How to write a book, part 2

One of my most popular posts in history is how to write a book: the short honest truth. It has over 300 comments and it’s the 2nd or 3rd link if you search various search engines for how to write.

I’ve gone through before to answer some entertaining questions, and recently found some more fun ones that are worth responding to in a separate post.

POPOOLA ABAYOMI asked:

PLAESE HELP ME KNOW HOW TO WRITE

Um, no. Not until you at least spell the first word correctly and turn the caps off. (odds are 50/50 this post was written by my dog, Max, playing a practical joke on me).

Geraint wrote:

hey im 15 and im writing a book and i was wondering what you do when u get writers block because im getting it alot now im on my 1050th page of my book, its good so far i think and i was just wondering if you had any tips on how to get rid of writers block or on how to get inspiration? great article by the way lots of help :D

If that’s not a typo, and you have 1050 pages, your problem is not writers block my friend. You may even have writers anti-block. When you’re in the hundreds of pages it’s a good idea to stop for a few minutes and think about plot and structure. Or find an editor to read some of what you’re written.

Lynne wrote:

I am a surgical RN,,and I know nothing about writing a book,,but I want to write one related to things that are important and maybe useful to others (nothing to do with the medical field), my concerns is how to start the book, do i do a outline first or do I just jump in a start writing and organize later,,what program should I use on my pc???

There is no single way to do this and everyone works differently. Try writing an outline. If you don’t like that, try jumping in. Personally I like outlines. It helps me sort out my thinking and gives a rough structure to aim for, but I’m always willing to abandon the outline when it feels right. It’s also a good barometer for how clear my thinking is, since if I can’t list ten or twelve ideas, or points, or plot notes, it’s unlikely I’ll have enough for an entire chapter, much less a book. But many writers work the other way. The important thing is you try something, and if it doesn’t work, try something else. There are plenty of gimmicky books that offer other methods too.

Chris wrote:

That was great, I decided I will make a film instead.

Hmmm. I actually think making films is harder than writing books, but perhaps I should keep my mouth shut.

Art asked:

I have a wife and a son and while I think others would enjoy my stories would I even be able to get published on a low end well enough to pay the bills persay? I know it’s a question asked quite often and I’ll be doing a bit more searching and I may turn up some answers I just would like to hear it from someone who has been there.

Assume not. And for those story writers who do earn enough to pay the bills it takes years or decades to earn enough credibility and audience for that to happen. It’s certainly possible, but the odds are against it, especially if you’re talking about short stories. Write for other reasons, but do write. You’ll learn much about yourself just by trying.

Ashley inquired:

thanks for the article. I love to write stories, that is in my head i do. I can imagine so many different places, situations, and stories. However, when I sit down to write them out or pick up paper and pen to write it out, I can’t seem to word it right. At least, not all of what i wanted to write. I have great openers, the first chapter, so to speak comes so naturally. I can do an outline of what I want to say, how I want the story to go, but, when it comes to actually writing the whole thing out I get stuck.

and Janet asked:

The problem i’m having is this , it’s all in my head, getting it on paper is the hard part. I started writing one evening about four months ago, and got bugged down with it. Telling the story is very easy ,but putting it in the form of a book i’m having struggles.

Ha! Welcome to the torture of being a creative. There are thousands of musicians who can hear songs in their heads, but can’t make it sound right on the piano or guitar. Painters who imagine canvases in their dreams they can never replicate in the day. The discipline of creative work is learning how to close that gap, over time, through the mastery of craft. There is no shortcut. It doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong, it feels that way for most creative people most of the time. The difference is those who fight through and keep working learn to close the gap. Or perhaps simply make excellent work others love, even if it never perfectly matches what the creator had in their mind.

Lis asked:

How do you get pass the fear? All I keep thinking is that I will be laughed at and think my book stupid.

Weren’t you afraid to leave this comment? You did write it after all, despite the fact I could call you stupid. A book is just a collection of 8,000 or so sentences. If you can write one you can write 8000. When anyone laughs at your book, just say “ok, where is yours?” Then when they start to make up some excuse for not having one, hit them in the face (with your book).

