How To Write a Book Fast?
Ok, I am finally going to write a book. I have a publisher arranged and I am raring to go.
I obviously suck at writing so like most things in life I have developed a system to complete this task. I wanted to get a little feedback from other writers and share what I’ve tried so far…
Step #1 I bought & read every book I could find on the subject at hand
Step #2 I have interviewed 6 experts in the field
Step #3 I have created a clever hook and title
Step #4 I wrote a sub-title explains the biggest benefit for the reader to buy and read book
Step #5 I created 20 blue index cards with chapter names
Step #6 I have created 20 cards with sub-headlines for each thought in each chapter
Step #7 I have written a one sentence reminder of what I want to say on the back of each card
Step #8 I have written a closing page
Step #9 I threw away 5 whole chapters and 5 thought cards from each chapter
Step #10 I have written the table of contents as burning questions
My plan is to pull out one of the cared at a time and write for no more than 10 minutes. That’s 38 hours of actual writing time. I should be able to complete my book in less than 30 days at this pace working on it part time
Questions:
One: Experienced writers, am I crazy? Will this work?
Two: What would you write about if you wrote a book?
Three: Do you want me to post about my progress
P.S. If anyone is interested in helping me with this project please contact me here or DM me on Twitter
Thanks for commenting, I NEED your input, lease help
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Perry,
This is a bit late. But I never heard of you until I received the invitation link to the social media videos. I have since purchased your social media money system training videos and have enjoyed it very much. I was reading your blog on the subject of your book. I would encourage you to contact Glenn Dietzel at Awakened LLC.
I spent three years (yup, THREE years!!) writing my first book The Ultimate Web Marketing Strategy. Started with a blank document. Wrote it bit by bit. Kept going back, editing, rewriting, chopping and changing it. And it was the WORST possible approach ever!
I get great feedback about the book, and becoming an author changed my life (sounds like a clichÉ but it’s true)… but even so I can tell you it shouldn’t take *anyone* three years, or even a year, or even more than a month to write a decent size non-fiction book.
My next book’s due out shortly, and total time on it will be no more than 7 days of solid (consecutive) writing time.
Here’s how I’ve done it…
My new approach is to create a mindmap (Mindjet.com) of the chapter titles. Then each chapter get’s sub-titles. Each sub-title then gets ideas or bullets for expansion. All detailed on the single mindmap. Then I get a headset (I use an inexpensive Logitech headset from Amazon) plus Sony Sound Forge audio software. Hit the record button, step through each point on the mind map (put it in presentation mode then you can simply use the ‘Next’ button to walk through all the points.
And don’t stop recording until you’ve spoken through every point on the entire mind map (not even if you make any mistakes). Then send the MP3 off to a transcriber (I found mine through ELance.com). So for three hours of me talking I got 78 pages of A4 transcription.
So for my current book (E-Mail Marketing Dynamite) at the moment I’m going through that transcription, quickly tidying up anything the transcriber missed, then it’ll be off to the proofreader. After that it’ll come back to me for final review before I pass it over to the lady who does my typesetting and who will also sort out all the other stuff like ISBN, Amazon listing, etc. (I designed my own cover graphics, simply because I can design fast, it’s my thing. But I could just as easily outsourced via ELance, 99Designs.com etc.)
Like I say, my total involvement on creating my new book will be no more than 7 days, which is great because it means I can spend much more time on the launch sequence.
Wish I’d done it this way with my first book!!!
Anyway hope this gives you some ideas and good luck.
You might want to check out national best seller Laurie Beth Jones download:
http://www.lauriebethjones.com/store/product.php?productid=16165&cat=251&page=1
This is great. It’s the sharing of your system / process and more then that..it allows us to follow. The comments are spot on.
This is a wonderful learning tool by allowing us to watch the unfolding of your book.
Keep it up and allow us to watch, learn and be apart of your process.
Good Luck!
Hi Perry,
Great that you are writing a book! I would offer this one distinction; you stated that “I obviously suck at writing “. There is a cause and effect in what you say and believe about yourself. Even if you don’t fully believe that “you suck” your unconscious mind (which is 30,000 times more powerful than your conscious mind) will use that filter as it processes everything related to your writing. You will want to revise what you say in this area to something like “In the past, I’ve found it difficult to write and am looking for ways in which to make the process efficient, effective and fun!” Your unconscious mind will then begin using that as it’s filter and you will begin to find ways in which to make this project efficient, effective and fun.
