You Don’t Have to Write Your Book in Order (And Here’s Why)
A lot of authors come to me convinced there’s a sacred path:
Start at Chapter One.
March to Chapter Two.
Trek forward in a tidy, straight line—just like readers will.
News flash: that tidy line? It drives most writers bonkers.
Here’s the trick nobody mentions early on: you don’t have to write in order. Really. You can skip, hop, and cart-wheel through your draft if that’s what keeps the words flowing.
Creativity Doesn’t Queue Up Politely
Inspiration doesn’t knock and say, “Excuse me, I’m here to help with Chapter Three.” Sometimes your brain hands you the perfect finale before you even know how the story opens. Sometimes two characters start bickering in your head, and the dialogue’s too good to let slide.
Grab that lightning. Draft the juicy bits right away. You can stitch the bridge scenes later.
Will things feel messy? Totally. You’ll spot plot holes and time-traveling characters on the first pass. Good. That’s what edits and second drafts are for.
The Puzzle-Piece Approach
- Write what excites you first—breakup, showdown, tear-jerker, whatever lights you up.
- Tag each scene with a quick title so you know what it is.
- Fill the gaps when you’re curious about how A leads to B.
- Smooth it all out in revision. (Future-you will thank past-you for the raw material.)
Momentum beats perfection. Words on the page—any words—are easier to shape than a blank screen.
Need a Guide Through the Chaos?
That’s where a book coach helps:
- Map the tent-poles so you always know which puzzle pieces you still need.
- Keep you accountable with check-ins and quick feedback.
- Wrangle structure once the draft is done, turning your glorious mess into a seamless read.
Ready to ditch the straight-line myth and actually finish your book? Let’s chat. Reach out to me and we’ll piece together your story—scene by electrifying scene!
Write in the order your muse delivers. The rest will fall into place.