How to Start Writing a Book (and Survive Your Own Madness)

Many aspiring writers ask me—even today—how to start writing a book, especially one that explores life, purpose, or the divine. Most people I meet have incredible experiences or deep knowledge in a field but struggle to sit down and draft.

Here’s my approach, drawn from my own journey. Let me be clear: there’s logic in chaos, and you don’t have to be “insane” to write a book.

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The Birth of The End

The inspiration for my first book, The End, didn’t arrive overnight. It needed the right mindset, circumstances, and a little fury. Life hadn’t been kind: jobs lost, financial struggles, and personal grief shaped my perspective. I was juggling multiple jobs, barely making ends meet, yet all of it seemed to prepare me for writing.

Then came opportunity—a hand-me-down Pentium II laptop, a chance to help a friend with a documentary script, and the freedom to write. But the real spark was fury. One night, a personal argument left me awake at 3 AM, questioning my purpose. I started typing random sentences on the old laptop, unconcerned with grammar or structure. Days later, I had paragraphs, topics, and eventually chapters—forming the foundation of The End.

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From The End to Divine Matrix

The End was only the beginning. I later reimagined it as Divine Matrix, expanding its ideas into a modern, interconnected perspective on life, spirituality, and human behavior. Alongside Divine Matrix, I wrote:

• The Eshaddai Open – exploring divine guidance and personal alignment.

• Marriage Material – diving into relationships, love, and commitment.

• The Odd Duckling Chronicles – stories of human folly, misfits, and life lessons.

These works build on experiences, research, and reflections that deepen the core themes first explored in The End.

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Research and Letting Your Ideas Thaw

A crucial step in writing a book that stands the test of time is thorough research. Dive into history, philosophy, psychology, and personal experiences to enrich your work.

Then, let it thaw. After drafting, step away. Come back later with fresh eyes. Reading your work as if it’s someone else’s allows you to spot inconsistencies, clarify your ideas, and improve the flow. This approach transforms raw writing into a polished, compelling book.

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Embrace a Little Madness

Writing isn’t always orderly. Your mind must race ahead of your pen. Write sentences, notes, or fragments anywhere—on your phone, scraps of paper, or your laptop. Over time, chaos begins to form order, and your book starts to take shape.

For me, writing meant turning life’s chaos into narrative—letting experience, reflection, and even prayer guide the pen.

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Steps to Start Writing Your Book

If you’ve ever asked, how do I start writing a book?, here’s my advice:

1. Let life inspire you – frustration, joy, or reflection can all fuel creativity.

2. Start writing immediately – don’t wait for perfection; the first words are always imperfect.

3. Research thoroughly – ground your ideas in knowledge.

4. Let it thaw – step away, revisit, and edit objectively.

5. Accept a little madness – let your thoughts outpace your pen.

Whether you’re drafting a personal memoir, a novel, or a philosophical exploration like Divine Matrix, the journey starts with one sentence and the courage to continue.

 

💡 By the Way

Most of my recent work now lives at The Skywatcher’s Journal. Come join me there as well. In the meantime, circle back here for updates on this old blog—I’ve come to realize that sometimes, old is gold.

🎥 Oh, and if you enjoy video storytelling, check out my YouTube channel too.