Helpful Tips for Organising Your Thoughts
Writing non-fiction or a memoir is both an exciting and daunting task. You may feel a deep urge to share your knowledge or life experiences, but when it comes time to organise your thoughts, it can feel like trying to untangle a ball of yarn or reveal intimate parts of your life. Where do you start? What do you include? How do you structure your words so it’s compelling and clear?
For many writers, the challenge lies not in having too few ideas but in having too many. This abundance of material can lead to overwhelm, leaving your creative energy scattered. Whether you’re sharing professional expertise, recounting personal triumphs, or shining a light on lessons learned, the process requires structure to transform raw ideas into a cohesive narrative.
As a writer of non-fiction or memoir books, you also have the unique responsibility of presenting your insights in a way that both educates and resonates. The good news? There are strategies and tools that can help you untangle those thoughts, focus your message, and ultimately create a book that your readers won’t want to put down.
Let’s dive into some helpful tips to organise your thoughts while writing and bring your book to life.
1. Start with a Solid Outline
An outline is your roadmap. It doesn’t need to be overly detailed at the start, but it should capture the core structure of your book.
- Identify Your Key Themes: Ask yourself, What are the main ideas or messages I want readers to take away? For example, if your memoir focuses on overcoming adversity, list the key moments that best illustrate your journey.
- Break it Down by Chapters: Think of each chapter as a building block. Each one should address a specific aspect of your theme, creating a logical flow for the reader.
If you’re writing about starting a business, your chapters could move from your early inspirations to the challenges you faced, to your eventual success. Each chapter should feel like a step forward in your journey.
2. Use Visual Aids to Organise Your Ideas
Sometimes, seeing your ideas laid out visually can help you understand how they fit together.
- Mind Maps: Start with your central theme in the middle and branch out to subtopics. This technique allows you to capture connections and see the "big picture" of your book.
- Index Cards or Sticky Notes: Write one idea, event, or key point on each card, then arrange and rearrange them until you find a structure that makes sense.
If you’re a memoirist recounting your travels, you might write each significant location or event on a card. This can help you decide if you want to organise your story chronologically or by themes like adventure, self-discovery, or unexpected lessons.
3. Prioritise Clarity Over Completeness
Not every detail, anecdote, or piece of research belongs in your book. Clarity and impact often come from what we leave out, not what we leave in.
Be Ruthless with Revisions: If a piece of information or story doesn’t support your main message, consider cutting it—even if it’s a personal favourite.
- Ask This Question: Does this serve my narrative? If it distracts or overwhelms, leave it out.
“Perfection is achieved not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.”
A beautiful reminder that cutting the fluff sharpens the focus, from Antoine de SAint-Exupéry.
4. Craft a Strong Storytelling Flow
Even non-fiction benefits from storytelling techniques. Readers are more likely to stay engaged when your book has a clear beginning, middle, and end.
- Memoir Tip: Treat your life like a series of episodes. Identify pivotal moments that fit into your narrative arc. For example, a memoir about personal growth might follow a structure of ‘challenge, turning point, resolution.’
- Non-Fiction Tip: Present your ideas in a way that builds logically. For instance, start with foundational concepts, then dive into more complex or advanced ideas.
5. Use Real-Life Examples and Relatable Experiences
Readers connect with stories and examples. Sharing personal anecdotes or real-world illustrations can make abstract ideas more relatable.
- If you’re writing about overcoming obstacles, share a moment when you struggled and how you worked through it.
- If you’re explaining a concept, include a case study or a short story to make it tangible.
Example: In a book about leadership, you might include a story of a difficult decision you made and the lessons it taught you.
6. Give Yourself Permission to Draft Imperfectly
One of the biggest roadblocks in organising thoughts is trying to perfect them on the first try.
- Write First, Edit Later: Let your ideas flow freely in your first draft. Once everything is on paper, you can begin shaping and structuring them.
- Iterate and Refine: Remember that writing is a process. Each draft will bring you closer to clarity.
Bestselling author Anne Lamott advises, “Almost all good writing begins with terrible first efforts. You need to start somewhere.”
While applying the tips mentioned above, here are a few strategies to ensure you stay organised throughout the writing process:
- Set Clear Goals: Know what you want to achieve with your book. Are you teaching a skill? Sharing an experience? Inspiring change?
- Track Your Research: Keep your sources and notes in one place, whether it’s a digital tool like my personal favourite, Goodnotes or a physical notebook.
- Regularly Review Your Outline: As you write, your ideas might evolve. Revisit your outline to ensure you stay aligned with your purpose.
Writing non-fiction or memoirs is a journey of both creativity and discipline. By organising your thoughts with intention and focus, you’ll not only make the process smoother but also create a book that resonates deeply with your readers.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember: that every great book began as a collection of scattered ideas. With the right tools and mindset, you can turn those fragments into a masterpiece.
