Karen Brown Tyson

Tag: #amwriting

What Should be in Your First Draft? 9 Easy Writing Tips
Photo by Rey Anthony Cuerquis

Writing your first draft can be a very daunting experience. It can feel like you need to get it perfect or your work is not good. Trust me; we’ve all been there. However, your first draft only needs to be that– a first draft. It is something to build and work on; no pressure is needed.

Before you start writing, your first question might be, “How do I write the first draft of a book?” To answer this question, I suggest creating SMART goals.

Your next question might be, “What do I include in my first draft?” This post outlines everything you need to include in your book’s first draft for fiction and nonfiction.

Read on for more.

Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using the links.

What to include in a first draft: fiction

Fiction writers have plenty of freedom when it comes to their first draft. There is no limit to your imagination; you can write about whatever you choose.

However, a first draft always needs some key features to ensure you have the makings of a good story. So let’s check them out in more detail below.

In your first draft, you will need:
- Setting
- Characters
- Story structure
- Tone and theme
Setting

One of the most important parts of your story is the setting. The story’s setting is a great way to portray a theme, motif, or message you want to get across. The setting is just as important as your plot and characters in making reading your story an immersive experience for a reader.

In your first draft, you should explore your setting and make sure its role in your story is clear. You need to ask yourself:

How does the setting move the story forward?

Do the characters relate and respond to their world? If so, how?

Does the setting influence the decisions and actions of the characters?

Characters

Before you start the first draft, you likely have a vague idea of the characters who play important parts in your story. It’s important to develop your protagonist, antagonist, and side characters.

All of these characters should be rich and fleshed out. Create profiles for your characters that outlines every part of their life. Flesh these characters out and make them into people readers will like, dislike, and be interested in.

In your first draft, you have an excellent opportunity to explore each character, learning their strengths and weaknesses, how they make decisions and everything that makes them who they are. This will help you learn how to use them to make the plot move forward.

Story Structure

It is okay for your first draft to be rough, but it does need to illustrate your overall plot. It needs to have a clear beginning, middle, and end. Of course, that is not to say that you cannot change the plot in future edits. This is certainly possible, but your first draft still needs to work through the main plot as it stands clearly.

One of the best parts of a first draft is that it gives the writer a clear vision of the plot and what works and doesn’t. You will find plot holes you may not have seen while creating the plot through the writing process. It’s okay if the plot naturally changes as you write your boo.

Think of the first draft as a test drive for the overall story, and fully immerse yourself in creating that journey for the reader.

Tone And Theme

The tone of your work will take shape on its own as you write. You can try to set the tone you want initially and carry on with creative exploration until you stumble upon the tone that best fits your story. One of the most fun parts of writing is watching a story unfold before your eyes.

What to include in a first draft: nonfiction

Nonfiction works need to have clearly outlined points, messages, and facts. Let’s check out the details of what to include in your first draft of nonfiction below.

Research

A significant portion of the nonfiction writer’s work is research. Therefore, during the prewriting stage, gather as much research as possible before you try to write your first draft.

Understanding your message

Here, your first draft is about exploring what your message is and how you can best convey it. So, You don’t need to worry about writing it in chronological order; you can write whatever part of the book you want first. The most important thing here is to ensure all your points are written down and your message is coherent.

Of course, you will still need an introduction, a conclusion, etc., but you can save these for last to focus on the main bulk of the work.

One of my favorite books on how to write nonfiction is Start Writing Your Book Today by Morgan Gist Macdonald.

Bonus tips for writing your first draft

Here are some more general tips for writing your first draft.

Don’t fear failure or struggle

A good book was not written in one night with a few swishes of a pen. This means that one draft will not be enough. You may need to write many before your book is finished. This is good because it means your work is refined and you are improving as a writer. Try to enjoy the journey of writing the book. Don’t only focus on the end goal. Don’t let the fear of failure or struggle stop you from enjoying the process.

