You Should Write a Book. Okay, I’ll Help.

You want to write a book.

It keeps not happening.

It’s overwhelming.

Can I even do it? Where to start? Who’d want to read it?

Been there.

When I sat down to write my first book, I didn’t know where to start. Memoir or novel? What are plot points? Do an outline—WHY? HOW? WHAT?

I had great teachers.

I worked for Carrie Fisher.
I was a journalist and won two Emmy Awards.
I read and studied and asked questions.

I wrote my debut novel, A Star Is Bored, which The New York Times Book Review called “wildly funny.” Then I did it again with Big Gay Wedding.

Writing both was like going back to college.

I’ve got you.

As I work on my next novel, I’m revisiting the tools and tricks that helped me get a two-book deal.

And now I wanna share those with you.

The goods.

• Memoir or novel? (how to decide)
• How to start (your logline is your beacon)
• How to write an outline (or whatever framing is right for you)
• How to make sentences jump off the page (it’s competitive out there)
• How to f-ing finish it (and have the confidence to start writing query letters)
• Q&A.

… and a lot of what I wish I knew before I wrote two books.

What people say.

“Wow - thank you! It was incredibly insightful, and honestly, I took away more in that hour than I have from ALL of the ‘How To’ writing books I’ve read over the years.”—Michelle Heckman, attendee, Byron’s workshop at the Santa Barbara Literary Festival

“Equal parts brilliant writing mentor and supportive friend. Byron offers an exceptional, resource-rich starting point for any writer looking to level up.”—Eduardo Santiago, Director of Member Engagement, Palm Springs Writers Guild