Why Should You Write a Book and What Does it Take?

Here at The Readers and Writers Paradise, I give you advice on how to write a book. But why should you write one? What does it entitle?

Writing

Writing a fiction book is something which, in school, we’re never conditioned to do. Why? Sure, it’s partly that you do have to be a little crazy to put in all that work, but the real reason is that it’s not something teachable. There are no rules; not even the rules of grammar really apply to a novel. You either have it or you don’t.

Some people start writing books because they just want something to do and found they like writing (Dan Gutman; we’re looking at you!), but most people know they want to write one–something inspires them to do it.

Probably the number one reason is that they read a great book, and feel they can write one. Not everyone can write a book,  but it’s impossible to tell immediately. Your writing will progress as you go through the journey of writing.

If you enjoy writing short stories, then I’d recommend at least giving writing a book a whirl. They’re pretty similar.

The Steps of Writing a Book

1. Crafting the Plot

Some people just start writing out of ambition immediately once they have the idea. However, I don’t recommend this. Instead, you should take the time to craft a plot. If not, you will have trouble thinking of what to write, your ideas won’t be nearly as good, and unless you have a memory even better than my photographic one, you’re story is bound to have some inconsistencies.

2. Research

Many people like to write without researching their story. I’ve made that mistake before, and it was a mistake. You obviously need to have a setting, and if you don’t know everything there is to know about that setting, exactly what it looks like, and tell them; how will they have an image of the book.

3. Writing

Writing the book is actually probably the easiest part–yeah, I know, ironic. You already basically know what you want to say, but have to say it. Anyone can do the first two steps, but this is what sets writers apart from non-writers; how well they’re able to tell the story to tell the story to the reader. This is the most enjoyable part (in my opinion), and if it isn’t then you probably shouldn’t be a writer.

4. Editing

A lot of first time authors naively think that when they’re done with the first draft, they’re done with the book. However, that’s just the beginning! Gordon Korman once said he goes through his books in full at least twenty-five times to edit the first draft. Gordon’s got around twenty-million copies of his books sold, so you don’t need to do that much, but definitely a fair amount; most of the time is spent on this phase.

Note: Editing while writing the book is also something you should do.

5. Send it Off!

I said the most time is spent editing, but I lied, because actually, most of the time is spent simply waiting around for the publishing company you send it off to read and either reject it (97%) or approve it (3%) (I don’t put those numbers there to discourage you, but those are the actual facts. Writing a book is hard, and if you do all these steps, you probably already have a pretty good chance, because most people just bumble around and put together awful books!). Most likely, you’ll have to send it off to multiple publishing companies. But don’t give up! Harry Potter was rejected multiple times before eventually published, and look at it now.

Note: It is possible to send publishing companies part of your book or just the idea, but if you don’t have any connections or aren’t an author already, I don’t recommend it, because they probably won’t even read it with the number of offers they’re getting these days.

In two days I’ll give you some ways to get motivated to write; if you choose that route. So I ask you; what do you say to joining me in the journey of becoming an author?

Tagged as: I want to write a book, should I write a book?, why should I write a book?, write, writer, writing, Writing Tips