Ignore your inner critic

Your inner critic is an important voice, but not when writing your first draft. This part of the writing process is about being playful and creative exploration. So, let go of the inner critic and let your writing flow freely.

Ask for feedback

Feedback from publishers and other writers, even for your first draft, is invaluable because they will be able to help you iron out non-urgent problems and provide insight into what they think the story or message is about, who the characters are, etc. This will be useful for other drafts.

Final thoughts

Your first draft can be a daunting idea, but I hope this article provides useful insight into what to include, what to let go of, and how fun it can be to start writing your book.
September 8, 2022
Work Smarter, Not Harder: 5 Ways to Be More Efficient

How many times have you heard the phrase, “work smarter, not harder?” I’m guessing you’ve heard this slogan dozens of times. But sometimes, working smarter seems easier said than done.

As a creative entrepreneur, I’m sure you have a lot you need to get done. So it’s easy to think you have to get it all done at once. When I first started my business, I was so excited to see my dream come to life. I found myself seeing every task as urgent. It wasn’t long before I had to return to a few of the efficiency strategies I used in my corporate life.

Fast forward to today, I have more client assignments, more tasks, and less time. Working smarter, not harder, is more critical now than ever if you’re anything like me. If you need a few tips on working smarter, not harder, here are five ways to be more efficient.

Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you purchase using the links.

Don’t start before you plan

First things first – if I don’t make time to plan, I waste loads of time. I know a lot of people who see planning as unnecessary, especially to the creative mind who wants to flow freely. But the secret to getting things done involves planning. So if you want to get more done, try planning.

Of course, it might seem impossible to plan when creativity will strike. Don’t wait for creativity to strike. Schedule time on your calendar for writing, researching, filming, and all the other components of the content creation process. Planning will keep you on track and ensure that you meet your goal.

Work in smaller bits

The idea of tackling a big project can be overwhelming. When I talk to people about writing a book, some of them admit that the idea of writing a book from beginning to end seems complicated. The best way to get to the end of big projects is by breaking them up into smaller bits.

By breaking up my larger project into smaller bits, I can focus on one part at a time. In addition, this approach keeps me motivated to get each step done. As I check off each smaller task, I gain momentum and feel inspired to get the entire project done.

Master the art of delegation

Let’s not argue on this one. You have a lot of work to do. However, some people have the skills you need to tackle some of the tasks on your desk. For example, if you are a writer, you could consider hiring someone on Fiverr to tackle the research phase of your project. You could also hire a virtual assistant to vet clients for you before you accept projects. By leveraging the time and talent of others, you could significantly increase your productivity.

Fight the itch to multitask

Too many creatives work like circus jugglers. We create videos, write content, have a full-time job, and tackle multiple client projects simultaneously. Rather than working on one thing at a time, we try to multitask. An article by NPR exposes the myth of multitasking. We often think we are getting a lot done because we are so busy doing many things. Unfortunately, this affects efficiency. Instead, focus on one task at a time.

Using a timer to complete tasks

It’s easy to get carried away with the tasks we enjoy. But, ironically, it is also easy to spend lots of time on tasks that we don’t want. An effective way to maintain efficiency is to set a timer for tasks. For example, suppose you have scheduled one hour in the morning to respond to your community or four hours for blog writing. Set a timer on your phone that will alert you when the time is up. This approach will help to ensure that you do not spend too much time or too little time on tasks.

Becoming more efficient doesn’t happen overnight. Therefore, make sure you extend grace to yourself when you have not as productive days as you’d like. Keep working, keep creating, and keep inspiring those who are watching your story unfold.

November 18, 2021
Top 5 Most Frustrating Writing Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
Since starting my public relations and corporate communications career more than 28 years ago, I have learned a lot about writing. However, some of my biggest lessons came from writing mistakes I made or those made by others.

Whether you are a creative entrepreneur, blogger, or aspiring writer, there’s always something to learn about writing.

Here are five common writing mistakes that writers should avoid.

Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase using the links

1. Not starting

So many people who tell me they want to write never seem to get around to writing. They talk about writing. They dream of writing. But they don’t ever write anything.

