How does one go about writing a book?

I'm starting to write a non-fiction book about my experience with teenage depression, mental breakdown, and going to a psychiatric hospital (fun stuff, huh?! Woo!). Annnd, I was wondering if any writers out there know of some websites that could explain the process, how to get published, etc. Any help would be greatly appreciated, and I'll love you for eternity and 5 days.

 

When you have a finished book, than worry about how to get it published.

For now, writers write- and that's all you have to worry about.

 

What he means is, Start, with the idea. You have that already. The next step is... Are you sitting down??? Write it.

 

Wow. You guys are so clever. Wherever did you attain such wit? C'mon...I know how the hell to write a book, but I was inquiring about TIPS for writing, and things like that. Not just publishing. But thank you both for all of your wonderful help!

 

You sound awful naive, "I know how to write a book..."


Unless you've already done it- know you don't.

Here's your tip: Writers write.

The secret of getting published is to produce a marketable manuscript.

 

I wouldn`t just sit down and write... that doesn`t always work so well. One of the biggest mistakes people make is when they think that a book is just a bunch of fetishised words or well-constructed sentences. Who really wants to read something that they could have easily done by themselves?

Writing is the same as any other job... you need to train yourself to get good at it. And you need to work hard to figure out what works and what doesn`t.

I would start out by writing down a list of everything you want to talk about. Like an outline. Then keep changing your outline until you have a story... one that has a good rhythm. Make sure there`s a realization at the end... it doesn`t have to be the character realizing something, but the audience has to feel like they`ve confronted something important... and something that relates back to themselves.

I`ve found it helps you to write more coherently if you think about all the story elements separately.

For example, you could start by describing each of the places (settings) you want to write about. Think about what happened in the hospital-- was it cold? Was it bright? Did the attendants talk much? What kind of voices did they have? What was the pattern on the floor? Things like that. People can identify with tangible things... things like rooms and temperatures and smells and sounds...

Then think about the characters. Where were they from? Who were their parents? What did they like to do? It`s the same small talk kind of stuff that you use when you`re meeting someone for the first time... or maybe like that short blurb in the front of books describing the author`s background.

I think it`s really naive to say that getting published means selling out... that`s not true. People always want to try new things, and what publisher isn`t anxious to expand the market?

But you do have to conform to some sort of standard... that`s just a basic precept of communication. Writing follows the same basic rules as conversation... people hate self-centred windbags, are interested in people who share their interests, and admire intelligent, articulate and charismatic thinkers.

Writing is always a dialogue between the writer and his/her audience. So it`s absolutely necessary to have something interesting to say... and to present it so that people can understand.

 

Why must people be assholes?

I'm not referring to all of you...but Jesus, give a girl a break. I am naive about writing a book...OBVIOUSLY...or why would I have asked for advice about it? I meant, I know how to WRITE. To brainstorm, collect my thoughts, come up with summary with specific ideas & supporting them, and putting it to paper, revising it, editing it...blah blah blah. I've written before, but I've never written a novel. Only short stories and poetry.

So if there is anyone else who would like to respond, who doesn't have anything smart-assed or f-ing rude to say, I'd be glad to hear it!

(and thank you, to misterrain, for giving me the only constructive advice on the thread without being hostile about it!)

 

We really ARE trying to help.... There are several Published Authors here on these forums. Angelgodiva is one... She does a womens magazine.

I think what we're trying to say, is, Start, by putting most of your effort into the actual writing. One suggestion I offer, is write one hour a day. Even if you have nothing to say in particular. This provides ideas for ways to take your work, Ideas on where to go with your work when you get "Writers Block".

 

Thank you, Matt, for putting that in more useful & understanding terms. I realize that there are a few here who know a heck of alot more about writing than I do, which is why I asked for advice. As far as writing, and writer's block...I agree, going back to previous ideas is useful...and I have to do that often, because this month just isn't my month for writing, if ya know what I mean. Thank you

 

think about the contents of the book.

like:

1) My family

2) My childhood:
2.1) The neighborhood I grew up
2.2) The juniors' soccer league
2.3) The car accident I had
2.3.a) The Aftermath
2.3.b) The blah blah

3) School Years

and etc.

This way you can concentrate on the sections and control the flow of the book. When all sections are done, then it's Voltran,Voltran,Voltran! time (combine them).

 

The content sounds great, but whats the title going to be?

 

My advise, don't try to control your writing just let it come.

Don't worry with predetermining your ideas, I find that is a pretty good way of avoiding what's real.

Just write.
And write.
And write.

And let it all come out.

Seriously, if you don't let it have a life of it's own then you stand a good chance of killing it.

As for the writing itself.

Don't tell, show. Don't say "I was happy" show the reader that you were happy.

I find that working with anything potentially sensory is makes much better writing. "I tear the daisy out of my throat" as opposed to "I had a sore throat so I didn't say anything."

Go for the jugular. If there's something scary and daunting, dive right in. It, not only is truth (you can't fabricate those things) but has a lot of energy and you feel seriously liberated once you are done.

Other than that, just sit back, relax and enjoy the ride that is the writing process. Just stick at it. And good luck.

Blessings

Sebbi

 

One thing I personally have been very lucky with, is my characters take on lives of thier very own. My main character in one story, actually tells me (Inside my mind) what she is doing, why she is doing it, and what the outcome is. I just copy down what she said. (My "On Ice..." story.)


It helps sometimes too, to read other authors work. Get a taste for their style.
I like Sue Grafton, and Robert B Parker. My main character, is an offspring of Kinsey Milhone, and Spenser.

 

For the poster who asked about the title...I have no idea, I usually name my work after I get done with it!

I already know how I plan to write...as in, what order. Background info about childhood, family, etc. Hitting puberty, the beginning of depression, JR. high school. Deepening depression, high school, mental breakdown, mental hosptial. Of course, there will be alot more to it than that, but can't fuss with details here. I've been influenced by writers too...I love the way they write, and I shouldn't say "I try to write like them"...their writing style is much like my own, but I know that they know things I don't because they're already published, and they're older! So there are a few writers I admire. This isn't going to be your typical biography. I've been spending alot of time thinking about my audience, and where I'm going with this.

I'd love to elaborate, but the bell is about to ring. (at school) Thanks everybody!

Peace-