Deciding what to write about is the first step in writing that great masterpiece, but it is often the hardest. Everything you can possibly think of to write about has probably already been done, so you might find yourself struggling with the big decision, perhaps even starting and discarding your manuscript because you're unable to develop it satisfactorily. So how do you finally narrow it down?
When I wrote my first book I wanted to write about something I was passionate about because I felt it would be easier and I might be able to gather materials more effortlessly. I was right. The subject I was most passionate about was my children, and being a single parent I decided to write about life as a single mom. The great thing about writing today is that eBooks do not require the huge word count and lengthy chapters that are expected in traditional hardcover and paperback books. That makes them ideal for first-time writers looking to get their feet wet in the pool but don't know quite where to start.
There are other considerations if you're still not sure what to write about. I have been fortunate in that regard because my second book idea also came naturally. All my life I have enjoyed reading books, but for most of my life I had a real love for romantic fiction. I can't tell you how many Danielle Steele, not to mention Harlequin and historical romances I have read in my lifetime, and so when I finished my first eBook and decided I wanted to write a paperback I knew immediately what genre this was going to be. As I thought about the storyline the ideas began to take shape, and gradually the manuscript started to come alive. To be truthful, after a while the word count became almost an albatross, and so I was more focused on getting each thousand words behind me than on spending time developing the characters. However, I cannot describe that feeling of finally holding my published book in my hands and seeing my name in print on the cover. It's almost like going through labor and finally holding your baby in your arms.
You, however, may not want to write a novel. The truth is, although I am extremely proud of my first novel, it will also be my last because I have totally lost interest in romantic fiction and so have no desire to write another. If that is you, then the subject matter for your book will be nonfiction, and fortunately for you the subjects are endless. Your first assignment, therefore, is to make a list of topics you are interested in. Are you passionate about religion, art, gardening, music, or perhaps social media? Write a broad list with as many topics as possible, then pick the top three you're most excited about. You can then decide which one of the three you most want to write about, knowing that the others are possible choices for the future.
Your next task is to brainstorm your topic and create a list of subtopics. For instance, if your interest is music, you might look at ideas such as how music has changed over the last twenty years; the influence of particular individuals on a particular style or genre of music; how music influences our lives. Again, the possibilities are endless, but it is important to bear in mind that everything has already been written about, so it is important to find an interesting angle that will introduce a fresh perspective and place you as an authority on the subject. Once you have decided what angle appeals to you most, that can be your starting point. Of course, the subtopics you've rejected can be possible follow-ups for books in a series, so don't throw them away.
Now that you've chosen your niche and narrowed your focus, it's time to move on to the next step. Be sure to subscribe so that you won't miss out on the great tips and strategies that will propel you further into the world of published authors.