Kim, who perhaps did not read the post, asked:

I know I can write; I live and breath to write. What completely douses my enthusiasm are the odds of getting published. That thought takes the wind right out of me!

To hell with publishers then. Go to kinkos. Go to lulu. If you are obsessed with someone else publishing your book your problem isn’t writing, it’s your ego. Self publishing gives you control over the odds.

Tereai said:

If the truth be told writing is natural. It cannot be taught. Thats why there’s a word called TALENT. If its not in you no matter how you force yourself it wont be as good as the naturals.

Who cares? The coolness of writing is you can revise. If you are willing to put in effort writing gets better as you work with it. I’d agree with you perhaps for figure skating or opera, but the tools for writing are available to all. And besides, name a talented writer who didn’t work. Name a natural. I’d bet you they didn’t see their process, discipline or effort as natural. They’d describe it, much like I did in the original post, as work.

MJ quipped:

The first is write the beginning.
write the end and then fill in the blanks !

As silly as this sounds, the first question I ask people when they ask about writing books is this: Have you written a page? And when they say no, I suggest perhaps their problem isn’t with writing books, it’s with writing a page. If you can’t write a page, don’t worry about books, worry about paragraphs.

If you missed part1, this will all make more sense if you go back and read it.

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Most popular related posts:

The life of a book: part 2
How to write a book – the short honest truth
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Have a novel in you? Prove it (National novel writing month)
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94 Comments » | Posted Tuesday, October 20th, 2009 at 10:14 am in creative thinking, On writing

94 thoughts on “How to write a book, part 2”

Elizabeth - April 7, 2012 at 5:25 am #

“When anyone laughs at your book, just say “ok, where is yours?” Then when they start to make up some excuse for not having one, hit them in the face (with your book).”

Awesome! :-)

Kyle - March 30, 2012 at 11:39 pm #

Thank you for writing this, I know you enjoyed doing so. I have learned a lot from you. I am 17 years old, I had a rough, very abnormal life. I have the plot of the book and I know what I need to work on; I need to turn it into a fiction and fill in all of the little things, (which would be the hardest part for me). It will take me a very long time but in the end it will all be worth it – I’m determined.

Rachel Howeth - March 28, 2012 at 8:44 am #

Your comments are awesome! I’ve enjoyed just reading those. I hope you are wildly successful with your career.

Catherine Hendry - January 19, 2012 at 8:49 pm #

I want to write about my illness and disability. MANY people suffer from the same thing, and we need a voice. I have gastroparesis (paralyzed stomach), DTP (digestive tract paralysis), DJD (dejenerative joint disorder, RLS (restless leg syndrome), RSD (reflexive sympathetic dystrophy), CD/ST (cervical dystonia/spasmodic torticolus), fibromyalgia, not to mention, SEVERE anxiety and panic disorder, bi-polarism. PLEASE help! This book is going to help SO many. Allowing them to see THEY ARE NOT ALONE! I have mentioned this in my group sessions and have gotten ONLY requests and urging to write this book.

Tali - January 16, 2012 at 10:34 pm #

I need help. My problem isnt writing. The real problem is that i have a story but when i start to write my fingers take me in a whole different dirrection. I reveal things i wasnt planning on revealing later, turn friends into lovers and bassically destroy my entire storyline. Since it still turns out good ive been advised just to go with it but while it may be working now when i get to the end i will have no real structure! What do i do?

Scott Berkun - January 17, 2012 at 4:53 pm #
What you will do is write a second draft. If you plan to write a second draft, you’ll be able to sift through where your story went, find the parts that work, and rewrite your story with that in mind. All good writing is rewriting.
Reply

Tasha - December 22, 2011 at 7:17 am #

Hi,
I really need some help with,a question,
What are the requarments to writing a book?
Like does it have to be such and such page’s? Such and Such many chapters?
How many pages should be in the chapter.
Thats the only thing that is holding me back from writing a book. I started many a book but the fire in me just went out.
But now Ive got a good story i beleive going on. I just need to know the requarments.
Also, Where would I go to get my book published.
Thanks.

