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Source: https://writers.stackexchange.com/a/10269
License name: CC BY-SA 3.0
License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/

# Work backwards.

### Visualize the completed work in it's entirety

In Dr. Wayne W. Dyer's PBS special 'Excuses Be Gone' he recommends actually having the cover sleeve made before trying to sit and write.

### Break it down

In writing research papers, I usually start with having a full outline of each section, including figures. With a book, however, there is no reason you not to brainstorm what each chapter might be about.

From there, you can consider the substory; what things will you cover in each chapter and how will they flow? And you may also want to consider if there will be sub-chapters, or some other form of sectioning.

### Fill in the blanks

If you haven't already been inspired to just start writing at this point, start writing down possible topics for each paragraph you'll write. When you've run out of ideas, consider how to organize them, or move them in with other chapters if necessary. Then just start expanding the topics

### Save formatting and editing until the end

CLockeWork's suggestion of using LaTeX shouldn't be ignored. Use a logical editor instead of a WYSIWYG one if possible, or just write inside notepad.

Save the typesetting, punctuation, and spell checking, and grammar for when you are stuck. Chances are the editing process will spur new ideas and allow you to keep progressing forward.

Original score: 2