For every writer, the reasons for not writing may differ. Some writers grapple with procrastination, others with doubt, and for some, it’s fear.

All these reasons are stumbling blocks to realizing your writing dreams. It may be easier said than done, but you must find a way to push past every obstacle and get started.

If you are worried about your skills, there is no shortage of cost-effective online resources to upgrade your writing.

If it’s the fear of rejection that prevents you from taking up your pen or typing the first word, understand that there will always be someone who doesn’t like what you write, and there will be many more who will love your writing.

If it’s procrastination, the age-old thief of time that’s responsible for why you haven’t started writing, then it’s time to get disciplined. Create a morning routine and stick to it. Studies have shown that people with a morning routine are more creative and are more likely to follow through with their predetermined schedules. So, please wake up, level up, be confident and write like your life depends on it.

Just get started.

2. Never making time to write

Another mistake writers make is not making time to write.

I made this mistake for many years. First, I worked all day writing for my full-time job. Next, I spent time after work writing to support my volunteer assignments, which I loved. But by the time I thought about writing, I was too tired or unfocused.

Maybe this is you. You know you should be writing your next blog post, article, or even the text for your ‘About Us page’ for your new website. But instead, your writing takes a back seat to everything that’s happening in your life. This madness must stop.

Schedule time to write, and most importantly, follow through with it. Be disciplined with your schedule, and when it’s time to write, rid yourself of all distractions and create an environment that helps you be productive.

3. Ignoring the prewriting phase

It’s easy for new writers to make the mistake of not prewriting. For some writers, prewriting seems like a waste of time or another obstacle that hinders their writing flow.

But prewriting can be a lifesaver. Prewriting allows you to organize your thoughts, conduct research, create a storyboard and figure out your writing objective and target audience.

Knowing what to write, how to write it, and to whom you’re writing all play a vital part in ensuring your writing is successful.

4. Not knowing your audience

No matter what you decide to write, it’s important to know your audience. During the prewriting stage, do research that helps you fill in the blanks to the following statements:
1. The reader I want to reach reads this genre _______________
2. I plan to write material that helps my readers solve problems like _______________
3. I will study the following magazines or books to understand my reader better ________________
Always keep your target reader at the heart of everything you write.

5. Not Marketing Yourself as a Writer

Once you decide to become a writer, don’t be afraid to market yourself as a writer.

In the early days of my writing life, I rarely used the “W” word to describe myself as a writer. But once I got serious about starting a writing business, I changed my mindset. If I wanted people to take me seriously as a writer, I had to first take myself seriously.

After setting up my business’s public relations and corporate communications side, I established a dedicated writing business to write nonfiction and fiction books. Next, I created separate social media pages and invested in online advertising to promote my books. Finally, I launched my website and blog to support both sides of my business.

Are there other mistakes writers make? Sure. I didn’t write this post to belabor the point. Instead, I wanted to inspire anyone who dreams of writing to take the next small step. I am a firm believer that it is never too late to write the next chapter of your life or renew your interest in your dreams. Go for it!
November 11, 2021
Too Unfocused To Write? How to Help Your Writing in 3 Easy Ways
Every writer, myself included, has fallen into the trap of losing focus while writing. We sit at our writing spaces, intending to get lots of writing done, but we lose focus. Before we know it, we’ve spent two hours surfing the web, and we’re nowhere close to getting anything done. If you sometimes feel too unfocused to write, I will share three easy ways to refocus your writing time to improve your writing productivity.

Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using the links.

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Too unfocused to write? You are not alone.

When you sit down to write, do you constantly check your phone or your email? It’s no secret that distractions are all around us. Sometimes it’s the phone or doorbell ringing, while other times, it’s us pushing our writing to the side to do something else.

According to a ComScore study, we spend at least three hours on our smartphones every day. So every time we stop writing to deal with our smartphones, emails, or other unplanned distractions, it can take up to 23 minutes to recover. Whether you write full-time or part-time, your time is precious. If we’re not careful, we end up wasting more time doing other things besides writing.