Dan
Before you start, know that you are not writing your book to make money. The book publishing industry (at least the print side) is an antequated system that “loans” your book to stores, and nets authors only around 8% at the end of the day.
Once you have that hurdle out the way, I think your plan on writing short bursts everyday is a wise one. My only other advise would be to remember that what you are writing today is a “first draft” and that you’ll go back and edit the majority of it out. What you say in 10 pages you should simmer down to two. By doing that you’ll have not only a very rich, interesting book, but you’ll also be meeting the needs of your readers who are running at the speed of the internet, and don’t have time for a lot of fluff. GT
Do what works for you. Until it stops working. Then try something else.
I know, not very specific. But each writer is different, and it seems like you have a good start on what will work for you.
After the planning, it’s just BIC: butt in chair. Type, type, type, type, type.
GO, you’ve got it. agree w Fred about editing – just get a bunch of stuff down. writing in a routine (same time as many days in a row that I can) helps me. I’m a poet and that I can’t do poetry this way but do my other writing this way. (post it notes on the wall can help too so you don’t lose ideas and then you can move them around for ideas you might forget. You can even generate stickies one day (brainstorming with others can help this) I’d be glad to help.
One suggestion: pick a few people to read and comment – must trust them & they need to understand the big picture for the book (do a short video of what you’re trying to do). let them make suggestions. Rewriting will come a lot easier if you have objective feedback.
remember; suggestions are just that, take or leave and bottom line, do not take them personally. How about using Google docs or wiki format?
Perry, I’ll give you the most practical advice I know. I have two degrees in writing: a BA and an MFA. I was a college writing professor for eight years. I’ve written several books as well as one I wrote in a month on food and the process of shopping (http://tinyurl.com/nycxka ) I mean this with the deepest respect for you and your process: Stop asking people for advice, get yourself a tape recorder and start dictating into it then don’t stop until the book is done. That’s it–that’s all. Just wtite it. The more you ask people for their input, the more you will talk yousrelf out of just doing it. This is your life, your voice, your story. No one can give you any advice about it. We don’t write to say what we know; we write to discover what we know. You are the only one who can make sense of your words, thoughts and experiences. Sitting down and writing will teach you all you need to know.
Good luck to you.
Perry, I’ll give you the most practical advice I know. I have two degrees in writing: a BA and an MFA. I was a college writing professor for eight years. I’ve written several books as well as one I wrote in a month on food and the process of shopping (http://tinyurl.com/nycxka ) I mean this with the deepest respect for you and your process: Stop asking people for advice, get yourself a tape recorder and start dictating into it then don’t stop until the book is done. That’s it–that’s all. Just wtite it. The more you ask people for their input, the more you will talk yousrelf out of just doing it. This is your life, your voice, your story. No one can give you any advice about it. We don’t write to say what we know; we write to discover what we know. You are the only one who can make sense of your words, thoughts and experiences. Sitting down and writing will teach you all you need to know.
Good luck to you.
I read a lot of books, particularly books related to web design and development. My advice would be write less, not more. So many books are longer than they need to be, two exceptions: Don’t Make Me Think by Steve Krug and A Practical Guide to Designing for the Web
by Mark Boulton. Both were just right.
What’s your hurry? Enjoy the process. It looks like you’ve organized your thoughts well, but give yourself time to enjoy the process.
Cheers,
tim
p.s. what’s the book about?
Holy cow! That’s some organization! It sounds like you’re definitely headed in the right direction! Good luck!
The key to writing quickly is indeed planning ahead. I routinely write a first draft of my novels (usually 60-90K words) in a few weeks. Once you understand the structure of a novel in terms of the function of each and how to escalate the conflicts, it’s not difficult.
Now, it’s not fun, either. Most writers like the writing part, not the structure parts. It’s HARD work. But for those of us who make a living at it — well, that’s how most of us do it.
I’ve been published by St. Martins, Berkley, Jove, Alpha Books and a few other mainstream publishers and have more than 40 books in print. I’ve outlined most of my system on my website.
Good luck and please add me to the list of people you notify when it’s done.
