So how do you write a book?
OK here's the thing, writing a book isn't as easy as it might sound. Every author in the world gets asked this question, so here it is. Before we start, I don't claim to be an expert in this matter, I am just offering some advice. Whether you choose to take it or look further afield is entirely your decision :)It seems to me that everyone these days thinks they have what it take to write a book, seems like a good idea when all you need is a pen and paper. When you look at things logically what your really asking yourself when trying to find the answer to this question is "how do I write a good book?" because any idiot can string a few words together, slap on a cover and call it a book.
Here lies the problem though, even successful authors who have been published around the world are looking for the answer to that question. It takes hard work and devotion but you should also find it fun, there is no point in continuing writing when you aren't enjoying it, this will come out to your readers in your words thus leading to a rather suckish book!
So we have established that writing isn't as easy as it sounds but does this mean you should give up on your dream?....
No of course not!
Just because things are more difficult, does not mean that it isn't worth making the effort if getting that book you have inside you out into the world for people to read is truly what you want to do. Now of course most authors don't like to give away their secrets to success. But the truth of the matter is, there aren't any secrets to actually share. There is no wrong or right way to go about starting and completing a novel. True writing comes from the heart and if you believe that you have a great idea that should be shared chances are there will somebody else out there will think that too. It's a question of finding your strong points. Ideally, if you write books within the genre that you personally find engaging to read then they are the books most likely to become something special. Even if they are never published. Try to remember that becoming an author shouldn't ultimately be about money or high-profile success. If these are your main priorities then your in the business for all the wrong reasons.
Now what.
Obviously you still have some level of interest in writing as you would have stopped reading by now. This is where you start doing you homework (the hard work begins) Your going to need story line, dialogue, plot twists, everything you can possibly think of to keep the reader engaged. If your boring gets boring people will just put down, this means it will be very unlikely to make it into the number 1 spot on book store shelves. Or more likely these days number 1 in ebooks.
Remember publishers are picky, they get pitched hundreds if not thousands of books a day so you have to make sure that your manuscript is the best that it can be. This will mean roping in a few trustworthy people to go over your book and give an honest opinion on it. Once you have that you can work out any kinks there may be (and trust me there will be some). Nothing is perfect first time and be prepared for rejection. As an author you will need a tough skin to cope with the amount of rejections you can face. Do you research in to publishers before contacting them, make sure that what you are writing about is something they are going to be interested in investing in. These people find authors who don't do their homework super annoying because it makes their lives harder.
Although there is also the option of self publication these days, and you would be surprised how easy this can be.
Genre's.
You don't need to be genre specific in your writing but there are a few things you should remember when targeting an audience, especially children. Obviously first and foremost is the content, think wisely, if you wouldn't allow your own children (if you have any) to read about it then don't put it your book. I have found that kids love made up words because they can develop their own meaning to them (plus they are funny).
Other helpful tips on children's writing can be found here:
I fully understand that this doesn't not tell you how to write a book but I wrote this to give you an insight into the world of an author. Hopefully now you don't feel like you are jumping in at the deep end and are becoming a small fish in a big pond. Like I told you earlier writing is never easy, but there are no inside secrets.
Wishing you the best of luck!
