Ask the Author: Steve Preda
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Steve Preda
I write non-fiction and what drives me is curiosity. Having an audience is like jet fuel for my curiosity as it gives me a reason beyond my own stimulation to do the research. I love figuring out how to make complex ideas accessible to a wide audience. It is gratifying to see others being able to use my writing to improve themselves and become more successful.
I also enjoy the challenge of writing a book. It is a monumental undertaking, and it requires imagination, discipline and perseverance. I am very competitive and pride myself to be able to do something many others can't.
Beyond this, I find it highly gratifying to create something useful. It is nice to think that you can contribute something to the universal body of knowledge. I stand on the shoulders of giants and I would like to pay it forward in whatever small way I can.
Finally, I think being a writer becomes your identity and you can't help returning to the source for that feeling. Writing can be addictive.
I also enjoy the challenge of writing a book. It is a monumental undertaking, and it requires imagination, discipline and perseverance. I am very competitive and pride myself to be able to do something many others can't.
Beyond this, I find it highly gratifying to create something useful. It is nice to think that you can contribute something to the universal body of knowledge. I stand on the shoulders of giants and I would like to pay it forward in whatever small way I can.
Finally, I think being a writer becomes your identity and you can't help returning to the source for that feeling. Writing can be addictive.
Steve Preda
I have found the writer's block is more the symptom of not knowing how to approach writing, than anything else.
The most important is to find a topic that you are excited about.
Then create a balanced outline. I love Scribe's free non-fiction template, that you can download here: https://scribemedia.com/book-outline-...
When your outline is complete, just start at the beginning and follow a regular schedule. I like to shoot for 1500 words a day when I am writing, but you should set a limit that is sustainable for you. (Scribe recommends to start with 250 words a day.) I like to start early while my mind is fresh and do at least 800 words in a single sitting. I can then do the rest at the end of the day. I might grab a beer for the evening session to boost my energy and help me get in the zone.
When I get blocked it is because I had not done enough research. It is a sign that I should do that and it tends to remove the block.
I believe in structure and process and I find them to help me avoid writer's block most of the time. The exception is when I have to write about something that does not interest me, or if my editor asks me to re-write stuff. Those times can be a real struggle.
The most important is to find a topic that you are excited about.
Then create a balanced outline. I love Scribe's free non-fiction template, that you can download here: https://scribemedia.com/book-outline-...
When your outline is complete, just start at the beginning and follow a regular schedule. I like to shoot for 1500 words a day when I am writing, but you should set a limit that is sustainable for you. (Scribe recommends to start with 250 words a day.) I like to start early while my mind is fresh and do at least 800 words in a single sitting. I can then do the rest at the end of the day. I might grab a beer for the evening session to boost my energy and help me get in the zone.
When I get blocked it is because I had not done enough research. It is a sign that I should do that and it tends to remove the block.
I believe in structure and process and I find them to help me avoid writer's block most of the time. The exception is when I have to write about something that does not interest me, or if my editor asks me to re-write stuff. Those times can be a real struggle.
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