Cyn
I think you’re on the right track. There are many ways to skin the cat. If it works for you, it works. For your second book, fine tune it and make your process better. But I think you’re right, you need a set process from the beginning or you’ll end up getting off track.
You have the research, the outline, and the knowledge…
Let someone interview you on the Table Of Contents / blue cards and get it transcribed. It is almost always easier to edit than it is to write.
Just spend time writing every day, even if you are not inspired. If you sit and stare at the blank screen, have a beer first. Then write. Don’t worry about whether or not it sucks. Just write. It’s the worrying that slows down everything. You can always fix it later.
Can you write a book in a month? Yes. Will it be a good book? That depends.
I never use notecards, but if that works for you, then go with it. I just do a TOC and then start writing from there. It evolves over time. Stop over thinking and start writing. Good luck!
Greetings from Berlin, Germany,
I wrote a book here in Germany, as an American, it took me three weeks, after one week on the market it was number 27 on the Best Seller list and number 2 on the independent best seller list.
WHY? I caught the pulse of the times…my only tip is that if you are able to coincide the release of your book with an actual event or subject of media interest, you have pretty much a done deal.
On the subject matter, your own experiences are the Best because your not “referring” to anyone or anything, it comes straight out of your memories and thoughts, no research, no lists or anything.
If, however, you wish to write on a subject that is fact based and not emotional based, one may not need references. This depends on your writing style which plays a very big role as well. Do you write conversationally or factually or is it like sitting down with a cup of coffee and relaxing while listening? I choose the last, that worked well for me.
If your not to good at writing but can tell a heck of a story, then get a co-author!
All the Best of luck with you book!
Steven Kuhn
Book: Soldat im Golfkrieg – von Kämpfer zum Zweifler (only in German)
Perry,
Great idea. Great organizational strategy.
I may even try that myself!
Do you have a proofreader?
I’d be happy to do your final proof..
DM me on Twitter @Tracey_D
Tracey
Any method should work, if you apply it consistently. The one caveat I have from 20+ years of making a living with my pen: Less is more! Cut the adjectives and adverbs … use strong verbs and it will be a great read.
This is a great idea Perry for writers with short attention spans like mine, so I have incorporated “stolen” part of your idea. I had already started my book and was floundering under the heavy demands I put on myself. I had an outline but found cards with chapter titles were very helpful.
I can write better in short intervals, although 10 minutes is a bit too short for me…I’ve been writing in 20-30 minute time slots. Things are going a lot better for me and I want to thank you for sharing your idea. I hope everything is going okay for you.
The hardest thing I think there is about any type of writing is beginning! (I am @libbytalks on Twitter if you are wondering who on earth I am.)
Hi, Perry,
If you’re writing on a Mac, I highly recommend using the Scrivener software (available at http://www.literatureandlatte.com). It will replace all those cards and lets you write in bits and chunks when so moved. The software is cheap, but not available for PCs. I’m working on a book and finding Scrivener very helpful.
Please keep tweeting about your progress. I do my best writing when I plonk myself down in a B&B somewhere for a week of short bursts of an hour or two, several times a day.
Enjoy,
Sheila
Excellent Perry!
Loads of advice already… so no more!
Just write the thing!
Your editor will steer you re the
rest.
And who says you can’t write a
humdinger at first go???
All success to you…
Sharon
Great list. My advise is to get On Writing Well by William K. Zinsser and read it ASAP. Your writing will improve 10-fold, regardless of where you’re at as a writer. It focuses on non-fiction, which you’re writing.
http://twurl.nl/vk0cxs
Looking forward to your book, Perry. I know it will be awesome.
Hi Perry,
Just saw your request for help on twitter. I just sent in my manuscript for my book about online video.
The requirement was to write 60K words in four months and I almost finished in two. When I started, I set up a spreadsheet with a goal of 1,000 words per day. That would get me to 60K after two months.
Turned out I wrote 79K words after 2 1/2 months, including interview trascripts. The interviews put me over the top. Then I had to get back to 60K, which allowed me to remove some parts I wasn’t happy with, and remove others to put on the web.
The spreadsheet and daily word goal was good motivation for me.
I couldn’t do the 10 minutes a day though.
