Figuring Out What You're Going to Write About
When I tell you to figure out what you're going to write about, I really mean this in two different ways. Of course, you have to choose a great topic to write about. But I also mean that you have to figure out, down to each specific topic, exactly what you’re going to include in your outline. Let's talk about each of these things in turn. You don’t want to waste your time when you’re writing a book.
That means you can't just pick a topic out of thin air or because it’s something you like. You really need to make sure you choose a topic that's going to sell well. I operate from a place of truth, so for me deciding to write about my life was easy. That's why you should do some research and soul searching on not only what will sell but what fits right with you.
To manually choose a great topic: Go to Amazon's Kindle section. Go to the
nonfiction categories. Choose a nonfiction category that you are interested in
writing about. If you want to write a book in just 48 hours, then it is very helpful for you to choose a topic you are interested in. I can't stress this enough.
Then, you can sort through the subcategories and find a title that catches your eye. Look at the bestsellers in the section. Click on those top five bestsellers. Then, check their sales rank (found on each books’ product page). If the Amazon sales rank for each of those books is below 20,000, then that subcategory is a safe bet for you to base your book around. Just make sure your book topic takes a unique angle and that you really make it your own.
On Amazon, a Kindle selling rank of below 20,000 is great. The lower the sales rank, the better. That means it’s selling really well. If it is above 20,000 that means it's not selling quite as well. I've mentioned that you want to look for books that have been self-published, but it is okay if traditional publishers published them. That Just means it could be a little more difficult for you to break in as a self published author since you don't have the marketing muscle at this time.
In the end, you're going to have to make a judgment call. Find something you know you can write about and that you think will be a hot seller. You can never predict anything with 100% certainty. What you can do is use your best judgment, use the data you have available. Now that you’ve chosen your topic, you need to figure out what your book is going to be about. The first step in this process is to brainstorm. You don't need to use any tools or do anything fancy at this point. Just write down every possible thing you can think of related to your topic
Your creativity is a huge part of this process. Let creativity flow from your mind.
Freewrite as you brainstorm. Don't censor yourself – just write down everything that comes to mind. That's exactly what I did when I published my book The Queen of Harlem Commandments. I allowed myself to flow and be free. Brainstorming effectively can take some time and that's okay. You can choose to give yourself unlimited time or put a time limit on it – whichever you prefer. The idea is to write down every topic and subtopic idea that comes to mind that you may want to include in your book.
Always remember you are not competing with anyone else – you are competing with you. With that in mind, start to gather your thoughts as to what you want to include in your book from your brainstorm. Go through what you've brainstormed and gather your thoughts. Start to organize and expand on the best ideas you’ve brainstormed.
Good Luck!
The Queen of Harlem Commandments
Michelle Smalls
Genre: Biographical Fiction
Publisher: Michelle Smalls
Date of Publication: August 18th 2020
ISBN: 979-8674253112
ASIN: B08FW293RG
Number of pages: 218
Word Count: 42,000
Book Description:
The Queen of Harlem Commandments is the first book by Michelle Smalls, a Harlem powerhouse who turned her pain into prosperity by following a code of conduct she first learned living the life of a street boss. Ms. Smalls's journey is not unlike many young women of color living in the inner cities that learn early in life how to rise above pain, loss, and disappointment.
Through it all, the Queen made no excuses. Instead, she made commandments.
This book shares Ms. Smalls' moments of heartache, triumphs, betrayal, and disloyalty. She believes in order to survive and be successful in the hustle of life, you must respect the Code and follow the Commandments.
Book Trailer: https://youtu.be/DzH3N_cVe28
Excerpt
NEVER TAKE YOUR SHOES OFF.
"I remember when you didn't have shit, and your bed was on the floor," said my son's father.
I am sharing my story because not all that glitters is gold. Do you think you want to walk in my shoes? Let me tell you, my inner soles (from the little pink pumps to my Fendi boots) have nothing but tears, pain, and disappointments. My teenage years and early twenties were not the brightest. I dealt with plenty of hurt and deception.
Yes! I once was a bum. Yes! I have a criminal history. Yes! I've done things I am not proud of in life. But something I learned early in life: The best thing you can do in life is to accept your past. Once you fully accept the turmoil and embarrassment, no one can use it against you. You will have the confidence, courage, and strength to stand within your very own power. You will inevitably build your character and your life commandments.
My son's father's expression about me was 100% facts! There was a moment in my life when my bed was on the floor, and I did not have shit. His words were unable to penetrate me because I've grown to be emotionally detached and accept my past. His goal was to humiliate me in public in front of a crowd of millions, at the club while shooting a reality series. We were in front of the producers and executives, and yet I was able to laugh it off. Some shit is not even worth my attention! I didn't even entertain him with a response.
I went from sleeping on the floor to owning a $700,000 home, multiple investment properties, owning businesses, becoming a real estate broker in multiple states, and a philanthropist. My accomplishments came from being focused, hardworking, and determined to "Never take my shoes off."
I am Michelle Smalls also known as the Queen of Harlem.
You think you know me, but you have no idea!
Welcome to my journey.
About The Author:
Michelle Smalls is known as “Queen of Harlem” to many in the community. Michelle’s goal is to put smiles on the faces of young people, by way of giving back to the community at large. Michelle is an influencer, serial entrepreneur, real estate broker, and philanthropist. For well over a decade, Michelle smalls, as a social impact leader, has always placed a high priority on youth and the community.
Michelle intuitively sees the needs and desires of her community, as an inspirational leader who focuses on problem-solving. She takes full action and hosts outstanding charity events like her Christmas Toys and Coats drive, Community Halloween party, Back to school drive, preparing teens for their proms, and having an all-girls basketball team.
Ms. Smalls is a pillar in the Harlem community. She is transforming the lives of our youth by empowering them with love and opportunities that could build a tighter bond in our lifetime.
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