Frustrated with my own unproductive writing time, I decided to monitor what was going on by tracking my steps. I paid close attention to:
- how I started each writing session,
- at what point I stopped writing,
- what types of things distracted me most, and
- how much time passed before I returned to my writing.
As a result, I decided to make several changes, but I’m sharing three easy ways to help you get your writing back on track.

The three easy ways to help refocus your writing.

1. Calendarize your writing tasks

Every morning, I write down my to-do list for the day. I only focused on the tasks I had to complete for my full-time job as a corporate communicator, eventually carrying this habit into my consulting business. But I never included my writing tasks. Without including my writing tasks as part of my daily list of things to do, I easily lost my focus.

Now, I use two tools to keep me on track. First, I use my Google calendar to write down all of my tasks for the week. As I complete tasks throughout the week, I cross them off the list. The second tool I use is a desktop whiteboard which I update at the start of each day. On my desktop whiteboard, I write down the writing tasks I plan to work on for the day.

2. Time your writing sessions

Nothing helps me focus my writing sessions more than doing sprints. As a writer, it would be great to sit down and write for three or four hours non-stop. But life happens, and like many writers, I have to devote my time to other responsibilities. To manage all of my tasks, including my writing sessions, I set a timer for each task.

I have lots of apps in my arsenals like the PomoDoneApp and BeFocusedPro (in the Apple App Store) that allow me to use an electronic timer to time my writing sessions. My favorite program is RescueTime which offers FocusTime, where I can set a timer for 30 minutes or 2 hours. Also, FocusTime automatically blocks distracting websites I might try to sneak in when I lose focus.

3. Walk away from your writing session

After calendarizing my writing tasks and timing my writing sessions, I still had one obstacle to overcome: controlling my movement. After years of sitting at a desk, I was eager to start working at a standing desk with a floor mat. Despite being eager to work in my new writing environment, I still felt the urge to walk away from my writing project when I got stuck or lost my focus.

As it turns out, studies show that getting up and walking around for five minutes every hour can help you regain focus. In the study, employees who were allowed to walk for 30-minutes before working for five-hour stretches were happier and had less fatigue than the employees who weren’t allowed to move. So I made myself a deal. After each 25-minute writing sprint, I take a five-minute break. After five consecutive 25-minute writing sessions, I take a 20-minute break. By walking away from writing, I’m able to refocus and return refreshed.

Find Your Writing Blockers

Every writer must come to terms with the potential blockers that keep them from writing. Find out what causes you to lose your focus when writing. Is your writing environment loud, uncomfortable, or distracting? Within five minutes of your writing time, are you interrupted by something? Are you too tired to write? Once you find your writing blockers, deal with them quickly, or they will rob you of your precious writing time.

[bctt tweet=”The world is waiting for you to tell your story. Don’t let us down.” username=”KBTWrites”]

For more information on how to manage your writing life, check out these articles:

How to Bend Time to Fit Writing into your Busy Life

6 Powerful Time Management Solutions for Time-Crunched Writers

10 Awesome Tips on How to Overcome Time Anxiety When Writing

I’d love to help you as you take the next steps in your writing life. To get started, complete this form to let me know about your current nonfiction writing project and needs.
May 20, 2021
Keep Moving Forward, One Courageous Step at a Time

If last year didn’t prove that life is full of change, nothing will. But one thing I’ve learned is to keep moving forward, one courageous step at a time.

Even during periods when God changes the pace of our lives, we must keep moving. After being laid off from working in a corporate environment in 2017, God didn’t tell me to go home and feel sorry for myself. He called me to continue working and serving his people through my local church and in my community. Throughout my life and my walk with Christ, I have learned that I cannot allow circumstances to prevent me from moving forward.

To stay on track, I am reminded of this scripture where Paul said, “I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.” (Philippians 3:12-14)

Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using the links.

