Don’t Know What to Write About? Try This…

Choosing what to write about is one of the most common struggles aspiring authors face. Whether you have too many ideas or feel like you don’t have any at all, determining your book topic can be a daunting task. However, by understanding the four stages of authorship – Dissolving, Dreaming and Scheming, Reforming, and The Promised Land – you can navigate this process with greater clarity and confidence.

In this post, we’ll explore each of these stages in-depth. We’ll provide practical tools and techniques to help you discover your ideal book topic and bring your writing vision to life.

Stage 1: Dissolving or Death and Rebirth

When it comes to choosing a book topic, many authors find themselves in the first stage of the process: Dissolving or Death and Rebirth. This stage is characterized by a sense of uncertainty and a lack of clarity about what to write about. It’s a time when ideas may feel scattered, and the path forward seems unclear.

The Urge to Label and Choose

One of the most common experiences in this stage is the urge to label a thing and come up with a book idea. When we’re in this phase, we may feel pressure to make a decision. We might want to commit to a topic, even if we’re not entirely sure it’s the right one. This urge can be especially strong if we’ve had previous successes or experiences that we think could translate well into a book.

However, it’s important to resist the temptation to force a decision too quickly. Choosing a book topic is a significant commitment. Rushing into it can lead to frustration and wasted effort down the line.

Embracing the Unknown

Instead of trying to force a decision, try embracing the unknown and lean into the discomfort. This means allowing ourselves to sit with the uncertainty. Trust that the right idea will emerge when the time is right.

It can be helpful to think of this stage as a cocoon phase. Just like a caterpillar undergoes a profound transformation inside the cocoon, emerging as a butterfly, authors in this stage are undergoing their own metamorphosis. The process may feel uncomfortable and even scary at times, but it’s a necessary part of the journey.

During this stage, it’s important to give ourselves permission not to know what our book is supposed to be. We can take a stand and say, “I may write a book at some point, but I’m not working on it now.” This doesn’t make us any less of an author; it simply means we’re honoring where we are in the process.

By embracing the unknown and leaning into the discomfort, we create space for our book idea to emerge naturally. The more we can relax and detach from the outcome, the sooner our topic will reveal itself. Trusting the process and allowing ourselves to be in this stage of dissolving is a crucial step in finding the right book idea to pursue.

Stage 2: Imagining or Dreaming and Scheming

As we move through the process of choosing a book topic, many of us find ourselves in the second stage: Imagining or Dreaming and Scheming. This is the phase where ideas start to flow. We begin to explore the possibilities of what to write about.

Identifying if You’re in This Stage

If you have multiple book ideas swirling around in your head, and they span a wide range of topics or genres, chances are you’re in the Dreaming and Scheming stage. You might have ideas for a children’s book, a romance novel, a self-help guide, and a memoir all at the same time. This is a natural part of the process, and it’s a sign that your creative energy is flowing.

Trying on Different Book Ideas

In this stage, it’s important to give yourself permission to explore different book ideas and scenarios. Think of it like trying on clothes at a store. Just as you might try on various styles and sizes to find the perfect fit, you can “try on” different book concepts to see which one feels right.

This is a time to let your imagination run wild and consider all the possibilities. Don’t worry about committing to a single idea just yet. Instead, allow yourself to dream and scheme, and see where your creative energy takes you.

Tools to Test Out Book Ideas

As you explore different book ideas, use one of these tools to test them out and find the right fit.

1. The Book Basket Exercise. Make a list of anything you know you want to include in your book, even if the ideas seem unrelated. This could be stories, concepts, or resources you want to share. Keep adding to this “book basket” until your book’s theme starts to emerge.
2. Market Validation. Share a one-sentence description of your book idea on social media or in an email to your audience. See what kind of reaction and engagement you get. You can also test out different book titles or concepts through ads to gauge interest.
3. The Creativity Temple. Engage in a visualization exercise where you connect with your book in its completed state. Observe the cover, the contents, and any messages or insights that come through. This can help you tap into your intuition and discover the book you’re meant to write.

By allowing yourself to explore different ideas, you’ll start to get a sense of which book concept resonates most strongly with you. Remember, there are no rules in this stage. Just let your creativity flow and trust that the right idea will emerge.

Stage 3: Reforming or The Hero’s Journey

As we continue to explore the process of choosing what to write about, we enter the third stage: Reforming or The Hero’s Journey. This is the phase where our book idea becomes clear, and we start to commit to the writing process.

Characteristics of This Stage

In the Reforming stage, we have a sense of clarity about our book topic. We may still have some doubts or fears, but we know in our hearts what we’re meant to write about. This is the stage where we start to declare our book idea to others, even if it feels scary or vulnerable.

The Hero’s Journey is characterized by a sense of purpose and mission. We know that writing this book is our calling, and we’re ready to take on the challenges that come with it.

Challenges and Obstacles

While the Reforming stage brings clarity and commitment, it also comes with its own set of challenges and obstacles. When we fully commit to our book idea, it’s not uncommon for unexpected setbacks to arise.

These challenges can take many forms – a sudden illness, a family emergency, a technical glitch that erases our files. It’s almost as if the universe is testing our resolve and asking, “How badly do you want this?”

In the face of these obstacles, it’s easy to feel discouraged or tempted to give up. But this is where the hero’s tenacity comes into play. We must be willing to push through the difficulties and keep showing up for our book, even when it feels hard.

Pushing Through “The Dip”

Seth Godin, in his book “The Dip,” talks about the inevitable challenges that arise when we commit to a worthy pursuit. He argues that this “dip” is actually a good thing – it separates the truly committed from those who are only casually interested.

