So You Want to Start a Project...

​Recently, I’ve been getting a good amount of requests to either assist with starting projects or to give input on how to get started. Mostly, people ask me about books but I’ve been asked to help with producing board games as well. I figured I would share some of the tricks that help me or give a bit of insight into my process in case it helps you with yours…

#1 – Spend some serious time just thinking about the idea itself and the different routes you could go.

​Surprise, surprise – the creative process starts in your head. And before you invest significant time and efforts, it’s beneficial to take time to really think about the project you’re thinking of starting, the different routes you can go, and if you’re really passionate enough to follow through, even if it takes longer than you’re anticipating or ends up failing.
 
I suggest doing this when you have time to yourself – whether you’re out for a walk or run or have some time to yourself one morning. The more time and opportunities you take to do this, the more confident you’ll be in your idea and the more likely you’ll actually get started.

#2 – Get started, but don’t rush it.

​Most people, including myself, are shortsighted when it comes to big projects. They strive to publish their final product in one year. It’s not a bad thing to have ambitious goals but you should be okay with the fact that it might take MUCH longer.
 
A creative project takes research, planning, constructing, reconstructing, and more research, and more planning, on and on and on. It’s not a straightforward process but it should be fun. The more time you spend exploring different ideas and making your project better, the happier you’ll be with the end result.
 
Enjoy the process – don’t rush it.

#3 – Research things that are similar to the project you want to start.

​This should wait until you have your idea down pat, and you feel like you’re ready to get started. If you’ve already started the process, that’s okay too.
 
More than likely, the project you’re planning has already been done in some way, shape, or form. Do some research and find similar projects that ended up being successful at some level. Really get to know them, find what you like and don’t like about them.
 
It’s most important to focus on things that relate to your project because it will help you through the process and help give you a framework to get started. Way down the road, it will help you too when you’re thinking of how to market your project.  Finding projects that are similar but that you dislike can be just as helpful; you learn what you don’t want to do and how your product will be different.
 
When you’re doing this, look for projects that are similar but different too – things you can take inspiration from. An easy example for me and with writing is that you can find writing styles you like that aren’t even in the same genre as the book you’re writing but could work.
 
Before you get started with your project, I recommend finding at least 3-5 things in this category and getting to know them well enough to help get inspired for your work. As you go through the process, it’s helpful to continue finding more.

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​Well, if you’re feeling ambitious and thinking of starting a project, I hope you’ve found this helpful. If you have any questions on this topic or really anything else, feel free to reach out to me via email at [email protected].
 
Thank you for reading and best of luck with your project/idea!