How to write

As I considered advice to give writers on How to Write a Book, it occurred to me that it’s much like offering advice on how to parent; every book (or child) is different. There’s no secret formula or fool proof plan to achieve a successful outcome.  In fact, most of the process is trial and error, write and re-write, start, stop and start again.  I can only offer you the advice that works for me.  Sometimes it’s just nice to know you’re not alone and with luck, determination and several sleepless nights, your book (or child) will be ready to face the world.

1.  Be Passionate - Without a perverse need to write, you’ll never make it through to the final product.  Writing a book is a labor so intense that if you have the option to quit halfway through, you will.  Quitting can’t be an option. Your book will develop through several stages, from planning, through revisions and unto the final draft.  There will be times when your story rebels; resisting all your gentle nudges to behave.  There will be times when your story is unfamiliar and even unlikeable, worlds away from the story you envisioned when you began.  And there will be times when your story surprises you; revealing wisdom, humor or insight you never imagined.  Ultimately, you will have to go through the process; full of frustration and self doubt in order to discover what you’re capable of achieving. 

You can improve your odds of success with appropriate planning.   Rather than jumping right into the writing, take some time to plan the course of the story, including detours of sub plots and back stories.   I learned this lesson the hard way with my first book, when my story became completely convoluted and contrived to explain my characters’ behavior.  Since then I’ve relied on a detailed outline, chapter by chapter, to keep me on course. Outlines have also helped me flesh out rough story ideas, some of which became short stories because there wasn’t enough substance for a book. 

Once the outline is done, the writing can begin.  I usually write my entire first draft without censure or edits, so as not to interrupt the flow of ideas.  There will be plenty of opportunities to edit once the first draft is done.  I read through the entire book and make notes, but no changes.  I look for flow, consistency, clarity and believability. I then use my notes for revisons and start the process all over again.   After my final review, when I’ve exhausted all my ideas, I’ll give my book to a few trusted readers and ask for their feedback.  I’ve also learned that giving readers an early draft is a waste of time because they don’t want to read the same story time after time with only minor changes. 

2. Be Consistent -  Planning without action is pointless.  Anyone can plan to write a book, but very few people start and even fewer ever finish.  Writing well requires practice, study and hard work.  If you want to write a book, treat it as a job in which you receive no days off, no pats on the back and no salary.  If the only reason you want to write a book is to be the next JK Rowling, earning millions of dollars, you’d have better odds winning the lottery.   Very few writers ever see their books published much less on a best sellers list.   If you still want to write a book then by all means do, just make sure you’re doing it for yourself first.  I find that writing a little every day keeps me engaged and motivated.  Even if I can only squeeze in 30 minutes a day, I will make the most of it.  I don’t spend  more than two or three hours a day on a project because my writing will eventually feel forced.  No matter what works for you, writing in short bursts or long stretches, just be consistent.

3. Be Accepting -  I’ve never been 100% satisfied my writing.  My expectations exceed my abilities, but everyday I work to narrow the gap.  There are times when good is good enough.  Of course you should always do you’re absolute best, but be willing to accept less than perfect. 

4.  Be You - Very simple story ideas are the basis of all books, but your voice will make your story unique.  Don’t muffle it by imitating others’ styles.  And don’t waste your time trying to cash in on what’s hot today, whether it’s a young wizard or vampire.   Write the book you want to write and make it as good as you possibly can.  

 How to Write a Novel