072: How to Start Writing a Book, Course, or Workshop

Going from “zero to one” on a big creative project can be intimidating. If you want to write a book or create a course, where should you begin? Hint: grab a pen and paper and a stack of index cards, not your laptop. Key Takeaways: Start big projects by asking: what is the key transformation I am hoping to inspire? There is magic to the number 3: it fits in with how we understand the world. When shaping the main pillars of the transformation you’re creating, see if you can break it down into 3 key parts.  People learn in many diverse ways, and as a communicator, try to give them as many different methods for understanding a concept or idea as possible including memes, metaphors, mantras, quotes, statistics, diagrams, research etc.  ⭐️ Permission:  Forget being linear. You don’t have to start at the beginning and end at the end. Dive into the sections that energize you the most first.   ⭐️ Do (or Delegate) This Next:  Indulge your desire for stationary — purchase a tall stack of index cards and start breaking your next big project idea into smaller, bite-sized chunks, then move them around on a big surface (like your dining room table) until themes emerge.    📘Books Mentioned: Free Time: Lose The Busywork, Love Your Business  Pivot  Life After College Resonate: Present Visual Stories That Transform Audiences How to Begin: Start Something That Matters 🔗Resources Mentioned:  Free Author Toolkit MBS.Works Alexandra Franzen  Alexandra Franzen’s Feel, Know, Do Framework Related Podcast Episodes:  Free Time Episode 34: Organizing Research and Ideas - Notion Walkthrough #1 Free Time Episode 36: Shaping Big Ideas - Notion Walkthrough #2 Free Time Episode 38: Tracking Progress Toward Finishing a Book (or Big Idea) with an Essay Tracker - Notion Walkthrough #3 🎁 Give yourself (and a friend) the gift of Free Time as we head into 2022: Preorder and submit proof of purchase to get early access to the audiobook as part of the Buy One, Get One, Give One holiday bonus! ❤️ Enjoying the show? The best way to thank us is by leaving a rating or review. Consider becoming a podcast BFF and you’ll get access to a monthly Q&A call with Jenny, along with a private feed and community forum for Heart-Based Business Owners.. 💌 Subscribe to the Time Well Spent newsletter: http://itsfreetime.com/join 💬 I’d love to hear what’s on your mind! Take the Free Time listener survey 🗣 Submit a voice question or comment for future episodes: http://itsfreetime.com/ask 🎧 Make sure you’re subscribed wherever you listen to podcasts 📝 Check out full show notes and links from this episode and share it with a friend! https://itsfreetime.com/episodes/072 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices