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.

Posted Tuesday, October 20th, 2009 at 10:14 am

in On writing, creative thinking | 33 Comments » |

Christelle - October 20, 2009 at 2:31 pm #

In regards to Tereai, I thought, at first, that writing couldn’t be taught, but after three years in a creative writing program I have realized that there is a lot to learn. Technique is not something you are born with. Learning some of the most basic elements of writing and reading can sky-rocket your abilities. Try reading “Ron Carlson Writes a Story” it’s a small simple book with a lot to offer. Great post!

Scott Berkun - October 20, 2009 at 2:51 pm #

Christelle: I agree. I wouldn’t say talent is irrelevant, only that people spend so much time arguing about what talent is, and who has it or doesn’t, that they could have easily written something half-decent if they put their energy there instead.

Scott Berkun - October 23, 2009 at 8:58 am #

Mike: Yes. I’d say about 30% of them are some form of very basic question, in many cases a question I answered in the original post, poorly written.

Another 20-30% are thoughtful posts of advice or at least a personal story of how they are trying to write and found my post useful.

Vicky - October 25, 2009 at 10:15 am #

Scott,
Thank you for your advice, I appreciate your candor. I have wanted to write a book for as long as I can remember. One afternoon, not too long ago, I awoke from a nap and rushed to get a pen and paper. I wrote a page and it feels great! Thanks again. Vicky.

Ann Woolsey - October 28, 2009 at 3:59 pm #

I’ve had an idea for a TV show, for 15 years, and think a book may be easier. Today, while visiting an old friend who’s in the same field, we realized we had the same idea, got excited sharing stories that educate and entertain. Your site was informative and hopefully you will be hearing more about how well this project moves along in the future.

Thanks for sharing

Peter - November 18, 2009 at 12:03 pm #

Thank you. I have always believed that the effort required to excel at what one does is much more likely to appear if one can first love what one does. For years now, I have been kicking around the idea of writing stories as I did when I was a child in school; for the simple joy of seeing the story in my head appear on paper. If I am published and recognized for that effort, great. If not, still great. No matter what I write, it will be a piece of me, different and unique and born of my heart. I often marvel at the forms that inspiration can take. Thank you…

Russell - November 19, 2009 at 12:42 am #

Ok, I have written a page (a scene from my novel)
Friends say its great but where can i get an unbiased opinion and informed feedback?

I keep going back to it and tweaking details/hunting for better words/etc but feel i dont have the knowledge to know when to stop. Or when to scrap a page and start again.
What are the copyright implications of showing my page to someone i dont know?
If i publish the page on the web, Does that have future implications on its inclusion in a finished novel?

Jay - November 27, 2009 at 10:33 am #

Writing is like art, because it is an art. And like art it combines 2 very important facets, technique and imagination. The one thing people seem to overlook in stories and art is that the flaws, mistakes, you make is what makes your piece perfect. Mistakes and flaws are human in nature and with out them an art piece (wether writing or painting) will feel inhuman, stale, and lifeless. Never be afraid of making mistakes and let that stop you from creating and sharing with people like me who would love to explore your worlds, knowledge and ideas. Thank you to anyone who shares these in any fashion.

Karen Osinski - November 28, 2009 at 4:15 am #

This is so funny. I wonder, do most of these people know that the “great” authors never thought about being famous, getting rich or any of these other dumb thoughts? A true writer writes to write and I am so happy that you are telling them that. I just started writing my first book and I was looking for something to help me organize my thoughts when I stumbled across this article. Thanks for the laugh guys, it’s nice to know that stupidity is still a predominate human trait!

SabrinaT - December 16, 2009 at 4:34 am #

Thanks! I started witting a few years ago, mostly to keep myself from crying when my husband was deployed. It sort of morphed into a passion. Now I find myself stopping in the middle of the street to jot down a note or story line. Most of what I write is crap, and that is totally OK with me. I just have to write. Much like I am dribbling on and on right now. My question (yep, its in here somewhere) is how do you not write like you talk? I know, sounds stupid. I find myself thinking faster then I can type or write (yep, real pen and paper here). How do you slow your brain down enough to you know not miss the good parts. The parts where he feel in love with she, or his kid was born. You know what I mean?

I have tried relaxation and yoga. But, I have 3 kids, and a husband who seems to have his wheels up more often then down these day. I relax to much and i’m sleeping. Drooling like a baby sleeping, not even good sleep/dream, and wake up inspired. Any advice would help A LOT more then Ritalin.

Riley - December 20, 2009 at 4:27 pm #

Jeez, can I just say Tereai has a stick up her butt? I don’t think she realizes that so-called “Naturals” would be anywhere if they didn’t do anything… besides with enough practice… you can do anything… (No one said you had to be able to do it well) The important things is to be able to LEARN.

Pretty good comments..

Mike Powell - December 27, 2009 at 5:51 pm #

After years of reading and hearing that writing can’t be taught, I ran across something that continues to resonate: “art is technique executed well”. We all have talent. True, some have more than others, but I don’t think a lack of talent is the primary reason so much of what does get published is of such poor quality. It’s ignorance of the basics.

To those who want to write I suggest studying the craft and not worrying about talent. There are a great many books, blogs, and websites about writing. You don’t need recommendations about any particular one. Read them all. Just like any writing, some are better than others, but each has something to offer. Do your homework and talent will take care of itself.

Mario - December 29, 2009 at 9:40 am #

You know, I have read several of these “how to write book” sites (for fun of course ;-) and I have to tell you, you are, by far, the funniest. I’m working on my first fiction novel and I can’t agree with your views more. I love the “just shut up and do it” mentality. You’re not waking up and thinking hmmm, maybe I should fix my car or build an airplane, it’s a book! Anyway, thanks for the laughs!

AbeK - January 10, 2010 at 5:15 pm #

That’s a good one… I disagree on the ‘hell with publishers’ part though. The literary world is an unholy nexus between the agents, publishers, distributors and the booksellers. If you self-publish, the chances are that you will only sell nothing or something close to it. The right publisher (beware the vanity publishers) is critical to a book’s success else it doesn’t reach the readers. So you definitely need ‘in’ into the mob.
This I have learned from the one book I have written so far. The next one will do better… or so I pray! :)

Dan Southby - January 11, 2010 at 12:25 am #

Hi Scott,

I just found a article you wrote about writing and what to do when first starting out with a blank page. I just recently started writing my first book and found your article to be well written with great advice, especially if you have writers block. It was also humorous in some spots and made me laugh so thank you for the smiles on my face. I only hope one day I will be a successful writer as yourself!

Mehul Desai - January 18, 2010 at 11:58 am #

Are there any good online tools that you recommend – to actually start writing the book – i am thinking to use a blog – but not sure if that will allow me to be flexibile to move chapters and content around.

Reshma D'Silva - February 1, 2010 at 9:31 am #

I love writing, it seems to come naturally to me. :-) I aspire to write a book some day, but more so for myself than others. I find writing very relaxing and fulfilling. Your post was very helpful. I agree that it is indeed a lot of work, but it�s fun too :-)

Nancy Andre - February 19, 2010 at 11:32 am #

I am in the process of writing a book. It began as just putting down thoughts on paper and has slowly evolved. I really don’t have any problems with it. I just wanted to say your sense of humor is so entertaining. Thanks for the smile. You take away fear.

Constance Lang - February 20, 2010 at 12:48 pm #

I am a very successful well known business woman in the professional haircare industry, I am also a talented writer, I have, in the past, done an industry related news magazine with a circulation of 25k to 51 countries, I am a writer before business woman and have always “threatened” to write my book! It is now time to write, I can get the stories out of my head and on to paper, no problem, but, now I am struggling with the approach to the subject of the professional hair industry, do I write an expose? a tell all? my life story (would anyone be interested) a look deep into the bowels of “beauty”, I am afraid of a rambing! I need direction in choosing how to proceed and how to define what would be of most interest, to the general public or just the profession and how to approach the subject.

Steve Sperandeo - February 21, 2010 at 11:29 am #

Firstly, thank you very much for your two articles; they were a pleasure to read.

Secondly, in response to the “TALENT” buzz-kill comment, there’s a really good book called “Talent Is Overrated” by Geoff Colvin. It delves into the connection between long, sustained periods of work and greatness. It also tears down the magical veil from trite examples of greatness like Mozart, Tiger Woods and others. And while I have always been a strong advocate for genetics, upbringing and someone’s natural state in determining performance, I think I was a little arrogant. I downplayed or simply underestimated the role of 20 years of sustained work supplemented by mentorship from previous masters. I honestly believe that talent is overrated now.

Work, research, seek mentorships with Masters, converse with the community, teach, copy (be don’t publish copied material) for practice. I know this sounds like I’m buffing this book again, but please, read that book. One of the most useful things I drew from it was the simple definition of ‘Work’. It’s used vaguely the world over, but knowing the difference between good work and bad work is important. So, when someone says, “Work hard for 20 years; then you’ll be great.” Beware! There are good ways to work hard and bad ways to work hard.

I think I’ve exhausted the allowed character limit for this post. Again, great articles Scott and thank you everyone for commenting.

Shells - February 25, 2010 at 6:15 pm #

Your answers to all the questions are as cool as old fashioned detectives with fedoras!
And I can understand why your post is so popular – you just make it sound like small steps. Write a sentence, write the page, complete the chapter, bind the book. Your confidence has knocked my procrastination/fear/excuses off the shelf.

My publishing date is October 2010.

Thanks again.

tom c - February 28, 2010 at 11:52 am #

I understand that it dos take hard work and self-dicipline to write a good book.Research is important, fact checking is important theres alot of work to writing, but anyone can do it.Where I’m getting stuck is what comes first title or the actual “meat” of it.I’ve always had an interest in writing fiction stories, but I’m involved in politics quite a bit ,as of lately, so I think Ill start with a political book.The current events may even make it profitable, who knows unless u try.Btw thanks much for the help.

Tina Smallwood - March 9, 2010 at 11:04 am #

I have a completed outline, all characters are in sequence and story line plotted out, prologue and first chapter complete. I’m stuck because my “book” reads like a movie manuscript. any advise?

Craig - March 15, 2010 at 10:53 am #

That’s a great article. Perfect. It really encapsulates what it is to be a writer in an entertaining manner. I’m ashamed to say I liked the “My dog Max” reply the best.
If you have the time, I’ve been involved in the developement of an innovative new publishing site you should see. It allows readers to read a work as it is written and it gives authors feedback as they write. After a reader checks out the first chapter, they can download and discuss subsequent chapters for 97 cents each. Its like looking over the author’s shoulder and whispering in his ear. If a reader participates in all the chapters, they get a copy of the book when it is finished. Take a look at http://youpublish.webs.com . The first book is called “The Pendulum Man”. Become a member(free) and help out if you can. (A nice write-up wouldn’t hurt.)