Why you’re writing a book is just as important as what you’re writing about.

In order for your words to leave a profound impact on your readers, you have to be connected to a deep desire to help them overcome the challenges they’re facing. In Module 1, you’ll learn practical tools to help you define your why and get the vision you need to carry you through to your completed first draft.

You’ll Learn:

• Why the world has a need for your unique message
• How to empathize your reader so you can choose a topic that resonates with them
• How to create a vision for writing a book that goes deeper than making the NY Times Bestseller list
• How to create a writing routine that works for your schedule and lifestyle

Every successful book is written to a specific audience.

As you begin to write, it’s important for you to be clear on who your ideal reader is. In this module, you’ll identify your ideal reader’s specific needs and how to best meet them through your writing. 

You’ll Learn:

• How do define your ideal reader and understand what moves them to grab a book off the shelf and start reading
• Why amateurs write to show people how much they know on the topic, and how to write like a pro instead
• How to identify your book’s takeaway statement so you can write with focus and relevancy
• The two questions your reader is asking when they’re deciding if they want to keep reading (and how to answer them quickly!)

Every author has a voice.

They have their own unique way of communicating with their audience. In this module, you’ll learn the 4 different types of voices authors use. As you hone in your voice, you’ll start to clarify your message as well.  

You’ll Learn:

• How to find your unique voice as an author
• The ONE thing the brain remembers and comprehends better than anything else
• Why writing a book that focuses on guiding your reader through their story is more important than sharing your own
• How to build trust with your reader so they become more and more interested in what you have to say

If you start writing a book with no plan, you’re bound to feel stuck and confused eventually.

One of the main causes of writer’s block is not having a solid plan for where your book is going and what you want the end result to be for your reader. In this module, you’ll go through each step of Havilah’s tried and tested process for organizing your thoughts and outlining your book.

You’ll Learn:

• A pain-free process for brainstorming and organizing your ideas into an outline
• How to center your book around one main takeaway point so that your writing stays focused on your core message
• How to create tension in the beginning of your book so your reader wants to keep turning pages
• How to establish a writing routine and keep it sacred

To be a successful author, it’s vital for you to make distraction-free time in your schedule to devote yourself to the creative act of writing.

In this module, you’ll learn how to create the perfect writing rhythm and get started on your first chapter.

You’ll Learn:

• How to build your identity as a writer through small, incremental changes
• How to change your habits to make progress toward the goals you want to accomplish
• How to implement a personalized writing routine that fits into your life
• How to partner with passion instead of what you feel like you “should’ be doing

To write a book that clearly communicates the message inside of you, you need feedback.

You need valuable input, questions, and encouragement from others. In this module, you’ll learn how to ask for and implement feedback in a way that uncovers the best version of your book. You’ll have an opportunity to activate these new skills with your fellow Author School students.

You’ll Learn:

• Which type of feedback you need for each stage of the writing process
• How to give feedback in a way that’s helpful and supportive
• How to receive feedback without losing your motivation to write, even when it’s difficult to hear
• How to use feedback to strengthen your message and yourself as a writer

Every writer knows what it’s like to hit a wall.

What do you do when you just can’t think of what to write? In this module, you’ll learn how to beat the blank page. You’ll understand why we sometimes have mental blocks that get in the way of writing and how to overcome them.

You’ll Learn:

• 3 common causes of writer’s block and how to overcome them
• The Pomodoro Technique for boosting productivity in your writing routine
• How to remove distractions and protect your writing time
• How to take breaks that actually bring rest and renewal

The first sentence of your book is the most important sentence you’ll write.

More people will read this sentence than any other sentence of your book. This is where your audience decides to put the book down or keep reading. In this module, you’ll learn how to grab your reader’s attention from the first sentence.

You’ll Learn:

• How to write a compelling opener that hooks your reader from the beginning and makes them want to keep reading
• The importance of creating conflict and tension in your first chapter (and how to do this well)
• Havilah’s method for organizing chapters using Google docs
• How to find and cite sources for any studies, facts, or data you want to include in your book

The middle of writing your book is where you’re most likely to quit.

In this module, you’ll learn how to power through when you feel stuck or you’ve lost your motivation to write.

You’ll Learn:

• How to make the middle of your book just as strong as the beginning and ending
• Why most people want to quit writing in the middle and techniques for staying motivated
• How to manage your internal world so you can keep the creativity and ideas flowing
• How to tell stories that engage and inspire your reader

No other person’s words have affected mankind as much as the words of Jesus.

In this module, you’ll learn how the most outstanding Communicator to walk the earth spoke to His audience.

You’ll Learn:

• The 12 types of communication Jesus used to speak to His audience in a way that captivated, challenged, and inspired them
• Passages in the Bible that exemplify figures of speech and other methods of communication you can incorporate into your writing

Do you ever wish you could ask all your burning questions about writing a book to someone who’s already been through the process?

This module has intentionally been set aside as a 90-minute Q&A session where Havilah Cunnington will answer any questions you’ve come across in your writing process.

One of the toughest things to do as a writer is say goodbye to parts of your writing.

It’s a difficult, but necessary part of the process. This week is about revising, reviewing, rewriting, and removing sections you don’t need so your writing is to-the-point and your message is strong.

The world of publishing can be confusing and overwhelming.

This week, we’ll start to talk about next steps. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the publishing industry and all the pros and cons of both self-publishing and traditional publishing.

The third stage of the book-writing marathon is the final push. You’re tapping in your grit, determination, and drive to finish.

You’re taking every last ounce of strength and passion you have and writing with all your heart. This module is designed to support you as you find the inner determination to write the last few chapters of your book.

Every author dreams of the moment they type the final words of their first draft.

For you, that will be this week. In Module 15, you’ll learn how to finish strong and more about your next steps after you finish your book.

This week is all about reviewing everything you’ve written and celebrating you for this huge win.

At this point, you will have finished your first draft and be well on your way to having a completely finished book. This final week is about celebrating how far you and your fellow Author School students have come and equipping you for what’s next.