I ended up writing at all times of hte day and night. Sometimes I’d wake up at 3 AM with lots of ideas, and then poured them into the computer for a few hours.
When you are writing a book, it’s always in the back of your mind and when inspiration hits, it’s a good time to sit down and let it run through your fingers and onto the keyboard.
Good luck.
–Steve
Experienced writers, am I crazy? Will this work?
Erle Stanley Gardner used a “system” to write fast, and he was highly prolific. I suspect it works better for “formula” fiction, and his series in which both readers and primary characters were the same from story to story, so he didn’t waste much effort on character development.
Two: What would you write about if you wrote a book?
Well, I’m half-way through one, and I’d rather my book hit the market before yours does, so I won’t tell you. However, I recommend writing books that are likely to remain on the backlist forever. If you brought out a book about “how Obama won” today, you’re probably too late to market. If you brought out a book for “How Fathers Can Win Custody”, you probably can sell that title for at least the next twenty years.
Three: Do you want me to post about my progress
Yeah, but it’s my experience that the more I write about other stuff, the fewer words I can produce for the project that counts. So yeah, please post A LOT about how things are going, so you’ll do poorly, and I’ll feel better about my own inability to focus on what’s important.
Meh. So it’s early, and I gave five pieces of advice. Got carried away.
Two pieces of advice:
1. Show up at the page, every day. Write something, even if it’s awful. It can always be fixed, later. Dividing into bite-sized chunks works for me with any task I’m worried about.
2. Do *not* skimp on editing. If you’re broke, ship the book out to at least half a dozen friends who are noted for their ability to spell and edit. If you have the money, pay someone to edit. Any good story can be ruined by distracting spelling and grammatical errors.
3. If you’re self-publishing, read books about self-publishing. Writing it isn’t enough. I especially like Fern Reiss’ publishing game books.
4. If people criticize your work, listen to them. They’re probably right. If they praise it, listen to them. They’re probably right, but make sure they’re not just saying what they think you want to hear. In other words, let them know it’s ok to be honest.
5. Have fun.
That’s almost the exact same process I read about in “How To Write A Book On Anything In 14 Days.”
Great minds, I guess.
Good plan, however don’t forget steps 11-20 after you have written your book.
11. Shelf it for a few days; then start at the begin and re-write it a second time.
12. Read it out loud to your wife and make edits on what she catches.
13. Print it and have your wife read it again to herself making edits.
14. Join a writer’s group or get 5-10 friends and have them read it and edit it.
15. Take all the feedback and re-write and edit again.
16. Let it sit for a day.
17. Go back and edit again this time trying to look at one sentence at a time.
a. Is this sentence needed?
b. Am I using a “to be” verb? Find a better one.
c. Does this sentence flow?
d. Could I say this another way? A better way?
18. Edit again.
19. Finally have someone read your work out loud back to you. You’ll hear it differently then reading yourself. Take notes.
20. Final re-write and submit your 1st draft.
PS. If your agent/editor is good, you have just started. Be prepared to take their feedback and re-write again and again. Good writing is about RE-WRITING.
Fred
PSS. One final thought Paul LaBon, a business associate, checked into a Dallas hotel for a weekend with 10 blank flip charts, markers, notes & a laptop. He never left the room for 2 1/2 days (room service). At the end of two days, he completed “Escape from Voicemail Hell”, which went on to sell more than 100,000 copies. It can be done, focus & rewrite! Good luck & let me know how you do!
Really sweet ad ons Fred -P
Hi Perry:
You’ve really organized well. With your motivation and work ethic you are sure to turn out a great first draft.
The things is…”good writing is rewriting,” to paraphrase William Zinsser, author of “On Writing Well”–a writer’s Bible and must-read.
I’ve never written a book but am a marketing copywriter who dependably turns out copy every day. I find I spend about 25% of my time researching and organizing, 25% getting out a first draft, 50% rewriting, shaping, cutting, editing polishing.
I highly recommend Zinsser’s book which I reread regularly. A few more “Zinnserisms”:
“Hard writing makes easy reading. Easy writing makes hard reading.”
“Clutter is the disease of American writing. We are a society strangling in unnecessary words, circular constructions, pompous frills and meaningless jargon.”
“Writing is hard work. A clear sentence is no accident. Very few sentences come out right the first time, or even the third time. Remember this as a consolation in moments of despair. If you find that writing is hard, it’s because it is hard. It’s one of the hardest things that people do.”
