Where do you start with writing a book?

Question

I have so many ideas but particularly want to write about the experience of care and help others overcome what will be a huge emotional hurdle in adulthood. I have a long list of valuable experiences that I would like to write about along similar lines but don't know where to start, book type etc
All I have is a title "close encounters with an emotional mind" which to me encompasses the unnatural experience of feeling suicidal?
Any suggestions please

Answer 1

once upon a time

Answer 2

Start with that list and brainstorm each entry - one by one in a black and white marble notebook. Organize them - chronologically would probably be best. What you are looking for is a common thread - which is the theme of the work. Decide on your overall message. What are you trying to tell people? The tough part with any type of a memoir or autobiographical piece is exactly how much you want to tell. It can be extremely emotional and gut wrenching to write such a work. You have to be very stable to write this or you may find it just makes the depression worse. Do you have a therapist? This may be something you want to work out in therapy - chapter by chapter. I have known people who wrote memoirs that way. Just take it very slowly. Pace yourself. Don't push yourself. Let it happen naturally. Once you have brainstormed every entry on your list, sit down and really give them thought. Is this something you are ready to tell the world or should you leave it out? You are entering very emotional waters here. Your first concern is your own health, well-being and stability - heck with the readers. Memoir writing can be a wonderful thing but it can also really take a toll on the writer reliving incidents from the past. It is up to you to decide if you are ready to bare yourself like that. Good luck. Pax - C

Answer 3

I am a new author, just recently signing a contract with a publisher for a children's picture book. I started by purchasing a book entitled "How to Write A Children's Book and Get It Published" by Barbara Seuling. The information in there was invaluable! It may also help up and coming authors who are writing adult books, because it contains information about publishing companies and offers many addresses, etc. about information authors might need.

After that, just start writing down your thoughts, if you haven't already done so. After your thoughts are written, try to organize them (you can also hire a co-author or ghost writer to help you if you are unable to do this).

Your book would probably fall in the category of "Self-Help" or "Psychology." Go to the library and check out books that explain the publishing/writing process (there are many). Do your research and have fun! I wish you all the best!

Answer 4

The best place to start is by narrating the experience you find most emotion-producing. It doesn't have to be the first chapter in the finished book; that comes later.

You might think of your book as a series of vignettes, each of which makes a point or brings out an emotion.

But don't worry yourself with questions such as "where do I start?"

Just start. You can always revise; that's the beauty of writing.

Answer 5

Ok, do you wish to write about the plight of somebody who is suicidal and draw people's attention to the mental health problems associated with it? In reality? If so, you could write a non-fiction book or article. A how to book. How to overcome mental illness and suicidal feelings etc. Perhaps submit an article to a mental health magazine.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/3777321.stm

Or even just a blog(a web log on the day to day problem of fighting depression)

However, if you wish to write a book about a made -up (fictional character) undergoing suicidal tendencies, then this would be a short story or a novel.

Writing about what you know is often a good starting point. If you understand the plight of a person/character under these conditions. You can write whatever you like. However, if you wish other people to buy and read your work you need to be published.

There are two things I recommend to help you in this- the writers and artist yearbook- uk guide on how to find agents and publishers to accept your work
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Writers-Artists-Yearbook-2007/dp/0713677120s and artist's yearbook


and writing magazine.

http://www.writingmagazine.co.uk/main/default.asp

Answer 6

You have a couple of choices.

1. Just start writing a stream of conciousness, and try and string your thoughts together, once you feel like you've told your story start on the editing process, re-reading what you've written will help you put a structure around it.

2. Order your ideas in your head and write out a chapter list, then take each chapter and split that up into sections of things you want to say, keep splitting the work up until you've got yourself some manageable chunks, then take each chunk as it's own story.

Good luck with it.

Answer 7

nicely first you will be able to desire to have an theory, a style of writing (or voice), and lots to pass on. in case you examine alot, you are able to probable locate out which style of voice you desire to verify, and probability is you will write with an identical type. in case you have a undeniable theory approximately one section on your head, merely write that section, and pass from there. this might supply help to construct your tale. Writing a e book takes an prolonged time, and getting printed is extremely confusing. do no longer think of you would be completed each time quickly. merely prepare writing and start up everywhere you have an theory. sturdy success!

Answer 8

Firstly you must believe that you can because its a necessary requirement and secondly because its true, you can. I wrote a short story this morning at 3am. Took me an hour but it was a good piece when finished. No ideas, I just sat down and wrote. I would advise that you start writing and see where it leads. Take the confidence forward. And try to be a little more private about it, there are those who would steal from you. Best wishes.

Answer 9

there is actually a guide that you can buy from the bookstore that is called something like "How to Get Your Writing Published" It tells you how to plan and write the book. It also gives you addresses and phone numbers of publishers across the country. Check it ou, it may point you in the right direction! Good Luck...if you become a big time author, I hope you'll remember this question and answer!

Answer 10

A lot of authors will start by writing the last chapter first, then writing the rest of the book leading up to the chapter at the end. That way they know what they are building up to.

Answer 11

A book has chapters and each chapter tells a little story of its own but also refers to all the other chapters. Start a chapter and then decide whether the other chapters should go in front or follow. Good luck. Lovely title.