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

[@RobertoBlake]

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.

[@RominaJones]

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

[@RobertoBlake]

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

[@SikderDiamond]

Roberto Blake good advice

[@tatahchi4545]

A mindmapping software will safe you lots of posts notes. Thanks Pat

[@tiffanywoodruff4581]

Just published my first ebook this morning and then came across this. Still have two more near completion and really like these tips. For complicated stories I like to make a timeline and that helps me keep on track with things. Great advice Pat!

[@sunnybux]

I saw this a week ago or so and I got so excited, I knew I had to watch it again. But I couldnt find you!!! I stumbled across you today and I am sooo happy. I will never lose you again. One girl was so bad she had to shut down her comment section, 95% of the people did not like her. I will let you know how it goes, I finished my introduction and the editor wants chapters!

[@FliteTest]

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

[@patflynn]

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

[@deesmith9540]

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!

[@Just_Samson]

7 years later and still totally relevant. Thanks brother. Appreciate you

[@Digitalnomadsedu777]

Pat, your transparency helps pull me out of the 'FROZEN' mode. I'm a visual learner,.. and this helps so much! we all have a story to tell, and you have given us a great starting place for our voice and success!

[@theresemancuso2584]

Very nicely done. I appreciate the approach and look to use this technique to get my book started!

[@Detroit2DC]

Great information, Pat is a recent addition to my list of inspirational bloggers, and a powerhouse at that! ROCK ON PAT!

[@AmyTV]

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

[@RobertoBlake]

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

[@ZechNewman]

Love it Pat! I will try this tonight:) Working on a book that I keep stopping and starting.

[@TheQuarterAcreHomestead]

Thanks for this. I'm planning to write an ebook this summer on Backpacking with Toddlers and Babies. We took our 6 month old on a 10 day extended, off trail, backpacking trip in Idaho, and it was a great success. Excited to share that experience and what we have learned.

[@sarahebythesea]

Great video! I grabbed my post-it notes as soon as you introduced them, and started writing! Also looking forward to the book series too!

[@mildredstallworth4914]

Everybody has their own creative writing style and how to fit the pieces together to tell their story, but this is by far the simplest and easiest step-by-step guide that I've seen as to how to write a book. Great video.

[@JosePerez-wu8ng]

Pat, just bought your audio book "Will it fly" and I need to give you all the compliments in the world dude.Right after,I tried to go buy the physical book but it was "print on demand" so they did not have it in stock. Any way this book has changed my mental game up , you have had so much influence and motivation on me these last two days on sparking my creativity, keeping an open mind, on innovation and on how to execute any great future ideas. You have even taught me how to weed out not so great ideas and maybe even the great ideas that don't work for me . lol, any way dude like you say, I just pretty much mentally threw up all I have learned in these last 30 hours of discovering your audio book. Running into this video just showed me EVEN MORE about executing our potential amazes me on how easy you have made i. THANK YOU brotha!

[@NeferLopez]

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

[@tammyrfuller]

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!

[@niajeannine]

I use post its for my visual vision board with deadlines and milestones. Using the concept to write a book...BRILLIANT! then to dictate and transcribe...BRILLIANT! Thank you for sharing!

[@DanielSodkiewicz]

Pat, I follow you for many years, and it is great to see you start communicativing with your audience via video. I have my book 80% done, hidden deep in my draft folder for the last year. Your video inspires me to finish what I have started. Thx!

[@TheKarmaProjectCo]

LOVE your light-hearted fun approach to shooting your videos. i was starting to glaze over (just a little) when you (allegedly) grabbed the post it notes mid air. it was the perfect interruption. it made me laugh and engaged my attention on a deeper level. very creative and always incredible content. thanks Pat.

[@azsaddledoc]

Thanks Pat! That is a huge help (the writing technique) with post it notes!! This is something I have struggled with to start a book (thinking it needs to start at the beginning) writing chapters one at a time brings it to clearer focus for me. As far as the video, I think you and Caleb have done a great job! I don't mind the cut aways at all, I think it shows a much more relaxed atmosphere than always looking directly at the camera. You guys are "Cutting Edge" as far as I'm concerned! Thanks again!

[@stevecox4552]

Fantastic advice! Headed to Staples to get post-it notes and a whiteboard!

[@PerrinCarrell]

Haha. The post-it notes! Spencer and I have been writing a bunch of books lately, and this stuff is ON POINT. Keep rocking it.

[@buildchangeimpact]

Great job Pat. I love the style of shots, especially the side shot where you turned to face it after a few seconds. I like the humor, interaction with cameraman, bloopers. It was really good!

[@AndrewSieg]

This is so actionable. You really are an expert at what you do.

[@CrystalFoth]

Wow ***** and Caleb Wojcik the production value in this is off charts!!! Amazing video! I'm looking forward to watching them all!

