Step 2: Introduction To Writing

The hard part of writing a book isn’t getting published. It’s the actual writing. Books don’t just write themselves, after all. You have to invest everything you are into creating an important piece of work. Although writing is often a solitary act, the creative energy to write cannot thrive in a vacuum. Input from someone outside of your writing process can breathe the needed life into your work and spark new ideas. The need to belong to a writing group ranges from one person to another but the overall benefit of being in a structured group class is the higher probability to complete the writing process.

1a. Critical Step To Getting Published

Writing your book is a critical step towards getting published. Writing is the best way to share an idea or story that matters to you, while at the same time impacting the life of someone else. A simple book that you actually get to write is better than an awesome one that you dream of writing and is still in your head. Most people have a dream of writing a book but never realize it. This is why we are here today, now! To make sure that the book makes it out of your head into your word processor. 
 
In this process, you should expect to get an accountability mentor towards completing your book. As much as no one likes criticism, if you’re aiming at being an outstanding writer and eventually a bestseller, positive criticism is an absolute necessity.
 
Regardless of your reason for writing, at some point, you will also need affirmation of some sort. When writers receive less than admirable praise, they can dwell on the critique rather than a glowing 5-star review. The reason a writing mentor is vital towards your growth is that we provide critical feedback specifically towards the writing craft. By shredding your work now, we will help you develop the thick skin needed when you release your work for your readers’ consumption.
 

1b. How Will Writing Mentorship Benefit You?

1. Inspiration and Motivation
Although writing is often a solitary act, the creative energy to write cannot thrive in a vacuum. Input from someone outside of your writing process can breathe the needed life into your work and spark new ideas.
 
2. Honest feedback
Every writer, no matter how experienced, needs a reader to show them when something isn’t working. Every now and then in the writing journey, you will need someone to point out the gaps in your story or concept or even someone to gently remind you, “You’ve done that before. You should try something else.”
 
3. Professional development
Writing is as much a business as it is a creative endeavour, so it’s important to stay aware of new developments in the field. As your mentors, we will share information or point you in the right direction so you can do your own research. This will ensure that you remain relevant to the changing trends in the writing and distribution of your content. 
 
4. Accountability
It’s easy to fool yourself out of writing or give up all together especially when you hit a dry spell – and believe me, you will hit one too many of those moments. As your mentors, we will help you set clear goals and then check to make sure you’re meeting them.
 
5. Emotional support
As you continue in your journey of writing, you will face rejection on a regular basis. When no one wants your book, and others are not writing back or you’ve run out of things to write. It’s crucial to have someone you trust telling you, “Yes, it’s hard but you have to keep going anyway.”
 

1c. What Is The Structure Of The Class?

This Beginner course can be completed in 9 weeks if you are fully committed to the process, assignments, and the actual writing of your book. You will then have 4 weeks for the Advanced course where you will revise, edit, and proofread your work to have a final manuscript that can move to the Publishing phase right away.
 
Here is an ideal class structure:
1. 13 weeks’ program.
2. One online class/webinar per week with an opportunity for questions and answers from your mentor(s).
3. Submission of assignments once every week and before the next class.
4. Three guest webinar speakers who are established-authors to encourage you on your journey of writing.
6. Graduation on the 14th week – some will have grown as writers and others will be at an advanced stage to present shining and richer manuscripts. 
7. 10% discount for authors self-publishing with CLC Kenya within six-twelve months post-class.

 

1d: Class Requirements

Setting our expectations is important to help both parties involved understand their role and what they’re responsible for. These guidelines are aimed at fostering confidence in you and in your writing project. You can monitor yourself and take more responsibility for your process and learning. The more time you spend on the tasks and expectations, the better and smoother your writing journey gets.

Time Commitment – This is for you to write, do the assignments, and meet the deadlines.

Meetings Attendance – This is both online and convened meetings to enhance fellowship and collaboration.

Step by Step – Please go through the class in the steps allocated and finish one step before moving on to the next one. The class is designed to ensure you have a draft manuscript if followed as outlined.

Financial Investment – To enable us to get the tools we need to facilitate the class for you, in this class, the investment has been made by CLC Kenya and Pearl Radio. The best way to pay it back is by finishing your manuscript.  

 

1e. Biblical Inspiration for Authors – An Old Dusty Book

https://muthoniomukhango.kenyaclc.org/an-old-dusty-book-biblical-inspiration-for-authors/

 

Have you read about how an old dusty book changed the history of Israel at the time? Which book have you read that changed the trajectory of your life? Leave the title of the book, author of the book and the impact of the book in your life in the comment below. 

 

2 Comments

  • David Kiniti November 17, 2020

    There are a number of books that have impacted me greatly in my life. One of them is , Africa’s Enigma and Leadership Solutions by Tokunboh Adeyemo. In this book, he describes what an individual with a pioneering spirit looks like. I instantly connected with that description and discovered that I actually have a pioneering spirit. Over time, this has been put to the test and the results have been in line with his description.

  • Wanjiru Kaniaru November 17, 2020

    The Bible more than any other book has changed, keeps changing and I believe will always change my life.

    Jan Karon’s Mitford series, Philip Gulley’s Harmony series, Neta and and Dave Jackson’s YadaYada Prayer Group series have in the recent past made a great impact. Old favourite authors are L M Montgomery, Johanna Sypris (not sure of spelling) JD Fitzgerald and many others.

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