How to Create an Aesthetic for Your Book
Sometimes a little visual guidance and inspiration is just the thing. Especially when you’re in the throes of the book-writing (let’s be honest) slog.
I’m not saying the process can’t be passionate and joyful. It can. And it should! But you’ll still have slumps to overcome as you inch towards the finish line of your novel.
One thing that can help is a beautiful aesthetic for your incredible book.
But how do you do it?
Honestly, it’s so simple you won’t even believe it. The how-to portion of this post is going to require about 100 words. But before we get to that, there’s a bit more I want to uncover. Something really important to consider before you make your aesthetic.
Much of the time when we’re in the midst of the overwhelm, self-doubt, and imposter syndrome that often come with writing a book, we think these emotions can be solved by the how.
Meaning, we think that if we just find the right process, or uncover some magic bit of information, suddenly everything will become easier.
But that’s not how it works.
The truth is, those emotions come from your thoughts.
I’m going to say that again, just for emphasis. Those emotions—and ALL emotions—come from your thoughts. Always. I know, I know, it doesn’t seem like it. It seems like they’re just kind of…there. You wake up and feel too discouraged to sit down and write. But that feeling of overwhelm is coming from a thought buried somewhere in your mind.
And you won’t be able to move into different emotions until you address that thought.
Which means that a beautiful aesthetic (while fun and even useful) is not the answer to getting out of the midst of the misery you may be trying to claw out of while writing your book.
Instead, here’s what you should do.
1) Figure out how you’re feeling.
Do you want to create an aesthetic for your book because A) it will be a fun, inspirational conversation-starter? Or B) because you think it will provide the magical solution that will finally finish your book for you?
If it’s anywhere in the realm of option B, FIRST get clear on what emotion you’re feeling.
Self-doubt, overwhelm, confusion, insecurity, despair, discouragement, and fear (of rejection, failure, success, etc.) are just a few common ones.
2) Get clear on the thought that is creating that emotion.
Always and forever, 100% of the time no matter what, a thought is creating your emotion. And the way to get out of that emotion is to identify that thought and consciously choose a new one.
It’s NOT to go scouring the internet for how-to posts on X, Y, and Z.
Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE how-to posts. When you’re taking on a massive undertaking, especially one that is unfamiliar to you (say, for example, writing a novel) they’re an absolute must.
But the process will be SO MUCH MORE JOYFUL (and the end product will be so much better) if you come from a place of belief and passion. And those are only emotions you can feel if you’re not in the midst of self-doubt and if you choose thoughts that create that belief and passion in your body.
This doesn’t mean you’ll never experience another negative emotion again.
Quite the contrary. The higher you climb, the more of your subconscious thoughts and beliefs you’ll uncover. Ever hear the term “new level, new devils?” But you can ALSO experience massive action (as in writing more of your book every day) and passion if you are intentional with your thoughts and emotions.
To sum up. Before you start your aesthetic:
Get clear on why you want an aesthetic. Is it because you’re feeling excited about it and deep in belief about your book? Or…something a little less rosy.
Uncover the thought (even if it’s a good one, we want insight into those, too) that is creating that emotion.
If the thought and subsequent emotion are negative, just observe them. Then consciously choose a new one that creates a good emotion in your body.
Create your aesthetic!
Okay, now that I’m done ranting, let’s get into the how-to for this particular post.
HOW TO CREATE AN AESTHETIC FOR YOUR BOOK
Write down a few words identifying the atmosphere of your book. Here are some examples for clarity:
Fun
Lighthearted
Quirky
Whimsical
Dark
Suspenseful
Adventurous
Romantic
Gritty
Dangerous
Magical
Terrifying
Search for images that encapsulate these words. I love going to Pinterest and typing in the term + aesthetic. For example “whimsical aesthetic.”
Gather your images into a software like Canva. From there, you can choose a collage template or design your own.
Display your aesthetic proudly!
Told ya it was fast and easy. The only reason it might not be is because you’re overcomplicating it. And the only reason you might be overcomplicating it is because you’re in the midst of a negative emotion you need to examine more closely.
It’s a win-win! Get clear on the thoughts you didn’t even realize were running the show. Do this over and over and over again. And then consciously choose better thoughts that create better emotions. Do this over and over and over again.
Then go create an incredible aesthetic for your book.
The fastest way to write a strong story is with an effective outline that plots your novel’s beating heart.
In Outline Your Novel, you’ll learn exactly what these beats are, why they matter, and how to outline them effectively to make your story sing.