Hey –
I’ve read some of your stuff, and I’ve seen you perform to camera and I listened very closely to the way you speak, (esp. on that “How Social Media Saved My Life” video, which was hilarious and very very cool).
I think you’re looking for your “Voice” – So, here’s my armchair author suggestion – Read someone like Donald trump…and do it like that. You have the same kind of larger than life voice to put on paper. So basically get another “Big Mouth” and model him/her.
Now – Do I get hosed off the mailing list for calling you a “Big Mouth” ???
Damian
P.S. I’m probably never going to repeat this offer so get yours NOW: http://www.thepsychologist.org.uk/archive/archive_home.cfm/volumeID_13-editionID_41-ArticleID_120-getfile_getPDF/thepsychologist/psy_02_00_p82-89_conf.pdf
P.P.S Sorry, for a second I thought I was Frank Kern
P.S.S. Buy lot’s of coffee…
Heya Perry,
Check out excerpts from Stephen King’s book “On Writing” on the 37 signals blog.( http://budurl.com/OnWriting ) I own a copy of the book w/ lotsa notes (though it is the British edition (picked it up overseas)), that I’m happy to loan you. In addition to the excerpts, the book is full of insightful and practical advice and counsel especially when it comes to your “Writer’s Toolbox”. He even covers his initial insecurities about writing sober. (King has made no secret of his past abuse of alcohol and drugs.)
I would also highly suggest you actively read during your writing period… and read an unrelated subject matter by writers that have styles and voice you appreciate. Read analog books that you can hold. Highly advise against reading web copy. When I write fiction, an activity that few people know about me, I always read books on political philosophy or economics. For whatever reason, it works for me.
I would also highly suggest you reach out to Austin-American Statesman Social Columnist and Blogger @outandabout, Michael Barnes. Michael is an accomplished writer that is writing a book. I suggest Micheal because much of what he is writing is a reformatting or aggregating past columns on a specific subject. His partner Kip is also an accomplished writer and editor. You mentioned you’re actively stepping into the Austin community and engaging Michael, et al., hits two birds with one proverbial stone.
You were right in your thinking that posting about this would drive traffic/comments, but my hunch is that your nature compelled you to reach out and make the ask because you’re a collaborator. Most people view the entire writing experience as solitary. Not true. If you read a number of famous writers’ journals or know anything about bohemian salons, you know most of the great books and even not so great books were a collaboration of ideas that one person happened to commit to the page. Collaboration helps you work out issues, and usually offers a perspective that refines your voice. There are a number of people in Austin, on Twitter, that have written books (in your “category”)… Thom Singer @thomsinger, for one, and I know Patti DeNucci @pattidenucci is on the cusp of writing her first book. As a collaborator, why not reach out to them or others regardless of their location, and propose that each of you share your respective processes on writing (on a web site), while working as a collective to get through some of the molasses moments? This will not only accomplish your goal and complement your nature, but it will give you and others involved a chance to inspire people out there about writing their own book. Then use the site as a pre-release distribution channel to offer site subscribers/followers an opportunity to buy the book at discount, and still make your margin when producing it, web to print. This will allow you to control overhead and give you a good idea of the demand and accelerate velocity of sales. (Take a look at Radiohead’s model for releasing “In Rainbows”.) This model will also indirectly allow you to develop a tight-knit community, ready made for a second, third, fourth version with new content as you write it.
Reading over this, all apologies on the textual vomitus… just passionate about people stepping up to write ANYTHING.
Best,
Jason
I’m in the same boat and will be interested in how your project turns out. I am with you up to step 4 but then I am using writing organisation software to get my thoughts into order and to try to get some structure to the project. I’m sure cards will serve the same purpose.
Unfortunately I’m still at the doubting I can do it stage. Saving the World can sometimes be a little overwhelming
Being a writer (unpublished) of 5 books I am by no means a fast writer I’d love for you to post your progress. Please.
Will it work? Sure, why not? You’re driven and confidant. Just don’t let that evil critic into your head. My only advice.
No, I lied. You may have to up the 10 minute blocks and let things flow longer. 30 min at at time? Is that doable for you?
Oh and what would I write about? What I’m passionate about at the time.
