How to write a book when you don't know how. (Part 2)

Whether you are 500 words into your first draft, or 50,000, remember, it's still A DRAFT. It is not ready to be published. I would also advise against posting any part of it for critique on social media. Why? Because for every bit of good advice you receive, you will receive hundreds of critical, often demeaning replies that will not in any way be helpful. (Or boost your confidence.) Then there are the trolls, scammers, and plagiarists. Protect your work.

...and whatever you do, don't run to social media to ask questions you could have "Googled" the answers to.

If your spelling and grammar skills aren't great, there are plenty of resources online. Start with a dictionary: https://www.merriam-webster.com/

You'll notice this includes a thesaurus.

You can also find a ton of videos on YouTube about writing:

Neil Gaiman: https://youtu.be/qg0_FinB6EE?si=6NapcOa_ydfcJo4r

Stephen King: https://youtu.be/B6SKj_eiY9k?si=O_m4eLJufvQI26St

Bad Dialogue vs Good Dialogue: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8npDOBLoR4

Another way to boost your skills is to read more books!

Amazon has a multitude of "How to" books on writing.

You should also read books in your genre. If you are writing fantasy, read fantasy. Take note of what you liked, or didn't like about the book.

Try to create some sort of schedule for writing. It may be difficult, but it's worth it.

Pick a time when you will be undisturbed, and just write. If you are having trouble, or are "uninspired", try watching a video as mentioned above, or write an outline. Anything that relates to "the work of writing".

When I am feeling uninspired, I look at fantasy art, listen to mood music, or make maps. Anything to get the creativity flowing again.

If writing is something you are passionate about, you will find a way. If you want to write a book to "make money", you'll be disappointed.