How to Write an Awesome Book: 25 Key Elements for Success

Millions of words have been strung together on the subject of how to write an awesome book. A book is always going to be a tremendous undertaking that can feel more than a little complicated sometimes. But what if you simplify the process to just twenty-five ingredients? Previously, I wrote a post about the Top 25 Ways to Ruin a Book. One reader asked that I also share the Top 25 Ways to Write an Awesome Book. Here they are!

(Click the asterisks to learn more about how to create these necessary and awesome book ingredients.)

1. Hook readers with a strong first chapter that doesn’t waste time.*

2. Create a sympathetic and/or entertaining character.*

3. Give the character a strong goal.*

4. Obstruct the character’s goal with equally strong opposition.*

5. Create a theme that arises from the character’s inner conflict.*

6. Craft a strong plot with proper structure.*

7. Do your research and get your facts straight.*

8. Expunge unnecessary scenes, settings, and characters.*

9. Balance action and character with properly structured scene/sequel pairings.*

10. Write realistic, entertaining dialogue.*

11. Maintain a consistent POV.*

12. Create original and entertaining voices for narrating characters.*

13. Tighten descriptions with stronger verbs and nouns and fewer modifiers.*

14. Show more than you tell.*

15. Dig deep for original ideas and turns of phrase.*

16. Properly foreshadow your story’s Climax—without giving away any big reveals.*

17. Build realistic and engaging settings.*

18. Add only meaningful subplots.*

19. When you build tension, always fulfill it.*

20. Create a dynamic arc of growth for your character.*

21. Add interesting minor characters who can power the plot forward.*

22. Choose the right tone to enhance your plot and theme.*

23. Rock readers with a Climax that fulfills all their desires for the story.*

24. Don’t tie off all the loose ends in your story’s ending.*

25. Proofread, proofread, proofread.*

Writing a book may never be easy, but when you focus on the right ingredients, it becomes a whole lot more manageable—and even fun! If you’ve ever wondered how to write an awesome book, these twenty-five elements provide a solid roadmap to crafting a compelling, well-structured, and unforgettable story.

Wordplayers, tell me your opinions! What do you think is the top ingredient in figuring out how to write an awesome book? Tell me in the comments!

Click the “Play” button to Listen to Audio Version (or subscribe to the Helping Writers Become Authors podcast in Apple Podcast or Amazon Music).

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