Phil Atkinson - December 21, 2011 at 10:39 am #

Hi there
What a superbly refreshing, down to earth insight into ‘writing a book’. Love your frankness and honesty.

Charmaine - December 20, 2011 at 7:59 am #

I have been starting to write books over the last 2years but I seem to get writers block a lot and then I don’t finish them or I get a new idea for a book. But I want to finish them but don’t have the courage. But I LOVE books and the idea of writing a book. I just don’t know if its worth my time and if its good enough…. And now I have a brilliant idea for a book that could easily lead to a series but I’m not sure.

Bradly Shorts - December 17, 2011 at 6:00 pm #

I love the two articles put together. They make a lot of sense. I have a friend who loves writing and I couldn’t imagine why at the time. I’ve always enjoyed reading and wished I could write but created a block for myself saying I can’t. I know I can because I’m writing this comment right now. The most discouraging part would have to be the work involved. I believe that with the right motivation it wouldn’t be hard work but enjoyable work. My friend never has said it’s been easy, I know it’s not. I hope that everyone that has those inspiring stories share them because I’d love to read them.

Rasia - December 14, 2011 at 9:23 pm #

Hi. Thank you for the article. It is very helpful!! Please help me, I want write a book for children to learn a new language (basic words). It is a dream of my life to do it, but I have idea and I can put it on a paper, however, I do not know what to do next. Please help me. And I also have a problem with pictures for my book, not sure how to put the pictures on the paper, I mean how writers do that?

Viviene - December 9, 2011 at 5:04 pm #

Haha love this post. I went on to research about how to write a book and landed on your blog. Thanks for the honesty =)

Itohan Idugie - December 5, 2011 at 3:37 am #

Hello sir,
I’m an African who live in Africa and want to write a very good book. I talk well seemingly and can write very well. But when I start writing sometimes,I just forget so many ideas or phrases I would have said or thought about correctly. Please you have any idea on how I can write a book(non fictional), that inspires people all over.

Itohan

gretchen - October 20, 2011 at 8:29 pm #

You sir, are a hoot! Thanks for the giggles. You have loads of practical advice and a great sense of humor. I have been writing since I was young. I have been writing poetry forever and doing readings in the last two years. I’ve toyed with the idea of writing a book-something more serious but I know most of what you share in your blog so I hesitate.

Thanks again for the great advice and the laughs along the way.
Sincerely Gretchen

Roy - October 15, 2011 at 6:37 am #

This blog is very valuable information (and perspective) for someone who wants to take the step of writing to publish or even serious writing in general. Thank you for putting it out there. I have begun writing and before I did so I did some research and found a local literary agent who listed a novel of which I enjoyed very much as one of her favorites. I sent her an email asking if she or one of her staff would consider meeting with me for 15 minutes just to understand the basics and take the appropriate 1st step. She said, ‘Sorry….but literary agents do not give lessons on publishing. Research the web, there is plenty of information out there to answer your questions. Good luck.’ So I did, and I found your Part 1 and Part 2. The thing is, is the internet has varying levels of integrity and anything good usually comes with a fee….which is fair, but many bad things come with a fee also. And who really wants advice from the internet when it comes to writing…I mean I want to sit down with Stephen King! Or, honestly, anyone who is in the industry. Why would a person who wants to start off on the right foot want to trust the internet? On ‘day one’ with no experience and plenty of interest…an old dog or up and coming person in any occupation of the industry is where you want to ask the 1st questions to begin work. Because those answers can be the only honest answers. When I was 17 years old I had some money I had saved from working through high school and I told my mother I was interested in talking to someone about investing. I was intrigued and read Money magazine, etc. My mother owns a small business and spoke to her accountant (a firm) and he was very interested in meeting with me and answering any of my questions before I started trying different things with the $1500 I had. Now, while answering my questions I did invest my money into a mutual fund that he got credit on. But he didn’t talk me into it, he just told me the facts and told me how to invest in others and what I should look for…. Either way I felt he had spoke to me so I chose to work with him and I tripled my money in 5 years and everyone was happy. The days of experienced people wanting to spend 15 minutes to discuss interest in their industry with an interested person seems to have gone away….and not just in the industries of publishing or authoring. Everyone wants to keep things close to the vest. Bah-hum-bug! Why not help someone along? I work more hours than I should in my field and I am successful and there is tons of competition, but why would I not want to help a young person or seasoned fogie if they have an interest. At least to allow the person to understand at the reality…this is what is good, this is what is bad, this is what you don’t want to do and this is what you can expect. Are we selfish, paranoid, or just annoyed? I understand many people might ask for that short cut or secret…but I didn’t, and was clear I was not looking for that. And I am satisfied with the literary agent’s response. I took her advice. But would you not agree that a face to face with someone in this industry would be good? And if so, where can I find that?