[@tarrabrazeau7605]

I love all Pat's videos and podcasts!! He has so much great info and no fluff! Thank you pat!

[@tarrabrazeau7605]

+Tarra Brazeau I'm working on an ebook about puppy training. I have struggled for a while with having the feeling of a scattered brain! I love the idea of the post it notes!!

[@TheBlackr0se]

Thank you, I have a few books in me but never started. Now you have given me the motivation to do so. Thank you so much.

[@CandaceRvingft]

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!

[@PowerofTruth66]

Pat your first episode was filled with tons of content. You just helped me in getting started on writing my book on creative real estate investing. In one episode you made it simple and removed many of the blocks I had when it came to writing a book. I downloaded the app and will be picking up my mini post-it notes today. Thanks again and I look forward to watching your future shows.

[@piddleybooks5533]

Can't wait to try the post-it note method. Usually dislike outlining, but I like the tactile aspect of this method. Good on ya !

[@vonniehudson]

Great production and advice. Thanks for taking the time to do this.

[@pderitis]

I LOVE this! I have started writing a short book and organizing the topics is challenging. I am a very visual person, seeing something in front of me is the best way I can get through a task. This will help me a lot, thank you!

[@risio009]

I found your video just at the right moment after so many years since its been posted. I thank you for this Pat.

[@miguelpazos2334]

Visual, simultaneous, fluid, and analog at the same time. Brilliant!

[@TonyPaullConsulting]

Hi Pat, I watched your video about 2 weeks ago and must admit I was a bit sceptical. However I tried your system on a 3000 word technical article and my latest eBook and I have to admit it works!. It certainly reduced the time expended on developing the outline and the content allocations. Much appreciated.

[@delanacoetzee2745]

Great Job Pat and the behind the scene man. Love the goofy post it catch moment. Thanks for the great ideas. It is just enough to not overwhelm me. I grabbed Post It's right away and wrote some in my niche while you were talking. THANKS FOR THE APP idea, I had the idea of dictating my book but the transcribing idea was new to me and will save a lot of time. Will definitely tune in again next Friday.

[@belindafoster9348]

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

[@getlastingresults]

great idea about using the post-it notes, I use a spreadsheet myself putting single ideas (post it note) into a cell and adding ideas and then dragging the similar ideas together to organise, so I guess very similar to what you are suggesting. You can colour the cells to organise as well

[@bryansekine5685]

Wow! The production value of this video is insanely good. Tons of great information and I've got say: the bit about catching the post it notes was awesome. I can't wait to see the next episode!

[@VideoSchoolOnline]

this is epic content Pat! I'm really loving SPI TV so far! I love the blooper/real moments that you keep in the edit.

[@jagv4429]

consistent time and again high quality content, thanks Pat.

[@parententrepreneurpower552]

Go Pat! What a great first episode! Love Caleb's videography (and interjection) and your flow is wonderful! Can't wait to see your first book done, and up for all to see! Lovin' what you're doin' my friend! Mary Kathryn

[@michellejewell7797]

Thank you so much, Pat. I have gone through sooooo many different sites to try and find the best way to write the book I want to write. Your Post It idea seems so amazing. I'm gonna try it and see how it works. You make it look so easy, so hopefully it will be for me too. Thank you, again. I love it!

[@RockinRobinCooks]

As always Pat, you provide such great content for us that is so helpful. Thank you so much.

[@TheBudgetSavvyBride]

I've had "write a book" on my goal list for the last 3 years. This process definitely seems like something I could reasonably fit into my daily life and actually make some progress on it this year. Thanks for sharing, Pat! Look forward to more SPI TV episodes :)

[@ErickIams]

Awesome video Pat! Love the post-it note toss & ninja grab! Cheers!

[@stephaniemiller2728]

Love it!! Can't wait for more to come and your books as well!

[@laurencebradford2486]

I love it ! I can see this technique being applied to things beyond writing a book. It's just a great day to organize thoughts. I love writing things out by hand, too. It really gets my creative juices flowing.

[@MarivicGutierrez]

Thank you, Pat! I always learn something valuable from you. And knowing that you have Filipino blood makes me feel so proud. I hope to meet and greet you the next time you visit us here in the Philippines. Cheers!

[@trooper97]

Awesome Pat, I'm working on my first book and almost have it complete. This will really help in my following books to be published this year. I just stared to follow you and love your sharing nature. God bless

[@GetoutwiththekidsCoUk]

Great tips Pat. I can also see it working well for planning a series of blog posts.

[@Zofjap]

Production value is top notch. You hit the nail again pat.

[@YakMotley]

Great video! Thanks! Im starting on my first book now!

[@schwizi0schwizi]

Great! What will it be about?

