Jenna Moreci - Shut Up and Write the Book: A Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Your Novel From Plan to Print

SHUT UP AND WRITE THE BOOK:

A Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Your Novel From Plan to Print

Copyright Jenna Moreci 2022

First edition: January 2023

All rights reserved.

Library of Congress Control Number: 2022919423

The right of JENNA MORECI to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted by her in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, or stored in a retrieval system in any form or by any means without permission in writing from the copyright owner, nor otherwise circulated in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published and without a similar condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser.

For inquiries, please direct all mailed correspondence to:

PO Box 475

San Carlos, CA 94070

USA

ISBN: 978-0-9997352-7-5 (hardback)

ISBN: 978-0-9997352-8-2 (paperback)

ISBN: 978-0-9997352-9-9 (ebook)

www.JennaMoreci.com

Edited by Bound by Words and Kimberly Cannon

Book Cover by Miblart

Graphics by Grace Treadaway

Writing a book is hard.

You probably already know that. I imagine youve picked up this guide for that very reason. Either youre deep in the throes of writerly chaos, or youre just getting started and already overwhelmed.

Ive been there. My passion for writing began in the first grade, and Ive started countless manuscripts since then, only to toss my hands up in defeat fifty or so pages in. Thus, I spent over twenty years researching the art of storytelling, honing my craft, and perfecting my method. It was only through this steadfast investigation (okay, obsession) that I was finally able to finish a novelwhich turned into multiple novels, which turned into Amazon and Audible bestsellers and award winners. Im now living what Id heard was an impossible dream: the life of a career author. But I couldnt have gotten to this place without all those late hours, painstaking revisions, and slow spirals into creative madness.

Thats in large part why I started my YouTube channel, Writing with Jenna Moreci. I know firsthand how daunting a writers journey can be, especially when youre on your own. I didnt have any mentors or guidance. There certainly werent any writing channels I could watch online, mostly because YouTube didnt exist yet, but lets sidestep my ancient origins for the time being. The point is, I was alone on this journey for well over a decade, and thats what made it so awful.

I dont want you to go through that.

Which brings us to this book. After years of trial and error, Ive developed a step-by-step formula for crafting a novel from conception to completion. The idea phase, outlining, drafting, editingthis system covers it all in specific detail, leaving the wiggle room needed to spread your wings where you see fit. Theres a sense of comfort that comes with knowing each step of the infinite ladder of drafting. Its a north star to guide you, simplifying the journey into a methodical routine.

Now Im sharing that routine with you.

Writing will always be hard. I cant promise you restful nights, perfect first drafts, or bestselling novels. But I can provide an action plan that will make the process a whole lot less overwhelming. My goal is to give you the proper steps to reach the finish lineto set you up as best as I can for success.

Want to actually finish your manuscript? Thats what Im here for.

Is this book for you?

If youre a fiction writer who is new to the gig, intimidated by the task, or simply looking to refine your process, keep reading. Novices and established authors alike could learn a thing or twelve. If Im still growing in my creativity, you should be too.

Do you want a step-by-step guide to writing a novel? Do you want each stage mapped out in (mostly) sequential order with detailed definitions and tips? Do you want to know the why behind writerly practices alongside thorough breakdowns of techniques so you can choose whats best suited for your story and skill level? Then this book is for you.

If youre writing any form of nonfiction, from self-help to memoirs, Im afraid youre in the wrong place. This guide covers all facets of fiction from selecting a genre to structuring a plot and crafting characters. Were here to study the art of imaginary people and places, not to dabble in the real world.

If youre looking for marketing and publishing advice, the bad news continues. This book is all about writing: outlining, drafting, editing, and all things that bring pen to page or fingers to keyboard. If I delved into the ins and outs of publishing, wed be looking at a dictionary-length tomea weapon, really. How about we save that for another book? Instead, this guide tackles how to efficiently and effectively complete a manuscriptone you can print out and gently rock in your arms like the precious book baby it is.

Or cackle over it maniacally. Its your baby. Do you.

What can you expect?

Im a proponent of straightforward, no bullshit advice. I mean, this book has shut up in the title. Delicacy left the station a long time ago. Blame the fact that Im all out of fucks to give, but I believe the best way to explain something is the simplest way. This book isnt going to beat around the bush, and if some salty language makes you blush, maybe seek education elsewhere.

If you want all your decisions validated, Im not your woman. Sure, writing without a plan works for some authors, but not for many. No, you cant release a quality novel without an editor. I wrote this book to help you create the best story you can, and that means providing honest truths based off years of experience (and mistakes). Of course, youre entitled to make your own choices. Some of my tips might not work for you or may need modifying to fit your writing style. Hell, you might decide to ignore my advice entirely. Thats your call. But my job, as your handy-dandy guide, is to prepare you as best I can for this monumental undertaking, and that means telling it like it is.

Looking for other books, apps, and software to help you as you write? Ive scattered various tools throughout these chapters and listed them in the resource guide in the back of the book. Please note, I have affiliate arrangements with a few of these platforms, which means I receive a small commission if you choose to make a purchase through the applicable link. This does not affect the price of the product, nor does it affect my opinion. Your trust matters to me, and I wouldnt risk my reputation for a buck here or there. If you see a resource mentioned, its because Ive found it beneficial to my career, and it might benefit you too.

Still with me? Wonderful. You might be nervous sweating already, in which case Im glad I cant smell you. Grab a glass of water and take some deep breaths. Writing a book doesnt have to be as hard as it seems, or as hard as its been thus far. Allow this guide to organize your muddled thoughts and keep you headed in the right direction. There will be bumps in the road and plenty of aggravation, but youll also experience immense pride and moments of brilliance. Youre on the path of writing