Every Book Begins With One Small Step — And Mine Started During COVID
By John Rinaldo © | The Positive Pen
Have you ever thought about writing a book? Maybe you've had an idea for years, a life experience to share, or a story waiting to be told. But where do you begin?
My journey as an author didn't begin with a publishing company or a completed manuscript. It began with me searching the internet for a book template.
I Had No Idea Where to Begin
I spent time looking for templates and trying to understand book formatting, chapter layouts, and how to turn my words into something people could read. Eventually I found a template. But even then, it took time to start. I wondered whether my writing was good enough, whether anyone would read it, and whether I could finish.
COVID Became an Unexpected Turning Point
One of the books I eventually wrote was COVID Was My Best Medicine. I know that title might sound unusual considering the suffering COVID brought to so many lives. For me, it was about reflecting on a difficult time and learning from my experiences.
I began putting those experiences into words. One thought became a paragraph. A paragraph became a page. Pages became chapters. And eventually, I had written my first book.
You don't have to know how the entire journey will unfold. Sometimes you just have to be willing to begin.
From My First Book to My Tenth
Today, I'm working on my tenth book. If you'd told me that when I was searching for my first template, I probably would have laughed.
Along the way, I've learned about editing, formatting, cover design, marketing, and publishing on multiple platforms. I've made mistakes, asked questions, and gone back to fix things I thought I understood. I'm still learning.
You don't have to be an expert to begin. You gain experience by doing the work, one step at a time.
Why I'm Sharing My Book Template for Free
I remember how much time I spent searching for a starting point. So why not make that first step easier for someone else?
Through The Positive Pen, I'm sharing a Free 2026 Book Template, formatted for a 6 × 9-inch book, created by Rinaldo & Partners. It includes starting sections for a title page, copyright, dedication, contents, chapters, and author information.
You'll still need to personalize it and check the final manuscript against your publishing platform's requirements. But you won't have to begin with a completely blank document.
One Step Today, Another Tomorrow
We often focus so much on the finished result that we forget the importance of starting. Will the book succeed? Will people read it? Will anyone care?
I didn't begin with ten books. I began with an idea and a template. Then I wrote something, and I kept going.
Writing became more than publishing. It helped me reflect on my experiences, find meaning in difficult moments, and connect with people through stories. That belief in connection helped inspire The Positive Pen.
Your Story Might Be Someone Else's Inspiration
Maybe you want to write a novel, preserve family history, share a difficult experience, or simply find out whether you can do it. Whatever your reason, don't dismiss it. You never know who might connect with your words.
Download My Free 2026 Book Template
Book size: 6 × 9 inches
Format: Microsoft Word
Cost: Free
Download Your Free 2026 Book Template (Microsoft Word)
Free 6 × 9-inch Word template provided by Rinaldo & Partners. Customize the document for your own book before publishing.
Use it, make it your own, and begin telling your story. You don't have to finish the whole book tomorrow. Just start somewhere.
Let's Talk About Your Next Book
If you're thinking about writing a book but aren't sure where to begin, please reach out to me. I've been where you are. I know what it's like to have an idea, search for answers, make mistakes, and wonder whether you'll ever finish.
I'm happy to share what I've learned about writing, formatting, and publishing on different platforms. Contact me through The Positive Pen, and let's discuss your next book. That conversation might be the first step toward something you've always dreamed of doing.
Now I Have a Question for You
Have you ever thought about writing a book, and if so, what's stopping you from taking that first step?
Is it finding the time? Not knowing where to begin? Worrying about your writing? Or wondering whether your story is worth telling? Share your thoughts. And if you've already written a book, what encouraged you to begin?
Let's share our experiences and help someone else take that first step.
Writers helping writers, one story at a time.
— John Rinaldo ©
The Positive Pen
A product of Rinaldo & Partners Publishing
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