From Idea to Outline: How to Discover What You Should Write About

“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” – Maya Angelou

So, you’ve got the itch. The writing bug has bitten you, and now you’re ready to dive into the world of nonfiction. But there’s just one tiny problem: What the heck should you write about? It’s like standing in front of your closet before a big event—so many options, yet somehow nothing feels quite right.

Fear not, fellow aspiring author. We’re about to break down how you can go from “I think I want to write a book” to “I know exactly what I’m writing about.” And trust me, it’s not as complicated as deciding between yoga pants and jeans for that Zoom call.

Step 1: Start with Your Passion (No, Really)

Let’s get one thing straight: Writing a book is no small feat. If you’re not passionate about your topic, the chances of you getting bored and abandoning ship halfway through are high. And nobody wants to read a half-written book.

Think about what fires you up. What do you love to talk about endlessly? What do people come to you for advice on? Your passion is your fuel, and trust me—you’re going to need a full tank to get through this journey.

“Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you.” – Oprah Winfrey

If you’re passionate about helping others improve their businesses, write about that. If you’ve overcome a major challenge and want to share your experience, that’s a book waiting to happen. Start with what you care about, and the ideas will follow.

Step 2: Identify Your Expertise (Yep, You’re an Expert)

Now, before you hit me with the “But I’m not an expert” excuse, let me stop you right there. You know more than you think you do. Expertise isn’t about having a PhD; it’s about knowing your stuff and being able to share that knowledge with others. You’ve lived, learned, and experienced things that make you uniquely qualified to write about certain topics.

Ask yourself: What do I know that others struggle with? What solutions do I offer that people actually need? Once you figure out where your expertise lies, you’ll be well on your way to a killer book idea.

PSST: If you need some straight up PLANNING support, and you’re in the early stages of mapping out your book — get my FREE Book Clarity Blueprint (an instant PDF printable/digitable workbook + audio training!) and take action ASAP!

Step 3: Pinpoint Your Audience (Hint: It’s Not Everyone)

Here’s a fun fact: Your book isn’t for everyone. And that’s okay! You’re writing for a specific audience—people who need what you have to offer. Are you targeting entrepreneurs, busy moms, fitness enthusiasts, or someone else entirely? The more specific you are, the easier it’ll be to create content that resonates.

When you know who you’re writing for, you can tailor your message to address their pain points, answer their questions, and help them achieve their goals. And let’s be real, nothing feels better than knowing your words have made a difference in someone’s life.

Step 4: Brainstorm Like a Boss

Okay, now it’s time to unleash the ideas. Grab a notebook, a whiteboard, or the back of a napkin, and start brainstorming. Write down every topic, theme, or concept that comes to mind. Don’t censor yourself—just let the ideas flow. Sometimes the most brilliant concepts come from the most random thoughts.

Once you’ve got a good list going, start narrowing it down. Which ideas excite you the most? Which ones align with your passion, expertise, and audience? Circle those gems, and voila—you’ve got the foundation of your book.

Step 5: Create an Outline (The Fun Part)

Congratulations, you’ve got your idea! Now, it’s time to create an outline. Think of it as your roadmap. Without it, you’ll be wandering around lost, hoping to stumble upon the finish line. Your outline doesn’t have to be super detailed, but it should give you a clear path to follow.

Start with the big picture—what’s the main message or goal of your book? Then break it down into chapters or sections. Each chapter should tackle a specific aspect of your topic. Under each chapter, jot down key points, stories, or tips you want to include. And just like that, you’ve gone from idea to outline.

Need More Help? You’ve Got Options!

If you’re still feeling stuck or want more guidance, I’ve got you covered. You can either:

1. Join my Free 5-Day WRITE YOUR DAMN BOOK Challenge!
   I’ll help you kickstart your writing habit, find your focus, and finally get that book out of your head and onto the page.

2. Grab a copy of Authorized: How To Write + Self-Publish a Nonfiction Book on Amazon. It’s packed with tips, tools, and resources to guide you through every step of the process, from writing to self-publishing to marketing your book. Available now on Amazon!

Writing a book isn’t just about putting words on paper—it’s about sharing your unique voice, experiences, and expertise with the world. You have something valuable to say, and there’s an audience out there waiting to hear it. So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to turn that idea into an outline and start writing your damn book.

“The scariest moment is always just before you start.” – Stephen King