[@codybeyster3620]

Just watched episode 1 and I am excited to start this process. I am working on my first ebook. I want to help a specific niche with 30 minutes of time they are given each day for exercise. Thanks for the content!

[@BenjaminBoyer]

Awesome Episode! Love it! Congrats on another kicka$$ production Pat! Also very helpful as always!

[@DavidHolzmer]

Great overview Pat! Really enjoyed it and will definitely start using Post-it notesnand Rev to capture and organize my thinking into book form. ~d

[@SecTechie]

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.

[@JanKellis]

Great video, Pat! I'm already a fan of yours, and listen to all of your podcasts. Looking forward to watching SPI TV. I've written five books, working on my sixth, and I'm about 1/3 of the way through my first draft. I use Levenger Circa notebooks for my outline and notes, and write all drafts and revisions in Scrivener. Your Post-It note idea will easily incorporate with my Circa method.

[@twillafaye]

I can't wait until your "series" is published. I am starting a business, and could really use your advice & tips & knowledge! Thanks again!

[@AdelleRamcharan]

So many videos with BS tips... Pat's are always actual, real things that WORK. Love this. I wrote about how you inspired me in my first ebook :)

[@AdelleRamcharan]

BTW the book is called: How to Make Money on KZbin: Get more views, get more subscribers and get paid!

[@patflynn]

So, you totally scared me with the first part of your comment - thought you were talking about my videos! Hehe!

[@AdelleRamcharan]

Pat Flynn NEVER lol!

[@RobertoBlake]

Pat Flynn We Love you Pat and that fact you give "actionable advice"! So many other hucksters out there just try to sell you their product as a "cure all". You give, give, give (or jab) and leave it up to us. Thanks for that!

[@TONYSESLCAFE]

Yes ma'am I agree, of course... Pat is an honest super practical brother. Not some wacked out entertainer like that tony michael lee guy,,,oh,, that's me. My bad.

[@bastianschiller5739]

Great video to start. Looking forward to the next ones!

[@TerryCorn]

Hi Pat, this is done in software programming a lot. Especially in SCRUM or AGILE methodology when you are trying to deliver a working iteration each week. We use post it notes or Trello depending on the scope.

[@stevenlathwell6217]

Awesome work Pat!! Really looking forward to the next vid. I like the subtle music in the background as well, it really helped me engage and makes the video more interesting to watch. I have been doing Affiliate Marketing on and off for the last 6-7yrs and I listened to some of your podcasts a few years back. I'm so glad I have started following you again, you are a massive inspiration and you have helped give me the kick up my back side I needed to start my online venture once again!! I have also started following your book club and have already bought 3! Halfway through Hal's 'Miracle Morning' atm and it's pushing me in the right direction for the first time in my life!... Thanks for everything you give and teach, you truly are a genuine person (which is hard to find amongst the internet!) Best of luck with SPI TV, Cheers :))

[@wendygoerl9162]

I've heard teh "don't edit as youwrite advice more htan once. Problem is, I have to tfight myself to nto backslpace--and theat takes time--and sometimes when I get done, my typos are so back even I cant figure out what I wrote.

[@ThirdWorldDave]

Loved the info Pat, about to share this video with all my followers :)

[@TobyDownton]

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.

[@RobertoBlake]

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

[@wendygoerl9162]

I see a lot of that, even Dateline does it. I'd like to shoot the idiot that started the fad.

[@TracyHuang]

Will be writing my series of books on healthy eating. This video comes right on time! Thanks for sharing, Pat ;)

[@SharonChen]

My main goal in 2015 is to publish a book. This technique is absolutely awesome! Great timing. Thank you for sharing, Pat!

[@csorianoa]

Great tecnique. I am writing a book on the lfe of a teenager, and I have been struggling so much because I have so much to say that I blocked myself. So this is going to help me to get organized and start writing focusing on one thing. Thank you very much Pat.....

[@cmoran1301]

Great job Pat! Looking forward to this week's video!

[@autumnspring2256]

Love this idea! This is going to help when I get writer's block. Thank you so much!

[@redhotmustang]

I CAN NOT BELIEVE MY EYES!! Is that the hoverboard from Back To The Future III, Pat?? My favorite trilogy of all time? (Attention, we are in 2015, this is the year when Doc and Marty are coming from the Past - their Present - to visit us in our Present - their Future!) Well, sorry for this, but I really had to say it. Pat, your blog, businesses, videos, podcasts and work are an inspiration to me and others. Since I took a proper look at SPI, I've spending most of my time studying what you so kindly share with us (yesterday, I read your posts all afternoon). I wish I could made it like you did. And I would share what I learn along the way as you do. I also like to write, that really comes natural to me, fortunately, but I'm sure that this video will offer me new perspectives, tips and ideas. Thank you. Keep it up, Pat, cheers from a friend in Portugal :) www.redcodestudio.com / www.redhotmustang.com

[@cherylmccutchan1282]

Love this!! I was doing a mind map on a sheet of paper, but it makes so much more sense to be able to move the pieces around. Thanks, Pat!!

