Could You Write a Book?

[Alyssa]

@Kaseadillla Is that something we could add in the For Fun section? Or should it be somewhere else? Thank you, alyssa

[Pete]

A writing group is a fantastic idea-- just hard to find the time

[Jessica]

I just watched the first video of Brandon Sanderson's 318R writing lectures at BYU.

https://youtu.be/N4ZDBOc2tX8?list=PLH...

He talks a bit about writing groups near the end, which helps me understand how they work and how to operate within them. Definitely open to working in a writing group.

[Erica]

I've started two books I never finished. Now I'm trying again. I've managed to put my tale on paper and I'm in a revision stage, editing and reworking some things that were just terrible.

Just write. Get it all out of your head and don't stop until the story is done. Then worry about fixing the awful stuff. Don't get caught up in editing and making a sentence perfect until you've finished your first draft because, remember, it's just a draft.

This time I created an in-depth and lengthy outline before I started writing. By the time I was halfway through actually writing the book, my characters had made different decisions and gone different places. The outline was worthless. I'm still glad I made it. It was good experience and a solid jumping off point. Now I'm creating a new outline. As I finish each chapter I go back and add in the information. Helps me keep things consistent.

I've also created a character sheet that lists the names, chapter locations, background info, and importance of each character to the storyline. A file I've labeled "Extraneous" stores anything I remove from the book, just in case I could use it later. They've both come in handy.

I have no idea if this book will ever be published but, I'll never know if I don't write it. When in doubt I think of some of the horrible books I've read. I figure, if those were published, maybe I have a shot, too. So, write.

[Sarah]

Awesome post, thanks for sharing, Erica! Good luck in your writing adventure!

[Eric]

can someone show me the same idea erica did for writing a memoir book?

[Marjorie]

Erica wrote: "I've started two books I never finished. Now I'm trying again. I've managed to put my tale on paper and I'm in a revision stage, editing and reworking some things that were just terrible.

Good advice, Erica. I know two people who have been rewriting the same book for 20 years. I just wish they would finish them because I'm really tired of hearing the same chapters at our critique group.

I like the idea of kicking the critic off your shoulder and writing a crappy first draft. They're just words; they can be changed.

I personally prefer writing a synopsis because, like you, I experience what I call the process of discovery—that perfect twist or a different direction that improves the novel. Detailed outlining just doesn't work for me.

[Saar The Book owl]

The book On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King is very helpful.
I also write, but not with the entention to publsih. I'm afraid I'm not that good, but every year I participate at Campnanowrimo and Nanowrimo and that's a motivation to stay writing.

[Alyssa]

I have a writing program to recommend - Scrivener. It helps you keep research, character sketches, places, cover, etc. all in one place. You can just write and then worry about formatting later. You can go right to Kindle with an epub.

I also use a mindmap approach, like an outline but less formal. One for the whole book and then one for each chapter or writing session. It helps organize my thoughts.

I just published my first book. I had some trouble with the quality of the draft that cost me with initial reviews. I have improved the book and am working on a new one. I hope that over time the reviews will improve, but I will also continue to work on the craft. Writing hurts, but less than keeping the story bottled up.

[Kris]

Being held accountable is a good thing...and there are ways make that happen. A writing group is one way.
Another is to interview someone who has an interesting story with the promise that you're going to write it down...
There are 3 advantages to writing someone else's story:
1. accountability (to the other person)
2. You won't have to worry about coming up with the answer to the question: "What happens to my character now?"
3. You get someone else's perspective about why the character acted a certain way.
The truth is, I wrote Switzerland to Alaska: Just to Die (a true story about a Swiss artist who determined to travel to the end of the earth to challenge his spirit...and find his soul), not because I just wanted to write, but because I felt this story had to be written down. The character himself was so compelling that I didn't want the world (!) to be at a loss for not knowing him.
Maybe you feel that way about someone you know?

[Kaseadillla]

Jessica wrote: "I just ..."
Pete wrote: "A writing group ..."
Leesa wrote: "Me three! ..."
Alyssa wrote: "@Kaseadillla Is that something ..."

Apologies for just reading all these - sounds like we would have some interest in a writing group or discussion or something to help keep us all accountable. I would love to get into writing, I've tried but honestly not much effort put toward it.

Any ideas? Maybe our own discussion folder or a challenge format "write x many pages in y many days" or something. Not exactly sure what others would prefer.

[Alyssa]

I have started another book. Mostly in the research phase now, but I have the story arch mapped, the cover art drafted, and chapter outline is complete. There is some very scientific information that drives the story, and I am trying to figure out how to tell the two tales. It is fundamental to understand the science and it is also key that the people in the story disregard it. I will spend some time thinking about how to do this. Either way, I have a goal of 1500 words a day.

[Erica]

Marjorie wrote: "Erica wrote: "I've started two books I never finished. Now I'm trying again. I've managed to put my tale on paper and I'm in a revision stage, editing and reworking some things that were just terri..."

Yes, kick the critic off your shoulder! Excellent way of putting it.

Knowing when to quit is hard. Initially I wrote the first four chapters. Before continuing on, I went back to read them over and discovered I wasn't happy with the wording or the style. It felt cumbersome. So, I edited. And edited and edited, until I realized I'd never finish the darn thing if I never moved on.

From that point on my motto became "just get it out". I forbade myself to go back and edit because, the truth is, there will always be some thing I'll want to change in an effort to improve the book. It'd be an endless cycle. So, you just have to cut yourself off. Now I'm doing the same with editing/revising. Once I finish a chapter I don't allow myself to go back unless something in a later chapter dictates I must.

