation mistakes that confuse readers.

Choose your publishing path.

Consider all options when your manuscript is ready for the public eye. Go traditional, self-publish, or try a hybrid approach. Each has pros and cons, so evaluate which route best suits your book’s audience, goals, resources, and vision.

Sometimes it takes blood, sweat, tears, and unhealthy consumption of coffee to write a book, but you don't have to do it alone. OBCIDO can help bring your literary baby to life by providing comprehensive book services for every stage of your writing journey. We have faith in the power of your narrative.

Our team of seasoned professionals will guide you through the entire process, from coaching to editing, to placing your book online or on shelves. Collaborating with our branding and marketing teams, we'll support you in successfully navigating your writing career and connecting with a broader audience.

"Every story begins with a single word." Start writing yours with OBCIDO today!