Elizabeth - April 7, 2012 at 5:25 am #
“When anyone laughs at your book, just say “ok, where is yours?” Then when they start to make up some excuse for not having one, hit them in the face (with your book).”

Awesome! :-)

Kyle - March 30, 2012 at 11:39 pm #
Thank you for writing this, I know you enjoyed doing so. I have learned a lot from you. I am 17 years old, I had a rough, very abnormal life. I have the plot of the book and I know what I need to work on; I need to turn it into a fiction and fill in all of the little things, (which would be the hardest part for me). It will take me a very long time but in the end it will all be worth it – I’m determined.

Rachel Howeth - March 28, 2012 at 8:44 am #
Your comments are awesome! I’ve enjoyed just reading those. I hope you are wildly successful with your career.

Catherine Hendry - January 19, 2012 at 8:49 pm #
I want to write about my illness and disability. MANY people suffer from the same thing, and we need a voice. I have gastroparesis (paralyzed stomach), DTP (digestive tract paralysis), DJD (dejenerative joint disorder, RLS (restless leg syndrome), RSD (reflexive sympathetic dystrophy), CD/ST (cervical dystonia/spasmodic torticolus), fibromyalgia, not to mention, SEVERE anxiety and panic disorder, bi-polarism. PLEASE help! This book is going to help SO many. Allowing them to see THEY ARE NOT ALONE! I have mentioned this in my group sessions and have gotten ONLY requests and urging to write this book.

Tali - January 16, 2012 at 10:34 pm #
I need help. My problem isnt writing. The real problem is that i have a story but when i start to write my fingers take me in a whole different dirrection. I reveal things i wasnt planning on revealing later, turn friends into lovers and bassically destroy my entire storyline. Since it still turns out good ive been advised just to go with it but while it may be working now when i get to the end i will have no real structure! What do i do?

Tasha - December 22, 2011 at 7:17 am #
Hi,
I really need some help with,a question,
What are the requarments to writing a book?
Like does it have to be such and such page’s? Such and Such many chapters?
How many pages should be in the chapter.
Thats the only thing that is holding me back from writing a book. I started many a book but the fire in me just went out.
But now Ive got a good story i beleive going on. I just need to know the requarments.
Also, Where would I go to get my book published.
Thanks.

Phil Atkinson - December 21, 2011 at 10:39 am #
Hi there
What a superbly refreshing, down to earth insight into ‘writing a book’. Love your frankness and honesty.

Charmaine - December 20, 2011 at 7:59 am #
I have been starting to write books over the last 2years but I seem to get writers block a lot and then I don’t finish them or I get a new idea for a book. But I want to finish them but don’t have the courage. But I LOVE books and the idea of writing a book. I just don’t know if its worth my time and if its good enough…. And now I have a brilliant idea for a book that could easily lead to a series but I’m not sure.