Our feelings on synopsis differ, though. I've yet to start one for this book and I'm dreading it. :/

S/N: I don't know if I could stomach hearing about the same books being rewritten for that long. Kudos to you for your patience!

[Alyssa]

I think a folder would be great. Could a challenge be included with that?

Kaseadillla wrote: "Jessica wrote: "I just ..."
Pete wrote: "A writing group ..."
Leesa wrote: "Me three! ..."
Alyssa wrote: "@Kaseadillla Is that something ..."

Apologies for just reading all these - sounds like we ..."

[Alyssa]

Erica wrote: "Marjorie wrote: "Erica wrote: "I've started two books I never finished. Now I'm trying again. I've managed to put my tale on paper and I'm in a revision stage, editing and reworking some things tha..."

I am struggling a bit with the new book. I am not sure I am telling the story effectively. My neighbor has a finished draft but is thinking about adding another character. It blew my mind: you can do that? Just get the first draft out and then all kinds of things are possible.

[Kaseadillla]

Alyssa wrote: "I think a folder would be great. Could a challenge be included with that?"

I think that's a great idea!!! maybe like number of pages written or something? that would totally be motivating.

[Jackie]

As much as I love to read, I have no desire to write!

[Kaseadillla]

For those interested in writing a book, interesting feature on the Goodreads blog today...

https://www.goodreads.com/blog/show/1...

[Mariana]

I've wanted to write a book since I was a child. Mostly I'm atracted to thrillers and misteries, so my teenage years were spent writing short stories (I happen to be better at it than plotting a novel). For a year now I've been trying to finish a book with a friend, it mostly consist on personal experience from many women. Work, study and life in general has put it in the back of our minds, but the project is still alive.

[lucie]

as a teeneger i tried to write a romance book and i think that i have finished one? (not sure)
but now i dont have the desire to write a book.. i rather read others work

[Jessica]

Started writing last night. Didn’t approach 1667 words, but I wrote an exchange where my characters gained depth.

Anyone else participating in NaNoWriMo?

[Sarah]

With NaNoWriMo, do you do your writing in the actual app, or you write on paper and have to log details into the app? I was browsing apps earlier and I saw spots for word count and timers and what not.. I’d be totally into this if you did the writing in the app and it logged that info for you.

[Kerri]

Sarah wrote: "With NaNoWriMo, do you do your writing in the actual app, or you write on paper and have to log details into the app? I was browsing apps earlier and I saw spots for word count and timers and what ..."

I have always done my writing in just a normal Word document. It has a word count that I would then update on the website (I didn't know there was a Nano app!) and it's easy access. I used to work as a customer service representative at a gym, and I could write on my downtime (so helpful!) so I would save it in my google doc and work on it from there.

I love Nano as it's whole purpose is to get people to Write. Don't get caught in the editing - that comes later. It helps people force their way past bumps and sticky parts to get to the end and finish even if it is Not pretty. I would never have finished any story ever if I didn't participate in Nano, though I write purely for my own amusement :)

Best of luck to all participants this year! I will cheer on anyone who needs encouragement!

[Saar The Book owl]

Jessica wrote: "Started writing last night. Didn’t approach 1667 words, but I wrote an exchange where my characters gained depth.

Anyone else participating in NaNoWriMo?"

Yes, I do it every year, also Camp Nano. I hope to finish this month. It has been a while since a completed anything.

[Nick]

I would be lying if I said the thought never crossed my mind. In short I think I can write a book. However I highly doubt it will be any good.

[Edward]

This is such a good discussion. So many who read ask that question.
For years I harbored the dream of writing pieces that someone else might find worth the effort to read. I finally had the opportunity and the commitment to try. I started with a writing group and got good criticisms and encouragement. I sent a few short pieces out to online publishers. I got the confidence shaking rejections, but on occassion some valuable feedback. By persisting, I was successful--a big shot in the arm. I then wrote and selfpublished a novela that got a good response. I just selfpublished a full length novel and started another.
The real secret is to write. Like anything that is worth doing, writing requires discipline, committment and practice. Patience and a thick skin are helpful as well.

[Corinne]

Marjorie wrote: "Erica wrote: "I've started two books I never finished. Now I'm trying again. I've managed to put my tale on paper and I'm in a revision stage, editing and reworking some things that were just terri..."

I loved that book. I have so many ideas for stories/books and have started several but I never finish! Finishing at the stories/books I have started is going to be one of my goals for 2018.

I would love to be involved in a writing group!

[Kaseadillla]

Hey all! To those interested in starting a writing group or some sort of writing challenge...

Was thinking at the turn of the new year, we could make it official and add either a writing challenge, or a folder dedicated to those interested in being part of a writing group/sub-group. Anyone can join as long as they are a willing participant.
Still mulling over ideas here, any suggestions would be helpful and appreciated!
Some ideas below:
- similar to NaNoWriMo, have a challenge to write x number of pages every day for a certain period of time. Challenge would obviously be all honesty based as there's no formal way to track on Goodreads.
- similar challenge but instead of pages written, it would be words written.
- "Buddy Writing" - pair up people with similar writing goals who are willing to read, edit, and give feedback to their buddy.
- Group writing - similar to buddy writing, but writers can get feedback from a whole group of people.

[Sha]

I would be interested in both buddy writing and group writing... most of my non-work writing these days is confined to reviews and I really need to do more.