Hey there, visionary authors!
So, you’ve heard of storyboards, right? Those comic-strip style layouts filmmakers use to sketch out the scenes of their next big blockbuster. Now, I know what you’re thinking. “But I’m writing a self-help book, not directing ‘Star Wars’!” Bear with me. What if I told you that storyboarding isn’t just for George Lucas and Spielberg? That’s right; it can be a game-changer for non-fiction authors too!
Let’s dive into how this visual planning tool can elevate your self-help book to bestseller status.
- Why Storyboard a Self-Help Book?
At its core, a storyboard is about visualizing sequences. It helps you see the flow of your ideas, the sequence of your advice, and the journey you’re taking your reader on. And just like a film, your book should have a compelling narrative arc, even if it’s non-fiction.
Example: Imagine you’re writing a book about overcoming procrastination. Instead of just jotting down chapter titles like “The Science Behind Procrastination” or “Techniques to Break the Cycle,” you visualize each chapter as a step in a journey, starting with recognizing procrastination habits and ending with celebrating newfound productivity.
- Start with the Big Picture
Before diving into individual “scenes” or chapters, map out your overall vision. What’s the central message or transformation you want to offer? Jot down key milestones on separate cards or Post-its.
Example: If your book is about “Finding Happiness in Simple Living,” your milestones might include “Recognizing Materialistic Traps,” “Embracing Minimalism,” and “The Joy of Mindful Living.”
- Break It Down
Now, turn each milestone into a sequence of steps or chapters. Think of each as a mini-journey with a beginning (introducing an idea), middle (exploring it), and end (resolving or offering actionable steps).
Example: For the milestone “Embracing Minimalism,” chapters could start with understanding the minimalist mindset, followed by practical steps to declutter, and conclude with the benefits of a minimalist lifestyle.
- Visual Aids
This is where the fun begins! Add images, doodles, or symbols to represent themes. Maybe a lightbulb for an ‘Aha!’ moment or a shield for tackling barriers. This isn’t just arts and crafts time; it engages a different part of your brain, making the planning process more holistic.
Example: In a book about “Navigating Workplace Challenges,” you might use a ladder to symbolize climbing the corporate ladder, a maze for addressing office politics, and a handshake for mastering networking.
- Play Around
The beauty of storyboarding is its flexibility. Want to switch chapters around? No problem! Just move those cards. Not sure where a particular idea fits? Set it aside and see where it naturally slides in later.
Example: Perhaps you initially placed “Dealing with Difficult Co-workers” before “Effective Communication Skills.” But upon reflection (and visualization), it makes more sense to reverse them, ensuring readers have communication tools before diving into challenging scenarios.
- Look for Gaps
As your storyboard grows, you’ll visually see where content might be lacking, where there’s too much repetition, or where a fresh anecdote or example could liven things up.
Example: In a book about “Healthy Eating Habits,” you might realize that while you’ve covered meal planning and recipes, there’s a gap when it comes to addressing emotional eating.
- Involve Others
Share your storyboard with a trusted friend or fellow writer. Sometimes, an outsider’s perspective can spot flow issues or offer fresh ideas.
Example: Maybe you’re writing about “Building Strong Relationships.” A friend might point out that while you’ve covered romantic and familial ties, there’s room to explore friendships and professional relationships more deeply.
- Keep it Flexible
Your storyboard isn’t set in stone. As you write, new ideas will emerge, and others might not fit anymore. That’s okay! Adjust as you go, but always have that visual roadmap to guide you.
Example: In a guide on “Self-Care Practices,” you initially included a section on “Meditation and Mindfulness.” But as you wrote, you found it evolving into two separate chapters, each with its own depth and focus.
- Celebrate the Journey
Once your book is complete, your storyboard stands as a testament to your journey from idea to finished product. It’s a tangible reflection of your dedication and vision.
Example: Once you’ve penned “Stress Management Techniques,” you can look back at your storyboard, tracing the journey from recognizing stressors to embracing relaxation and finding a balanced life.
So, why not give it a whirl? Whether you’re a visual thinker or just keen to shake up your planning process, storyboarding can bring clarity, creativity, and a dash of color to your self-help book writing journey.
Ready to give storyboarding a go? Grab some cards, markers, and maybe even some glitter (hey, why not?) and start plotting your book’s journey. And remember, every great story, fiction or non-fiction, starts with a vision. Here’s to yours!