Bradly Shorts - December 17, 2011 at 6:00 pm #
I love the two articles put together. They make a lot of sense. I have a friend who loves writing and I couldn’t imagine why at the time. I’ve always enjoyed reading and wished I could write but created a block for myself saying I can’t. I know I can because I’m writing this comment right now. The most discouraging part would have to be the work involved. I believe that with the right motivation it wouldn’t be hard work but enjoyable work. My friend never has said it’s been easy, I know it’s not. I hope that everyone that has those inspiring stories share them because I’d love to read them.

Rasia - December 14, 2011 at 9:23 pm #
Hi. Thank you for the article. It is very helpful!! Please help me, I want write a book for children to learn a new language (basic words). It is a dream of my life to do it, but I have idea and I can put it on a paper, however, I do not know what to do next. Please help me. And I also have a problem with pictures for my book, not sure how to put the pictures on the paper, I mean how writers do that?

Viviene - December 9, 2011 at 5:04 pm #
Haha love this post. I went on to research about how to write a book and landed on your blog. Thanks for the honesty =)

Itohan Idugie - December 5, 2011 at 3:37 am #
Hello sir,
I’m an African who live in Africa and want to write a very good book. I talk well seemingly and can write very well. But when I start writing sometimes,I just forget so many ideas or phrases I would have said or thought about correctly. Please you have any idea on how I can write a book(non fictional), that inspires people all over.

Itohan

gretchen - October 20, 2011 at 8:29 pm #
You sir, are a hoot! Thanks for the giggles. You have loads of practical advice and a great sense of humor. I have been writing since I was young. I have been writing poetry forever and doing readings in the last two years. I’ve toyed with the idea of writing a book-something more serious but I know most of what you share in your blog so I hesitate.

Thanks again for the great advice and the laughs along the way.
Sincerely Gretchen

Roy - October 15, 2011 at 6:37 am #
This blog is very valuable information (and perspective) for someone who wants to take the step of writing to publish or even serious writing in general. Thank you for putting it out there. I have begun writing and before I did so I did some research and found a local literary agent who listed a novel of which I enjoyed very much as one of her favorites. I sent her an email asking if she or one of her staff would consider meeting with me for 15 minutes just to understand the basics and take the appropriate 1st step. She said, ‘Sorry….but literary agents do not give lessons on publishing. Research the web, there is plenty of information out there to answer your questions. Good luck.’ So I did, and I found your Part 1 and Part 2. The thing is, is the internet has varying levels of integrity and anything good usually comes with a fee….which is fair, but many bad things come with a fee also. And who really wants advice from the internet when it comes to writing…I mean I want to sit down with Stephen King! Or, honestly, anyone who is in the industry. Why would a person who wants to start off on the right foot want to trust the internet? On ‘day one’ with no experience and plenty of interest…an old dog or up and coming person in any occupation of the industry is where you want to ask the 1st questions to begin work. Because those answers can be the only honest answers. When I was 17 years old I had some money I had saved from working through high school and I told my mother I was interested in talking to someone about investing. I was intrigued and read Money magazine, etc. My mother owns a small business and spoke to her accountant (a firm) and he was very interested in meeting with me and answering any of my questions before I started trying different things with the $1500 I had. Now, while answering my questions I did invest my money into a mutual fund that he got credit on. But he didn’t talk me into it, he just told me the facts and told me how to invest in others and what I should look for…. Either way I felt he had spoke to me so I chose to work with him and I tripled my money in 5 years and everyone was happy. The days of experienced people wanting to spend 15 minutes to discuss interest in their industry with an interested person seems to have gone away….and not just in the industries of publishing or authoring. Everyone wants to keep things close to the vest. Bah-hum-bug! Why not help someone along? I work more hours than I should in my field and I am successful and there is tons of competition, but why would I not want to help a young person or seasoned fogie if they have an interest. At least to allow the person to understand at the reality…this is what is good, this is what is bad, this is what you don’t want to do and this is what you can expect. Are we selfish, paranoid, or just annoyed? I understand many people might ask for that short cut or secret…but I didn’t, and was clear I was not looking for that. And I am satisfied with the literary agent’s response. I took her advice. But would you not agree that a face to face with someone in this industry would be good? And if so, where can I find that?