Now it's your turn! Which of these tips will you try first? Come and share it here and see what others find useful.
5 Ways to Reignite Your Inspiration for Writing
Every writer knows the thrill of starting a new project. The ideas flow effortlessly, and your vision seems so vivid that it feels like nothing can stop you. But then, it happens. The excitement fades, your mind goes blank, and even the thought of sitting down to write feels exhausting. That is inspiration burnout, and it’s a roadblock that almost every writer faces.
Inspiration burnout is more common than many writers realise. According to a 2020 study by the Authors Guild, approximately 60% of writers report experiencing creative blocks or burnout during the writing process. This number is even higher for aspiring authors, with nearly 70% admitting that burnout stalled their progress on a significant project.
Burnout doesn’t discriminate between seasoned authors and first-time writers—it’s a universal challenge. The difference lies in how individuals navigate it.
But here’s the good news: burnout doesn’t mean your creativity is gone forever. It’s just a temporary lull, and there are ways to reignite your passion for writing. If you’re feeling stuck, here are some proven strategies to help you get back on track.
1. Step Away to Recharge
When you hit a wall, stepping back can feel counterintuitive. But sometimes, the most productive thing you can do is take a break. Writing is a creative process; creativity thrives when it’s given room to breathe. I’m taking some time out with friends just this weekend; it should be just what I need to get my head back in the writing game next week.
- Read for inspiration: Pick up a book in your favourite genre or explore something new. Seeing how others craft their work can remind you of why you wanted to help people with your words in the first place.
- Engage in other creative outlets: Painting, cooking, photography—exploring different forms of creativity can recharge your mind.
- Spend time in nature: A quiet walk in the park, a hike, or even sitting in your garden can provide the mental clarity and peace you need. I’m fortunate that we live right on the river and can get straight into nature. I don’t make as much use of it as I should!
J.K. Rowling famously shared that some of her best ideas for Harry Potter came during long walks through the countryside. The fresh air and change of scenery helped her visualise iconic scenes that later became pivotal in her books.
2. Change Your Writing Environment
Where and how you write can significantly impact your inspiration. If your usual writing space feels stale or you’re crowded with admin tasks looming over you, it might be time to switch things up.
- Find a new location: Write in a café, library, park, or anywhere that offers a change of pace. Sometimes, a new backdrop can spark fresh ideas. Couple it with a walk there, and you may just be on fire.
- Adjust your schedule: If you typically write at night but feel drained, try writing first thing in the morning when your mind is fresh—or vice versa. I recently discussed doing an energy journal to help identify the time of the day when your creativity is most productive.
- Change your medium: If you usually type, try handwriting in a notebook or dictating your thoughts into a voice recorder. The shift in process can unlock creativity in unexpected ways. By voice recording, you are not waiting for your hands to catch up with you, and you may find it easier to free-flow your thoughts and ideas.
3. Set Smaller, Achievable Goals
Inspiration burnout often stems from overwhelm. Focusing solely on finishing your entire book can make the task seem impossible. Breaking it into smaller, more manageable chunks can make a huge difference.
- Write one paragraph or: Instead of tackling an entire chapter, commit to just a single paragraph or scene. Progress, no matter how small, builds momentum.
- Set daily word count goals: Even 300 words a day adds up to a full book over time.
- Use writing prompts: Prompts are an excellent way to get unstuck. They nudge your brain in new directions and help you start writing without overthinking.
“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” – Lao Tzu
4. Reconnect with Your "Why"
When burnout strikes, it’s easy to forget why you started writing in the first place. Taking a moment to reflect on your purpose can help you push past the block.
- Ask yourself, Why am I writing this book? Is it to share your story, help others, or fulfil a personal dream?
- Visualise the impact your book might have on readers. Imagine someone being inspired, comforted, or entertained by your words.
- Write down your motivation and keep it visible on your desk, phone, or planner as a daily reminder of your goals.
Maya Angelou, who often faced self-doubt, overcame her blocks by focusing on the stories she wanted to tell and the people who needed to hear them.
5. Explore New Creative Exercises
Sometimes, stepping away from your main project and trying something new can reignite your creativity.
- Freewrite for 10 minutes: Let your thoughts flow without judgement or editing. This exercise often leads to unexpected ideas.
- Ask “what if” questions: For example,
“What if I framed my story as a letter to my past or future self?”
“What if I approached this topic from an unexpected angle (e.g., a beginner’s mindset or a contrarian view)?”
“What if I stripped away all context—how would I explain this to a child?”
“What if I approached this topic from an unexpected angle (e.g., a beginner’s mindset or a contrarian view)?”
