So, you want to write a book. You feel called to do it. You can imagine how amazing it will feel to hold the completed book in your hands. An incredible feeling.
But maybe you’re not totally sure what kind of book you should write.
Which topic? And what should go inside?
I have several ideas for you. :)
You could write...
- A Family Question Book.
Make a list of 10 questions. For instance: “What is one thing you learned this year?” “What do you want more than anything?” “When do you feel the most proud of yourself?” “Why do you love being in this family”?
Each member of the family answers each question. One answer per page. Extra credit: add doodles and drawings from little ones and grown-ups, too.
- A “Best Of” Everything I Know Book.
Pick a topic you’re knowledgable about. How to host a fabulous dinner party. How to keep the spark alive in a multi-decade marriage. How to cultivate more patience. How to be brave. How to get your dream job. Etc.
If someone wanted to learn about this topic, what are the main 3 (or 5, or 10) things you’d want them to know? Compile the “best of” your wisdom into a short book.
- An Interesting Question Book.
Make a list of interesting questions. Compile into a book. Leave space (like a journal-format) for your reader to write down their answer to each question.
For instance: 30 questions to ask yourself (and your partner) before you get married. Or, before you have a child. Or, before you get divorced. 10 questions to consider before you quit your job. 7 questions about death. 25 questions you’ve probably been avoiding. 12 questions to ask yourself when you feel stuck and unmotivated.
- A Pandemic Time Capsule Book.
Do this with your family, with your partner, or solo. Make a list of the biggest lessons you’ve learned during the Pandemic of 2020. What has this time taught you about community? About your country? About the human spirit? About yourself?
Extra credit: make a list of “things we did during the Pandemic” to cope with loneliness, boredom, and isolation. Save this book. Read again in 10 years. Reflect back on this bizarre, scary time, as well as the silver linings that it brought.
- A One Question, Many Voices Book.
Pick one intriguing question. Like, “What does it mean to lead a ‘good’ life?” And then ask 25 people (all ages, all backgrounds, all faiths) to give a brief answer. Compile the diverse answers into a book. One question. Many perspectives.
- A Legacy Book.
Interview an elder in your family or community. Ask everything you’ve always wanted to know.
Describe your childhood home. What was the world like, when you were very young? What do you remember about the war? How is the world different now? How is the world the same? What is a secret you’ve never told me before? Do you have any regrets? What is your advice for young people these days?
Capture their wisdom in a book. (You could interview numerous elders, not just one.)
- A Problem-Solution Book.
What is something you observe in the world that breaks your heart? A problem that causes pain for many people? Maybe it is something big, like racist systems or people going hungry. Maybe it is something less “big” but still important, something personal, like grieving the death of a pet.
State the problem. Then offer gentle suggestions for your reader. “If you are hurting, this might help…” “This might help you find some relief…” “Here’s what you can do to be part of the solution…”
. . .
Which of those books would you love to write?
If you want, click REPLY and share which one leaps out at you.
Or, if you have a completely different book topic in mind, that’s amazing too.
Whatever kind of book you want to write…Just do it. Write it. Start typing. Let it pour out. And keep it simple.
Your finished book doesn’t necessarily have to be "complicated" or “fancy.” It can be written by hand. It can be stapled together at your kitchen table. It can have a scribbly cover design made by your child. It can be humble and messy and imperfect and have typos and still be absolutely wonderful.
Or, if you’d love to create a book that is polished, professional-quality, and looks oh-my-gosh-so-niiiiiice, sign up for The Tiny Book Course. Let's get your book done.
Sign up and then watch your email for a welcome note explaining what to do next.
Can't wait to see what kind of book you decide to create!
-Alex