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The
Actual Writing Process
For some the process of writing a book is easy and natural.
For others it is a daunting task that brings the whole
idea of becoming a published author into question.
We've counseled
both kinds of authors -- and several in between those
extremes -- and have a number of suggestions and tips
to
make
writing
more enjoyable and fulfilling. Here are a few of
them, taken from the notes of one of our seminars for first-time
authors:
- The first thing
you need to do is define your mission. WHY are you writing
the book?
- Once that's put to bed, you need to do the research that
will give you material to make the book hang together,
deliver real
substance, and demonstrate that you (and the book) are
worthy of reader attention.
- Then you need to organize your thoughts and determine how
you want the book to be structured. How many chapters?
How will the material be divided into logical "chunks?" How
do
you set up the book's premise, and how do you pay off what
you set out to do?
- That's when the actual writing begins,
and when clear, tight copy, with an easy-to-read flow,
becomes your primary concern.
- Of course, you
need to establish your “voice” --
the personality you want to come through to the reader.
For many first-time authors this is a stumbling block, because
they are sensitive to over (or improper) use of first person
sentence structure, or some other stylistic challenge.
- It helps to have
a basic understanding of the fine art of story-telling
-- even if the book is non-fiction.
After all, every book "tells a story," whether it's literally
true or a romantic fantasy.
- Fortunately,
there are a number of very useful computer programs, word
processor features, and websites that offer tools and
tips for authors. It will also help to
talk with other writers -- perhaps more experienced --
to learn what they use and what they find most helpful.
- Then there are
the all-important time management skills. Most authors
find that they are well served to
set a realistic writing schedule -- a task list with
a timetable -- and stick to it, from the outset through to
completion.
- At some point
you'll probably have to deal with “writer’s
block” -- a frustrating experience in which the words
just won't come out. Again, there are ways to overcome
this affliction. You're not the first, and you won't be
the last,
to experience it. Don't wait until it discourages you from
sticking to your plan; get help in the form of "tips and
tricks" from more experienced authors who have "been there
and done that."
- Sometime
the best approach is to simply hire a ghost-writer and
let
the experience he or she has had with previous
books work to your advantage. You'll have to pay a fee, but
if your project is
really important to you, it may be the best way to achieve
your objective. You'll find that a good ghost-writer can
probably do a better job, faster (and more cost-effectively)
than you can do yourself. If your time is worth money,
this
may
be
a
very
wise way
to go, even if you are already an excellent writer.
For
more information on ghost-writing services, download
a printable PDF brochure that has answers to the most
common questions. (This requires
that you have Adobe Reader installed on
your computer. For free download, click link at left.)
- Once you have
a rough manuscript, you'll want proofreading and
editing by a professional. This is one area you can't skip
if you want your book to be taken seriously. Done right,
most books go through five different kinds of proofing
and editing.
You'll want to be sure not to miss this step.
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