[@AuthenticMods]

Hi Pat. I'm a huge fan. Listening to your podcast is a daily morning routine for me. Been following you on your podcast for a while and now on KZbin. You've inspired me to write a book on how I made $100K in 3 months importing from China. Thank you so much for your free eBook and now this video. You're awesome.

[@breeslifebydesign]

I just started following your blog and podcast regularly Pat and I just wanted to say thank you for all the great content. Your content has been so insightful and motivational. Thanks for everything and great job on the video. I will be using these tips. :-)

[@g.m.8881]

Awesome. Very applicable as I write my first book on destiny. I had stalled for almost an yr. With this, I believe am in a better position. Thanks

[@nexusBOS]

In regards to the video angle comment - The side angles where you aren't looking at the camera is totally fine, but I can see what they mean. If the camera is moved a little more in towards the center, then it'll look less like we're getting a side shot and more like we're just getting another angle. If the camera is left of center pull it a little more into center. Oh and I love the post note idea! This can totally work for blog topics too, and sections! So simple too.

[@russelloliver7004]

Great Advice Pat, I actually have already three Books and now going through the publishing process. But using the Post-It Notes Idea is a great idea for a Fitness book series because there so many variables the go into writing this series. thanks.

[@ChrisMurphyHub]

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

[@wahtrail7712]

I love the 1st episode! Definitely looking forward to the next one. I've been working on breaking the bad habit of editing while I write, so this video was very helpful for me.

[@mikiram6288]

Excellent Pat!! As per usual you deliver just great info in an effective and clear way!! Keep it up! Thanks!

[@katerose7880]

Awesome advice as always. Thanks Pat!

[@duffthepsych]

Lookin' great, dude. Looking forward to more!

[@PatriciaDavidsonPhotography]

Great video! I have already started implementing this technique and I'm amazed how quickly I organized my book. I'm a new fan, enjoying your all the information you put out.

[@flaviomedeiros1647]

Thanks for this great video! I am in the process of writing!

[@RichieDeMarco]

Awesome 1st episode!! Love this idea!!

[@ChrisAdams1]

Congrats on the SPI TV launch! Excellent work, good sir! As always, lots of valuable info and insights. Thanks for the transcribing tool, big time saver! Impressive production value as well, polished and engaging. Like the rest of your fans, I'm excited to follow your book journey! Keep rockin', Pat!

[@phillipgrennell4667]

This so welcome video of Pats truly helps make a molehill out of a mountain, Brilliant !

[@facturamelo187]

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!

[@johnlaplaca2333]

While not as reliable as a transcription service, I have had great success using the google docs app and dictating to the iphone using the voice to text feature. Dictate anywhere and when you get back to your desktop, the text is waiting for you! Totally agree with Pat that dictation is much faster and prevents the editing mindset when typing. Amazing how much you can dictate in an hour. Thanks for the insight Pat and best of luck with the show!

[@markkenyon5329]

LOL, can't wait to try using a house fly on the Snake River this summer in Idaho! Best fly fishing related video I've seen in awhile haha. In all seriousness, great work with the first episode. Looking forward to more.

[@DrBrianFletcher]

I think you should be an affiliate for a post it note product and see how much you could make off just this video. You have such a faithful following I bet a ton of people are going to go out and buy post it notes, I know I am! Pat, you are the man!

[@belindaballenger4728]

awesome .. I do this at work....but I needed this...

[@dicoughlan]

Thank you great guidance, I mind map but the post it note idea is really motivating. I’m writing about work place bullying - shining a light into the dark techniques of, and how to fight for your career in that environment, thanks for the app pointer, I’ve been looking for just the thing!

WOW! This video really help me to put my head in the right track and organized my whole book this way.

[@ladybird491]

Do you have tips for picking work to go in a book, that is already written. So basically if you have bunch of poems done, how do you know which ones should go together in a book?

[@NishkarshSharma]

Okay, so first you mesmerized us with your blog posts. Then you took things to the next level through your podcasts and today, you're making us go mad through your videos. Haha, Pat! You're awesome :) Great video. This would really help. *****

[@stevemcgillicuddy4289]

I'm watching the video now, so not sure if you mention this later in the video, but you can do this exact thing in Scrivener with the cork board. I like your ideas!

[@jamiececilielange5249]

I was looking for advice on writing fiction, but I still think this will be useful to me, especially the part about brainstorming. May or may not use post-it notes though.