How to Write a Book – The Secret to a Super Fast First Draft

Have you ever wondered how to write a book…fast? If you’re like me, then sometimes you have trouble with the hardest part – just getting started.

Blog posts come easy for me, but when it comes to how to write a book, I used to be completely clueless. If you've ever stared at a blank screen wondering what to write next, you know what I'm talking about.

That's how it used to be for me, which is why I have two books that I started which are now collecting virtual dust in my computer. Recently, however, I discovered a method to quickly produce that important first draft.

Using the methods that I share with you in this video, I'll show you how to write a book in a way that has enabled me to achieve over 180 words per minute, and 36,000 words within two weeks! I've already completed the first draft of my next book, and I needed to share this method with you too.

Of course, there are a lot more steps to take after that first draft, but getting started is the hardest part, and I hope this makes it a little easier for you.

Make sure to visit the blog to leave a comment and let me know what the next book you're working on is. Here's the link below:

In next week's episode, you'll get a tour of my brand new home office, so make sure you subscribe! Thanks!

p.s. here are some helpful links for you related to how to write a book that I've found:

eBooks The Smart Way:

My Writer's Group on Facebook:

Rev for Recording and Transcribing:

Scrivener:

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Leave a Reply 29 comments

Chris Murphy - February 6, 2015 Reply

So pumped that you have started SPI TV! Great episode from a great dude.

FliteTest - February 6, 2015 Reply

Great job Pat, I’ve been a fan for a long time. Welcome to the world of (regular, scheduled release) YouTube. You’re going to do great and looking forward to the next episode. -Austin

    Pat Flynn - February 6, 2015 Reply

    Thanks so much! Bout time I get into regularly scheduled videos!

    Dee Smith - February 7, 2015 Reply

    @Pat Flynn
    Hi, I’m really new to all this and I would love some [really dumb to everyone else probably] video advice on how to use your computer to store and write books, software? back up storage? Also a beginners [good and simple and reasonable cost] website hosting thing,
    I’m in the U.K, btw,
     Thank you very much for all this, Really appreciated! & I’m a subscriber!

Nefer Lopez - February 6, 2015 Reply

Long time listener, first time caller. Hats off on your video, Pat! Looking forward to your next one.

Amy Landino - February 6, 2015 Reply

What an amazing and valuable first episode of SPI TV! Great job, Pat! This was so helpful for me.

    Roberto Blake - February 26, 2015 Reply

    Amy, are you in the process of putting out a print book?

David Getchel - February 6, 2015 Reply

Great breakdown of a fast first draft. I’ll have to try this method for my next book.

Jake Day Williams - February 6, 2015 Reply

Please put the lego man in a new spot every time. I will watch every video just to find him.

Tammy Fuller - February 7, 2015 Reply

This is awesome. I’ve listened to your podcast for the last year – it’s nice to see you talk rather than just hear you!

Jay E Clair - February 7, 2015 Reply

Hey Pat, this is a killer technique, thanks so much for sharing. So where do we sign up for the presale of this book? hint hint 🙂

RVingFT Candace - February 7, 2015 Reply

Great video. I just discovered you last night on a podcast with Chalene Johnson. Am a newbie so I will be soaking up all your information and really appreciate the quality delivery!

Toby Downton - February 7, 2015 Reply

Well done Pat, a great achievement, really interesting for me as I’m 2/3 of the way through the 2nd draft of my novel. Some feedback:

1) I agree that the side view shots were a little bit disconcerting
2) The Fast Forward sections went on for too long

As ever, I loved the enthusiam you brought to it, I look forward to the next one.

    Roberto Blake - February 26, 2015 Reply

    I’d say for the other camera angle he should maybe be aware of it and look at that camera instead.

Victoria Sage - February 7, 2015 Reply

Pretty cool!  I like how I can also use this process for a magazine that I am launching and for websites being designed.

Roberto Blake - February 26, 2015 Reply

Great Advice Pat. I’m actually using my iPad Air 2 to write my book. By using a combination of One Note and Pages and the Voice Dictation Feature I’m able to organize all my thoughts and write in a way that matches my speaking. Because of iCloud I can then go to my iMac later and do all the editorial and clean up I need to handle.

This just works well for me because it allows me to brain dump in a way that is still usable.

    Romina Jones - February 26, 2015 Reply

    Great if this could be explained in a shorter more concise video that would be more shareable.

    Roberto Blake - February 26, 2015 Reply

    @Romina Jones
    Maybe Pat can do what Gary Vee does and go back and cut and edit the best chunks of a video.

    Sikder Diamond - November 2, 2017 Reply

    Roberto Blake good advice

Rojauna McPherson - March 13, 2015 Reply

very very helpful! Thank you for sharing!

luis manriquez - April 8, 2015 Reply

I´m from México. Honestly I really don´t know how i find this… but i t´s really helpful.
Tanx Pat! I susbscribe. The Post.it part was funny!

By the way my english not so good… cheers everybody!

Belinda Foster - February 19, 2016 Reply

that’s my problem right there… you perfectly described it … I focus on whats going to happen after and entire book instead of where i am

blackout Go - June 6, 2016 Reply

this was really helpful, im going to use it for fiction though. 😀

Raisa at Rejoice Wellness - April 29, 2017 Reply

you’re amazing! thanks so much for making this

Scien Techie - December 16, 2017 Reply

Fabulous info! I will try the posted notes or similar way. I usually use a large writing pad and a pen. But it’s hard to read my writing. But this is very interesting and doable. Thanks for posting.

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