Trust God to help you move forward.

Despite all of the changes I’ve seen throughout my life, I’ve learned to reach forward to God’s goal. Some days were easier than others, but I developed one secret weapon: I take small steps on the tough days.

On the days when I find it hard to move forward, I focus on taking small steps. Along the way, I tell myself:

You can trust God to move forward.

You are qualified.

Keep pressing toward the mark.

Don’t quit until you reach your goal.

Don’t be afraid.

If you’re wondering how to move forward in your life, you can take one courageous step at a time. I am proof that no matter how many times it looks like I’ve been knocked off course, I’m right where God wants me to be. All I have to do is keep moving forward.

Let the Time to Reset Tour Begin!

As part of my plan to move forward in reaching my God-goals, I published my second book, Time to Reset: A 21-Day Devotional to Renew Your Mind After Being Sidelined, Disappointed, or Knocked Off Course.

My book is now available for purchase on Amazon, Apple Books, Kobo Books, and Barnes and Noble. You can also add this book to your GoodReads reading list.

The Time to Reset blog and podcast tour starts on April 19, 2021. I invite you to follow the book on its tour as we stop at the blogs and podcasts listed below.

April 19th @ WOW! Women on Writing

Join us as we celebrate the launch of Karen Brown Tyson’s blog and podcast tour of her book Time to Reset. Read an interview with the author and enter to win a copy for yourself.

http://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com/

April 20th @ Bookwoman Joan

Joan is reviewing Karen Brown Tyson’s devotional Time to Reset.

http://bookwomanjoan.blogspot.com/

April 22nd @ Jill Sheets Blog

Visit Jill’s blog and read her review of Karen Brown Tyson’s devotional Time to Reset.

http://jillsheets.blogspot.com

April 25th @ World of My Imagination

Nicole will be reviewing Karen Brown Tyson’s devotional Time to Reset.

https://worldofmyimagination.com

April 29th @ The Frugalista Mom

Join Rozelyn as she reviews Time to Reset by Karen Brown Tyson.

https://thefrugalistamom.com/

April 30th @ A Storybook World

Deirdra will be featuring Time to Reset by Karen Brown Tyson on her blog.

http://www.astorybookworld.com/

May 5th @ Crafty Moms Share

Join Carrie as she reviews Karen Brown Tyson’s devotional Time to Reset.

https://www.craftymomsshare.com/

May 6th @ Beverley A. Baird’s Blog

Beverley will be reviewing Time to Reset on her blog.

https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com/

May 8th @ Lisa Haselton’s Blog

Lisa will be interviewing writer Karen Brown Tyson about her book, writing journey, and more.

https://lisahaselton.com/blog/

May 12th @ Look to the Western Sky

Margo reviews Time to Reset on her blog today.

https://margoldill.com/

May 21st @ Strength 4 Spouses

Wendi reviews Karen Brown Tyson’s inspiring devotional Time to Reset.

https://strength4spouses.blog/blog/

May 22nd @ Leslie’s Voice

Leslie will be reviewing Time to Reset by Karen Brown Tyson.

https://lesliesvoice.com/

May 23rd @ Wildwood Reads

Join Megan as she reviews Karen Brown Tyson’s devotional Time to Reset.

https://wildwoodreads.com/

Podcast Features

The Polished Perspective

Join Karen at the Polished Perspective podcast, a show that empowers women through etiquette, polish, and poise.

https://anchor.fm/polishedperspective/episodes/Natasha-Tupper-Interviews-The-Godly-Guru–Karen-Brown-Tyson-ev20t3

The Stephen Ivey Show

Join Karen as she talks about her new devotional over at the Stephen Ivey Show.

https://iveyleagueenterprises.com/the-stephen-ivey-show

The Awakened Feminist

Join Karen on the Awakened Feminist podcast and get inspired!

https://www.kakilee.com/podcast

Breathe Podcast

Make sure you listen to Karen on the Breathe podcast.

https://www.breathepodcast.us/

The Walk Show Podcast

Karen shares her journey with the Walk Show podcast.

https://thewalkshowpodcast.com/

The Shift Podcast

Listen to Karen’s podcast episode with the Shift podcast.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-shift/id1521771302

I’d love to help you as you take the next steps in your writing life. To get started, complete this form to let me know about your current nonfiction writing project and needs.

