Ask a Tech Teacher is officially on Thanksgiving break so I’m going to pop in here with two posts from our international team that just couldn’t wait:
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From Blank Page to First Chapter: A Beginner’s Guide on How to Start Writing a Book-–for the teacher-authors following Ask a Tech Teacher, a how-to primer on writing the book that rattles around in your head (see below)
- Top 5 Game Development Platforms for Young Coders: Building Skills with Fun–perfect for those still doing Hour of Code in December (click here after 11-26-24)
From Blank Page to First Chapter: A Beginner’s Guide on How to Start Writing a Book
The truth is, many of us dream about writing a book, but we stop ourselves because we think we lack experience or don’t know where to start. Here’s the secret: no one starts as an expert. Whether you’re an educator hoping to inspire others, a student exploring creativity, or simply someone with a tale to tell, this guide is here to show you that the hardest part—getting started—isn’t as scary as it seems.
We’ll break it down into small, achievable steps, from brainstorming ideas to turning them into something tangible. Ready to take that first leap? Let’s begin your journey to becoming a writer.
Embrace Your Inner Storyteller
Think about what sparks your desire to write. Are you an educator who wants to turn classroom experiences into a guide for others? A parent with stories to inspire your kids? Whatever your reason, it’s valid—and it’s the fuel that will keep you going.
Identify your audience
Are you writing for fellow teachers? Students? A general audience? For example, if you’re writing for educators, your book might blend personal anecdotes with actionable tips. Writing for students? Maybe you’ll create relatable stories that inspire them to dream big. Your audience shapes the tone, structure, and even the language of your book.
Find your voice
Don’t worry about sounding “perfect” or “writerly.” Instead, focus on authenticity. Are you humorous, empathetic, or straight-to-the-point? Let that shine through—your readers will thank you for it.
The Idea Phase—Where Do Stories Come From?
Inspiration doesn’t have to be dramatic. It might be something simple, like a funny interaction with a student, a challenge you overcame, or a lesson that stuck with you. Even mundane experiences can become meaningful when viewed through the right lens. The key is to turn your raw inspiration into a clear, actionable theme. If you’re more of a visual thinker, try mind mapping—grab a piece of paper, write your main idea in the center, and branch out with related thoughts.
Crafting Your Blueprint
Before writing, take some time to sketch out the structure of your book. Think of chapters, key points, and takeaways for your readers. If outlining feels overwhelming, start with a simple method.
For example, if your book is about engaging students in creative ways, your outline might include chapters like Understanding Student Motivation and Practical Classroom Strategies. Over time, you can add details and expand on these topics.
Technology makes outlining a breeze. Apps like Scrivener or Plottr allow you to visualize your book’s structure, rearrange sections easily, and even track your progress. If you prefer pen and paper, sticky notes on a wall can give you a physical view of your chapters, which is especially helpful when tackling how to start writing a book.
Writing Without Fear
Once your outline is ready, it’s time to do what you’ve been waiting for—start writing. For many beginners asking how to start writing a book with no experience, this step feels the most intimidating. But remember, no one writes a perfect first draft. The goal is progress, not perfection.
Fear is often the biggest obstacle to writing books. Many first-time writers worry about things like “What if it’s not good enough?” Here’s the truth: every writer, even bestselling authors, has faced these fears. The trick is to silence that inner critic during the first draft. Focus on writing one paragraph or one scene at a time. You’re not writing the whole book today—just a tiny piece of it.
Write first, edit later
Your first draft is your playground. Don’t get stuck trying to make every sentence perfect. Just let the words flow. Editing comes later, and it’s a separate skill from writing. When you finish your first draft, you can revise it with fresh eyes.
Many writers seek assistance, wondering, “Can someone write my paper or help me refine my ideas?” There are plenty of resources, like writing communities or freelance editors, to guide you through this phase.
For on-the-go inspiration, try dictation apps that turn your spoken words into text. If staying focused is a struggle, apps like FocusWriter or Freedom can help eliminate distractions.
Building Confidence Through Feedback
Seeking feedback from trusted sources is one of the best ways to grow as a writer and refine your work. Many new writers hesitate to share their drafts, fearing criticism. But early feedback is invaluable.
Share chapters or excerpts with close friends, colleagues, or even online writing groups. These fresh perspectives can catch blind spots and encourage. Platforms like Scribophile or NaNoWriMo forums connect you with others on the same journey, offering support, critiques, and tips.
Bringing Your Book to Life
Editing is a crucial step in writing. Start with self-editing. Next, consider professional editing services if your budget allows—many platforms specialize in affordable services for beginners.
For beginners wondering how to start writing a book and sharing it with the world, self-publishing platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) or IngramSpark are fantastic options. They allow you to retain creative control and reach global audiences. If traditional publishing is your goal, research literary agents and publishers that align with your book’s theme.
Final Thoughts
Writing a book isn’t just about the final product—it’s about the journey. It’s about discovering your voice, sharing your unique perspective, and creating something that could inspire, educate, or entertain others. Whether you’re starting with a spark of an idea or still figuring out how to start writing a book with no experience, remember that every writer begins somewhere.
Take it one step at a time. Embrace the messy drafts, seek feedback, and use the tools and strategies available to you. Writing books isn’t reserved for seasoned authors—it’s for anyone with a story or an idea worth sharing.
Your story is important. So start today, even if it’s just a sentence or a rough outline. Who knows? That small step could lead to something extraordinary. You’ve got this—now go write your book.
Here’s the sign-up link if the image above doesn’t work:
https://forms.aweber.com/form/07/1910174607.htm
“The content presented in this blog are the result of creative imagination and not intended for use, reproduction, or incorporation into any artificial intelligence training or machine learning systems without prior written consent from the author.”
Jacqui Murray has been teaching K-18 technology for 30 years. She is the editor/author of over a hundred tech ed resources including a K-12 technology curriculum, K-8 keyboard curriculum, K-8 Digital Citizenship curriculum. She is an adjunct professor in tech ed, Master Teacher, freelance journalist on tech ed topics, and author of the tech thrillers, To Hunt a Sub and Twenty-four Days. You can find her resources at Structured Learning.