If in doubt, ask Chat GPT to come up with some “what if” questions for your topic area and go from there.
- Write something completely different: A poem, a letter to a role model, or even a short story unrelated to your current project. It can help you rediscover the joy of writing.
“Creativity is intelligence having fun.” – Albert Einstein
Inspiration is Just a Step Away
Burnout doesn’t mean you’re not a good writer—it’s simply a sign that you need to reset. Writing isn’t always about being inspired; it’s about showing up, even when it’s hard. By stepping away, changing your approach, setting achievable goals, and reconnecting with your purpose, you can reignite the passion that first drew you to writing.
Takeaway: Burnout happens to everyone, but it doesn’t have to stop you. The key is finding what works for you and taking small, intentional steps to move forward.
Your turn: What’s one thing you can do today to reignite your inspiration? Try it, and let the words flow! Come and let us know what you’ve tried.
If you need some help with reigniting your inspiration, feel free to reach out to me for support.
How to Fight the Paralysing Influence of Self-Doubt
Self-doubt can sneak up on any writer, making even the most exciting project seem impossible. That little voice in your head might say things like, “Who are you to write this?” or “What if it’s just not good enough?” But self-doubt doesn’t have to be a roadblock; with the right strategies, you can keep going despite it.
What Self-Doubt Can Do to You
Self-doubt can be crippling for an author, casting a shadow over their confidence and creativity. It often leads to overthinking and second-guessing every word, which can slow down or completely stall the writing process. Instead of focusing on telling your story, if you’re caught in self-doubt, you might worry about judgment, question your worth, or compare your first draft unfavourably against others’ end results.
This constant inner criticism can drain joy from the creative process and even make authors abandon projects they once felt passionate about. If your self-doubt has crept in because there are similar books out there. They’re there for a reason - because people want to read that type of book. If left unchecked, self-doubt can stop you from sharing your unique voice and message with the world.
Here are some ways to overcome self-doubt and keep your writing dreams alive.
Strategies to Combat Self-Doubt
1. Connect with Your ‘Why’
Remind yourself why you started this journey in the first place. Are you writing to share a life experience, help others, or fulfil a personal goal? Whichever it is, you are likely trying to help others or enable them to escape in your book for a while. When doubts arise, reconnect with your purpose.
Think of your purpose as your compass. When you feel lost in doubt, go back to that reason. It will help steer you back on course.
2. Accept Imperfection as Part of the Process
No first draft is flawless, and that’s okay! Give yourself permission to be imperfect. Every published book went through countless rounds of edits and revisions. Your job right now is to get words on the page, not to perfect them. We can get to that later.
I am currently writing a book, and I still experience the same struggles as you. As long as I’m getting something down in each chapter, I know I can return and rejig it or improve it.
"The first draft is just you telling yourself the story." – Terry Pratchett
3. Set Manageable Goals
Break your project into smaller, achievable milestones. For example, set a goal to write for just 15–20 minutes a day or aim for a specific word count each week. Progress in small doses is still progress and can boost your confidence as you move forward. Remember to reward yourself for each micro goal you achieve.
4. Visualise Success
Close your eyes and imagine your book on a shelf, your name on the cover, or even the impact it could have on readers. You could even print off a mock-up of the cover and wrap it around another book to see and feel ‘your’ book. Visualising success can motivate and remind you that the journey is worth it.
Athletes often visualise the finish line or a winning moment before a race. Think of this as ‘mental rehearsal’ for writers!
5. Build a Support Network
Surround yourself with a support system that encourages you to keep going. An accountability group, coach, or friends who understand your goal can offer invaluable encouragement.
Did you know I have a programme specifically for this? With input from me and a group of other changemakers working on their books to support you. Sometimes, hearing someone say, ‘You’ve got this,’ can make all the difference.
“Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher.” – Oprah Winfrey
6. Create a Self-Doubt Journal
Set aside a small notebook for your self-doubt thoughts. Write down every worry, fear, or negative thought, then write down all the reasons to counter those thoughts—positive feedback from others about your work or writing and why getting your book out there is important. Close the notebook and put it away.
If you don’t like the idea of hanging on to those negative thoughts, write your doubts on a piece of paper, and screw it up and throw it away. The act of putting those feelings on paper can help you acknowledge and release them. If you decide to throw them away, it’s another symbolic act of not hanging on to the doubt.
7. Fighting Self-Doubt in Real Time
When self-doubt sneaks up while you’re in the middle of a writing session, try these quick exercises:
- Take a 5-Minute Break: Step away from your work and reset. Sometimes, a short break can give you perspective.
- Remind Yourself of Small Wins: Think of a time when you wrote something you were proud of, received a compliment on your writing or a satisfied client. Keep a list of these small wins as a confidence boost.