April 20, 2021
7 Easy Outlining Tips For Writing Your First Nonfiction Book
When writing a nonfiction book, an author can take a few different routes to get to the end. But one route many writers like to avoid is outlining. Many writers worry that an outline will restrict their creativity. However, every writer, especially those with busy schedules wanting to write a nonfiction book, can benefit from using an outline. An outline is a guide. Today’s post, the second in a series on how to write your first nonfiction book with a busy schedule, offers seven easy outlining tips.

Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using the links.

Tip #1 — Keep an open mind about using an outline

Outlines are like road maps. Ever wonder why? Much like a road map that you use on a road trip, you can get an idea of the fastest and surest route to reach your destination, but that doesn’t mean you have to take it. A road map doesn’t prevent you from finding exciting off-road adventures and scenic drives along the trip. Similarly, an outline is a guide, but you don’t have to take one route. Outlining is an easy way to see the direction and flow of your book. To take advantage of the full power of outlining, you need to approach the process with a flexible mindset.

Tip #2 — Use mind mapping to uncover the key points your book will cover

When creating an outline, it is essential to move the ideas swirling around in your mind onto paper. An easy way to do this is with mind mapping. A mind map allows you to write a central statement or main point in the paper’s center. Next, list subtopics that relate to the main point. To complete this exercise, you can use a notebook, portable whiteboard, or a large sheet of paper on the wall with Post-it Notes. Since I like to keep my ideas in a digital format so I can write on the go, I use Mind Meister, a web-based mind mapping software that allows you to brainstorm in real-time With easy-to-use templates, Meister helps you imagine the components of your book. Here’s an example from one of my boards.

Tip #3 — Start with an easy outline format

If outlines aren’t usually your thing, start with a basic outline. Using the information from the mind mapping exercise, you can either use key points, phrases or create your book’s table of contents. Each chapter’s title in the table of contents will serve as the key points in your basic outline.

Tip #4 — Use a key-point outline

If you aren’t ready to create your book’s table of contents, create a key-point outline. In a key-point outline, you can list the key ideas of points you want to cover in your book. A key-point outline is easy to make and does not require complete sentences.

Tip #5 — Use a full-sentence outline

The structure of a full-sentence outline is similar to a key-point outline. As you can imagine, a full-sentence outline requires more information than a key-point outline. However, a full-sentence outline makes it easy for the nonfiction writer to transfer more information from the outline to the manuscript.

Tip #6 — Pick the type of outline that works best for you

There isn’t one type of outline that will get you to the finish line faster. Between the key-point outline and the full-sentence outline, one isn’t better than the other. Find an easy outline that works best for your current writing project. If you use the key-point outline to write your first nonfiction book (see also our article on narrative nonfiction), don’t be afraid to try the full-sentence outline for your second book.

Tip #7 — Make your outline a living document

Throughout the writing process, you may discover new and beautiful things about your book. When you do, go back to your outline to made revisions or additions. Since your outline supports your book’s writing process, don’t be afraid to make changes to it as you go along. Outlines help you keep track of your book’s direction and focus. As a time-crutched writer, this is key in helping you use your time wisely.

Summary

Use an outline as a reference. At its best, an outline can help you flesh out your most promising ideas. It doesn’t matter if you use a basic, key-point, or full-sentence outline. Choose an easy format that best supports your writing project. In addition to helping you pursue the proper structure for your book, outlines help you save time and prevents frustration. For more information on writing your first nonfiction book, check out these ten steps to writing a nonfiction book.

I’d love to help you as you take the next steps in your writing life. To get started, complete this form to let me know about your current nonfiction writing project and needs.
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April 1, 2021