How to write a book?

Question

I read a lot and have got dozens of ideas for books, but I've never seen anything written on how to go about actually writing a book. Does anybody have any ideas on how to get started on this?

Answer 1

The way I approach each novel I write (working on my 8th), I let the story tell itself, which means FORGET PLOT! Writing a plot can (and usually does among new authors, like me a few years ago) make the writing process difficult. While the story may start out strong, the middle becomes weak, especially if you already have an ending in mind and don't know how to get there.

A story has it's own life, and as a writer, it is your job to breathe that life into it. If you are writing a story and let the story unfold before you without rushing ahead to dictate what happens next. It's a hard urge to overcome, but worth it in the end.

Writing is supposed to be fun, and my experience has been to just write and let what words appear on the paper appear there.

Have fun!

Answer 2

Writing a book takes lots of time and effort I've only just realized that as well. You don't just sit there writing and POOF! there's a best seller in front of you. No you need time and good writing skills along with a plot. Brainstorm your ideas and write them down. Then jot down your characters and what they do. My teacher always gets us to do this. You also need good writing skills have you got that?? You'll have to get some if you don't. A book takes a long time. Especially if it's going to be a good book. But my advice is "DON'T GIVE UP!" Because also getting your book out to the public is something hard as well. Anyway try your best and DON'T EVER GIVE UP! Good luck!

Answer 3

You haven't been looking in the right places. I've seen dozens of books on how to write a book. I've got a couple on my shelves right now. Go to your book store or library and inquire or go to the catalog and look under novels or books or writing or how to. It's a big project. You might want to take a class.

Answer 4

well, i've always wanted to write a book too! here is a list of things to do in order.

1. choose a few character names
2. choose what setting you would really like your story in
3. write down a few ideas for the plot and climax of your book
4. choose the idea you want to use.
5. start with your first page (rough draft) and take a while to make your first chapter.
6. after that, each day write a chapter for your book.
7. finally, when you're finished with your rough draft, read your whole book and check for modifications
8. after modifying, read it over again just incase you want to edit a few more things.
9. when you're finally done editing, make your final.
10. after making your final draft, check in the phonebook for a publisher.
11. send the copy to the publisher so he could publish your book.
12. then, your book is made!!!!!!


good luck!!!!!!

Answer 5

Are you in college?

If you're not... Then it's like writing an outline for a class paper. Only really really long. If you're in college, it's like taking notes for your final thesis or statement...

The first rule in comparison being...

"If you cant make it interesting and make people want to read what you have to say then it's not good."

You have to organize your thoughts
catalog them
sort and filter your input and keep things in order.
then go back over and over and over again and again until its as perfect as you can possibly get it and then hand it over to someone else so that they can pick it apart and re hash it to the way they think it should be...

It is a long frustrating process..

But oh so rewarding and worth it in the end...

Good luck!

Answer 6

its only one thing you need to do and that is stop think about write a book and just start write it. it doesn't matter if you don't know what you want to write about once you start writing it will all come to you, as long as you have fun write it and your are enjoy what you write about other people will to.

Answer 7

with a pen and a piece of paper would be a good start

Answer 8

get a piece of paper and a pen, and get to work

Answer 9

try hollylisle.com