- Try a Writing Prompt: Use a prompt to free-write for a few minutes. This helps you bypass self-doubt by giving your brain a break from ‘high-stakes’ writing. You can use Chat GPT to provide a writing prompt, ask a friend or look out the window to see what triggers your writing.
Remember: Self-Doubt Can Be a Sign of Growth
Self-doubt can be a sign that you’re pushing outside your comfort zone. It’s a positive thing; the more you grow, the more you can help others. If you didn’t care about your work, you wouldn’t be worried about its quality. Embrace self-doubt as part of the creative journey, and keep going.
What’s one small action you can take today to silence self-doubt and keep moving forward on your writing journey?
Start with that and watch your book unfold. If you need some help overcoming self-doubt or accountability to stay on track, then book a call to get you on your way.
Finding Time - Helpful Tips to Finish Your Book
Time is a huge hurdle for so many changemakers when writing a book. Life’s demands can feel never-ending, and finding moments to write might seem impossible between work, family, and other commitments. But if you’re serious about finishing your book, the secret isn’t endless hours—it’s using the time you have consistently and effectively. Here are some proven tips to help you get closer to the finish line, one page at a time.
Strategies to Carve Out Time and Keep Writing
1. Start Small, Stay Consistent
The goal isn’t marathon writing sessions; it’s about consistency. Try using a Pomodoro timer. Set it in blocks of 15–20 minutes and focus solely on writing during that time. You may start with just one block one day but try and build it up to an hour if possible (or even more!) You’ll be amazed at your accomplishments, even in short bursts.
As author Anthony Trollope famously said,
"A small daily task, if it be really daily, will beat the labours of a spasmodic Hercules."
Over time, these small chunks add up to real progress.
I used to wait for hours of uninterrupted time that never came. Writing always dropped down my list of priorities and ultimately fell off the bottom. Then I started using a Pomodoro timer, 20-minute sessions over an hour, and I was amazed at how much I got through with that focused burst of time. Sometimes it may have just been notes, others honing the words on the page, but bit by bit, I saw my book come together. That was enough to keep driving me forward and find more writing time.
2. Designate Writing ‘Appointments’
Blocking off specific times on your calendar for writing can make a huge difference. Treat these blocks like you would any other commitment—protect them from interruptions. It could be early in the morning, a lunch break, or late evening; wherever your creative energy is most effective. This reserved time becomes your creative sanctuary.
I recently started using Motion, I can set out times of the day that I want tasks to sit in, and my calendar re-arranges itself to help ensure I get it done each week. Consistency builds momentum, helping you establish writing as a habit.
3. Break Down Your Writing Goals
Writing an entire book can feel overwhelming, so break it into smaller, manageable goals. As Will Smith said,
“You don’t set out to build a wall. You don't say ‘I’m going to build the biggest, baddest, greatest wall that’s ever been built.’ You don’t start there. You say, ‘I’m going to lay this brick as perfectly as a brick can be laid.’ You do that every single day. And soon you have a wall.”
Focus on completing a chapter, a key idea, or even just a few paragraphs at a time. Psychologically, smaller goals feel achievable, which reduces stress and helps you stay motivated.
4. Create a Distraction-Free Zone
Distractions can be writing’s worst enemy. I should know. I have three kids, a cat, a dog and a husband. My life is full of distractions!
To make the most of your time, set boundaries around distractions. Silence your phone, close unnecessary tabs on your computer, and consider using a ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign if needed or head to the local coffee shop or library. Let those around you know when it’s your designated writing time, too—support from others can reinforce your commitment.
5. Use AI Writing Prompts to Reignite Creativity
If you feel stuck or uninspired, use writing prompts to get started. A quick prompt can often overcome the inertia of a blank page, helping you ease into the writing flow without overthinking. You’ll either love what it suggests or hate it. Either way, it will kick your brain into action and enable you to get words on a page.
What you write may not end up in your final book, and that’s absolutely fine. Prompts can still help you explore new angles and develop your ideas in fresh ways.
6. Leverage “Bonus” Writing Time
Some of the best moments to write come in unexpected gaps—during your commute, while waiting for an appointment, or even in the supermarket queue. Carry a small notebook or use a notes app or voice notes on your phone to jot down ideas. These small ‘writing’ sessions can keep your creativity active and help you develop your narrative, even when you’re not at your desk.
What Could You Do with 20 Minutes Today?
You don’t need hours to make progress; you just need a start. Today, find 20 minutes to write without interruptions and see where it takes you. Imagine where you could be in a month if you did this daily.
So, what’s one small change you can make today to fit writing into your schedule? Start with that and watch your book unfold. If you need some help identifying where to start or accountability to stay on track, then book a call with me to help get you going.