Best of luck!
Perry,
Everyone has their own style of writing – which includes wordy or to the point.
The cards are a good idea to begin getting your topics and subtopics together (to begin organizing your thoughts).
Some tips that were handed down to me were:
Only write what you are passionate about and have knowledge on.
Write as though you were talking to a friend about the subject. (Some have suggested using a tape recorder and pretend you are talking to a friend who does not have the knowledge you are sharing).
I also learned that you write a lot – wait a bit – then go and cut out a lot.
Jan
I concur with the others. Just stay focussed on the end goal, hold onto your passion for the subject matter (or for the end goal if the subject matter isn’t your passion!) and you will do just fine.
Can’t understand why you say you obviously suck at writing? Holding that thought in your mind won’t help you any!
A big part of writing well is being concise and staying focussed, and your outline shows you can do that well. So the rest is just a matter of fleshing out your outline, and looks like you have done enough research to do that.
Being a writer myself, I recognize the panic and inertia. I’m still in the research stage of mine so you’re one step ahead of me.
But for you, the hard work is done, so relax and just have fun telling your story!
STOP— Perry you are making a huge mistake here.
I don’t think you should be posting this kind of stuff for people to read. Your plan is too damn good. Not only will you shoot way past the moon on this one, you are giving out for free what you could later be charging tons of cash for.
I’ve been writing for 10 years now and loving everyday of it, Gary Halbert once called me the best natural writer he’d ever met. And let me tell you something, those steps you are so loosely throwing around, the psychology behind them sets you up for a guaranteed flow of knockout content.
This kind of strategy crushes any form or writers block.
Thanks for having the balls to share this. I got 2 ideas to help me cut fluff out faster and get to the juice quicker.
Take care!
All the Best,
~Carlos
Damn Carlos, I’m gonna get the big head. Thanks for the kind words brotha…
Perry:
Get a Copy Talk account. I know from listening to you that you’re a natural communicator. You can call them up, dictate into your phone, and they will transcribe for you. MUCH better than actually witting.
Howard J
You can totally do this Perry!
Know what would be really cool? If you invited others along to do it with you – then you’d HAVE to get it done LOL.
Have a project that my partner Jackie and I would love to have you pipe in on – probably on the twitter part – game?
Always appreciate you,
Andrea
Hey Perry,
Congratualtions! ;o)
You can have an outline, a plan or a
strategy, however at the end of the
day, it’s all about sitting and writing
the darn thing.
It should be a pleasure, not a chore
or must do task. Find the pleasure in it
and everything will flow from you and
through you into writing your bestseller.
Questions:
One: Experienced writers, am I crazy?
You’re not crazy… Funny! Not crazy.
If this method helps you crank out a
book, then run with it Perry.
Will this work?
Now Perry, you’re a social network
and internet marketing wiz and you
created your processes to have the
online success you have today.
Two: What would you write about if
you wrote a book?
Well, my first book was a suspense novel
set in Atlanta. I enjoyed the process
of it all. Suspense is a pleasure and
my eye is on two projects: personal
development and a how to book on an
element for writing.
Three: Do you want me to post about my
progress?
Perry, could you do a video? You’re
just so fun and real. I’d love to see
how are you’re doing.
Perry, it would be a pleasure to help
you where ever I can. You have my email
in here.
Keep it fun Perry!
Live Life to Leave a Difference,
C.F. Jackson
The Authority Site For Authors & Writers
http://www.WebsiteMakeoverWorkshop.com
me too. Now..get to it. NO EXCUSES!!
I agree with the other comments. Unless your writing a reference tool, this should come naturally. Putting a deadline out there is adding more undo stress. You have an outline..A beginning, a middle and an end? Relax. It’s in your head..let it flow. If the passion is there, the rest is candy. Trust yourself. You sound like your in “panic mode.” No doubts. period.
I like your plan of action! I would love to help you any way I can…let me know and we can figure out what kind of help you may need…I’m a great idea & resource person AND great at accountability with no agenda.
I would also highly recommend working with Donna Kozik of My Big Business Card and the creator of Write Your Book in a Weekend program–she is a wealth of knowledge! They just finished a Self-Publishing Online Conference that had GREAT insight for ALL authors. You may want to check it out…you still can get access to the recordings–would be worth your $ & time–could save you time and money in the long run. Experts had alot of experience and knowledge based on doing and succeeding!