When we encounter the dip in our writing journey, it’s important to remember why we started in the first place. We must reconnect with our purpose and our passion for our book topic, and use that as fuel to keep going.

However, there may be times when the challenges we face are a sign that we need to reassess our commitment. If we find ourselves consistently struggling and not making progress, it may be time to ask ourselves if this is truly the right book for us to write.

Pushing through the dip requires discernment – knowing when to persist and when to pivot. By staying connected to our intuition and being honest with ourselves about our energy and motivation, we can navigate this stage with grace and resilience.

Stage 4: The Promised Land

As we reach the final stage of the journey to discover what to write about, we enter The Promised Land. This is the phase where we have successfully navigated the challenges of the writing process and emerged with a completed book.

Recognizing and Acknowledging Your Success

One of the most important aspects of this stage is recognizing and acknowledging your success. It’s easy to downplay your accomplishments or feel like your book “doesn’t count” because it wasn’t a New York Times bestseller or didn’t meet some arbitrary standard of success.

But the truth is, writing and publishing a book is a tremendous achievement, no matter the outcome. It takes courage, dedication, and perseverance to see a project through from start to finish, and that alone is worth celebrating.

In this stage, it’s crucial to take a moment to reflect on how far you’ve come. Remember the doubts and fears you faced in the early stages, and the obstacles you overcame along the way. Give yourself credit for the hard work and dedication you put into your book, and allow yourself to feel proud of what you’ve accomplished.

Balancing Gratitude and Non-Attachment

As we bask in the glow of our success, it’s important to find a balance between gratitude and non-attachment. On one hand, we want to fully appreciate and celebrate our achievement. Writing a book is no small feat, and it’s something to be genuinely proud of.

On the other hand, we don’t want to become too attached to our identity as an author or to the specific book we’ve just written. The creative process is ongoing, and there will always be new ideas and projects to explore.

By practicing non-attachment, we create space for growth and evolution. We recognize that our writing journey doesn’t end with this one book, and we remain open to new possibilities and directions.

Being Open to New Ideas and Opportunities

In The Promised Land stage, it’s common to feel a sense of completion and satisfaction with the book you’ve just written. But it’s also important to remember that your creative journey is just beginning.

As you share your book with the world, you may find that new ideas and opportunities start to emerge. You may receive feedback or insights from readers that spark new projects or collaborations. You may find yourself drawn to explore different genres or topics that you hadn’t considered before.

By remaining open and receptive to these new possibilities, you allow your writing journey to continue to unfold in exciting and unexpected ways. You trust that the same creative energy that guided you through the process of writing this book will continue to lead you forward, towards new adventures and opportunities.

Tools and Techniques for Choosing Your Book Topic

Choosing what to write about can be a daunting task, but there are several tools and techniques that can help guide you through the process. By using these strategies, you can tap into your creativity, validate your ideas, and ultimately discover the book topic that resonates most deeply with you.

The Book Basket Exercise

One powerful tool for generating book ideas is the Book Basket Exercise. This involves creating a list of anything and everything you might want to include in your book, even if the ideas seem unrelated or disconnected.

Start by jotting down stories, concepts, lessons, or resources that you feel drawn to share. Don’t worry about how they fit together or whether they make sense as a cohesive whole. The goal is simply to collect a “basket” of ideas that interest and inspire you.

As you continue to add to your book basket, you may start to notice themes or patterns emerging. These common threads can help guide you towards a book topic that encompasses your various ideas and passions.

Market Validation Through Social Media and Ads

Another valuable technique for choosing a book topic is market validation. This involves testing your ideas with your target audience to gauge their interest and engagement.

One way to do this is by sharing a one-sentence description of your book idea on social media or in an email to your list. Pay attention to the feedback and responses you receive. Which ideas generate the most excitement or curiosity?

You can also use ads to test different book titles or concepts. By creating simple ads on platforms like Facebook or Amazon, you can see which ideas resonate most strongly with your ideal readers.

The Creativity Temple Visualization

Sometimes, the best way to discover your book topic is by tapping into your intuition and inner wisdom. The Creativity Temple visualization is a powerful exercise that can help you do just that.

To begin, find a quiet space where you can relax and close your eyes. Imagine yourself entering a sacred temple, where you are surrounded by creative energy and inspiration. In this space, allow yourself to connect with your book in its completed form.

Notice the cover, the title, and any images or symbols that appear. Flip through the pages and observe the contents. What messages or insights do you receive? Trust whatever comes through, even if it surprises you.

The Author Feeling State Scale

Finally, the Author Feeling State Scale can be a helpful tool for evaluating your book ideas and ensuring that you choose a topic that truly resonates with you.

To use this technique, give yourself a 15-minute writing prompt for each of your potential book topics. As you write, pay attention to your feeling state. Which ideas make you feel most alive, inspired, and energized? Which ones feel heavy, forced, or stagnant?

By tuning into your emotional response to each idea, you can gain clarity on which topics are most aligned with your authentic self and your purpose as a writer. Choose the idea that makes you feel most expansive and excited, even if it also scares you a little. That’s often a sign that you’re on the right track.

Go Write Your Masterpiece

Discovering what to write about is a journey that requires patience, self-trust, and a willingness to embrace the unknown. By understanding the four stages of the writing process and utilizing tools like the Book Basket Exercise, market validation, the Creativity Temple visualization, and the Author Feeling State Scale, you can navigate the path to your ideal book topic with greater ease and clarity.

Remember, the journey to writing a book is a process of transformation. Embrace the challenges, trust your intuition, and stay connected to your purpose. Your perfect book idea is waiting to be discovered. Start exploring today, and watch as your writing journey unfolds in miraculous ways.

READ MORE: 4 Tips to Release Your Blocks and Become a Successful Writer