book writing for dummies (like me!)

[mimififi]

Hi guys,

It has been suggested about 7 times in the last 6 months by 7 different people that I should try and write books for a living. Obviously, these people are also mad and insane and think that I have something to offer the general public, (tooo funny) but then again, just because they are as mad as cheese, doesn't make them wrong.

So, How on this honest earth, do I get started. Obviously, I can write, and spell and have some ideas, but where from there? Who do I tell. Do I need any qualifications, I'm not actually an Oxford fellow or anything you see.

I have a Ba in English lit (mainly medieval and classical lit, but some modern/postmodern texts too) and a Post grad in English and drama and was thinking about a masters in creative writing (when I get the cash!) but do i need anything else? Do I need to be part of a writing group or anything like that?

Am I just being naive that I could ever do it? Is it something everyone thinks they should do at some part in their life? Could it ever work for a nobody?

Thoughts please, either way, help in the right direction, or an end to pie in the sky.

luv
mimi

[nickmo]

Hi Mi - been a couple of similar queries recently. In summary, have a look at : http://www.writersshop.com/index.html

Check the Writers Year Book for info on publishers. Do not self publish - get a publisher when, you are ready, that handles similar topics to that you want to develop. Take time to get the storyline right, and enjoy the writing - its not a chore. If it becomes so. consider the options.

[CLOWN TICKLE]

Have a look on the question wordcount on p2 on this thread( currently bottom question) also my daughter writes fan fiction and has written help pages which if you email me I can direct you to

[email protected]

[JamesEverton]

I've recently been mulling over whether I could start writing, too. It seems that everyone that I mention it to is the same. I haven't kicked into gear yet so my 'advice' isn't based on any experience.

I'm sure that one of the principle differences between published authors and all of the people who want to be writers is whether or not they've written anything. The only way to know if you can get published is to start off by writing something. That seems obvious but writing a novel is a daunting task and I think that you really need to be disciplined and prepared for hard work. It seems to me, though, that, once you have an initial draft, you have something to work with. Thankfully, word processors make it relatively easy to rework, annotate, move chapters and sections about and to save all of the different revisions.

It's also occurred to me that being a lover of literature doesn't make one a great writer, instantly. We wouldn't necessarily expect an art lover to be a brilliant painter. An understanding of different techniques must be useful but at the same time you (probably) want to avoid being derivative. I suspect that, like a painter, the only way to develop is to practice. I'm trying to begin some writing - short stories, poetry, sketches - without any intention of showing them to anyone else but to stretch my ability to work with words, structure, metaphor etc. It's really difficult to find the time and focus to do this so it may well be that joining a creative writing group would act as a catalyst. I wouldn't worry about other qualifications: they're certainly no guarantee of success. It would be nice to have people who you can trust to give you constructive feedback on your writing. Your friends and family would probably be the worst people to ask.

Finally, I think that it's got be important to enjoy what you write and to enjoy the creative act of writing. Only you will know if this is the case.

[gammaray]

Try a creative writing course either at a college or home study. This will give you a taste for the type of writing you have a flair for. The Writers and Artists year book has useful publishing contacts in whom you can call and suggest book ideas. You don't need any qualifications at all. for novels and short stories the ability to engage the reader is a must. but other than that (and an understanding of the basic rules of english useage) hit the lap top!

[Clanad]

Firstly, go for it mimi! Secondly, having written historical phamplets for some State agencies as well as having some technical and semi-fictional documents published, I would say the very first challenge you have is determining where your writing strength(s) lies. Construct two or three short outlines of various types of writing in which you have an interest and at least some knowledge. Don't forget... a beginning, a middle and an end. Use the outlines religiously (no pun intended) to write five to ten pages which are then an indicator of idea, character and style development. You'll be surprised at how different each may be, but soon you'll see a pattern emerging. Once that happens, list for yourself the strengths you see and work in those areas. The point being; a focus point is required for all good, coherent writing, in my opinion. This process can help you develop that focal point.
The most difficult aspect I encountered was staying "on message" for any writing effort. It's very easy for the novice (and I'm still such) to start down non-relative rabbit trails leading to a product that, intially, had a point you wanted to make but finished with that point being obscured or worse non-existant. Long winded way of advising you to organize the process...
Best of Luck!

[jno]

mimififi you should bear in mind that very few people, apart from professional journalists, can live off writing, so don't give up the day job yet. But you've got nothing to lose by trying. Just reading other books should give you an idea of what to aim for. And it can be a good idea to get an agent. But first, just pick up a feather and start writing.

[Clanad]

...And use spell check... pamphlets, even...

[mimififi]

Wow, what an encouragement, friends....! I didn't expect such a massage!

Well, I definately will start to try. Clanad, I always had you as a writer type....can't believe I was right! Thank you for your advice one and all. Pretty simple really. And, mostly follows the plans I used to make my students follow when I was teaching.

Jno. I don't need to worry about my day job. I'm a stay at home mum home educating my children: If only giving up was an option, LOL!

Well, I have a few ideas for a few things, I'll draw up the plans and see what happens.

P.s Has anyone used any of the writer's software packages that are around now? If so, how did you find them? Helpful?

Cheers.

[nickmo]

http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Arts-and-Literature/Question216288.html and http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Arts-and-Literature/Question214910.html were the prvious Q's that also have some further suggestions. Also see http://www.writerswrite.com/groups.htm and speak to your local library about accessing the gropus in your area for some face to face chat.There are also groups that focus ion many specialised areas - guild of Food Writers for example, so depending on the topic you have in mind, you should find the relevant help.

Not used the publishing software - I prepared a MS and then its up to the publisher to prep this for proofing, editing and printing. As above answers, bery few make a living from writing books, but it may open the door to other oportunities, especially if you are thinking of non fiction - articles, columns, features - all needed by magazines, local papers and so on.

good luck - and we all want a first edition signed of course! (now, whres me quill gorn...and remember Shakespeare had an accent very like Brummie...)