Another resource is the Write Well University.
Gook luck…
Hey Perry,
#1 Not crazy at all: a lot of people do NaNoWriMO and write a novel that quickly. I think you’d need to go back and do your editing after the fact in order to keep that pace. Of course I write fiction most of all, but I still think, regardless of what you are writing, that a good crit group is invaluable. Check out my guest blog over at M-Brane about this : http://mbranesf.blogspot.com/2009/05/guest-post-brandon-bellon-well-written.html
#2 I’m writing a specfic novel right now. I love mystery stories, though, and I’d like to try my hand at that eventually.
#3 Those are the best kinds of writer blog entries: especially the gotchas and surprises along the way. Some people’s output blows me away and helps to get me off my laziness and writing again.
Take care and and good luck! (don’t really believe in luck, but I can’t think of anything better to sign off with)
Brandon Bell
http://nithska.blogspot.com
Take care!
Perry, first of congrats on getting this far. Procrastination, which I’m sure dogs every writer may have visited, if not now, in the past. I say bravo for getting here (an elephant stamp has been awarded to you ~ something here in Australia we remember as kids when we did something good at school!).
To answer the questions:
1. No you are not crazy, you are wishing to express yourself, your creativity through writing, that is beautiful and we need it, we would would not be here today if people didn’t have desires to create through whatever medium! And whilst it might seem a ginormous task right now, you’re more than half way there, its just ‘less than’ thoughts that make you feel you might be crazy! Hey I wanna see this book!
2. OK I ‘fess up, I’m not a published or experienced writer in the true sense of the word but have been writing since I could remember. I find it as easy as pie, except when I have to. I had started writing a book years ago, almost had as much organisation as yourself, didn’t have a publisher but had done much research, thought of chapters, planned on overseas trips and it was a book, non-fiction about a racehorse from the 1800s that is in every racehorse’s pedigree today. Well the book is still inside me, waiting to be written, but never did it. I would love to write fiction but often feel I’m not good enough, there’s enough out there, bla bla bla, but you know there is always more, hey we have 6 billion people on the planet and we’re all different with different desires, needs and wants so there’s millions of books to be written.
3. Yeah I wanna hear about your progress please! Its a work in progress and the more you put out what you need, the more the help will come. I’m fascinated by your journey, I can learn from it.
My quesstion: What is the book about?
Cheers
Lise x c u on twitter
Hey, Carmilla5, I'd really love to read your book. Shame it is in your head and not on paper because it sounds really interesting! If you ever end up writing it, let me know coz I'd love to read it!
Cheers,
Lachlan
Everything you’ve done should help you write it out. The part that would not work for me is the 10 minutes. It takes me that long to get going. I’d shoot for 2 hour blocks, but what works best is what works for you.
I have such a short attention span I wanna give this a try. “Writting a book with A.D.D.” Ha -Perry
It’s as good of a plan as any. It’s like how to cook a hamburger – there’s thousands of ways to do it but the one that counts is the one that works for you!! If it helps you stay focused and on track there’s no reason it can’t work. Can a book be written in a month? Of course it can! Some do it (with little sleep) in less than that. Look at major news happenings and how fast new books come out – a couple weeks from incident to new release.
What I’d write about – well I already have with 3 more lined up! I stick with topics I know, which is what I did with “Getting By: Lessons From a Rural Past” – family historical notes combined with present day events combined with people looking for answers…in the book is a start.
I’d like to hear how it works…always tips that can help!
I would suggest that any creative project ,whether writing a book,composing music ,painting a picture …can only ever succeed if there is real passion and commitment to the idea. Without that, it is simply a commercial project and dead in the water. Thousands of ‘empty headed’ formulaic books out there already. Ask yourself what you have to say and say it in your own voice. Other people can not feed into you that which does not exist. Listen to your heart.
Writing is easy. Writing fast is extremely easy, watch out for typos. Writing well is the most difficult thing you can do save for giving birth (esp if you’re a dude). I should know I spent 5 years working on a 200 page autobiography. Yikes! So I’m not sure it matters how you do it, or how fast. If you’re a good writer it could work. If you suck, so goes the book.