Book Writing Tips

You have a few ideas in your mind, and you have dreamed of the day when you can set some time aside to do some book writing. Writing a book is not an easy process, but if you have a passion for the written word, this is something that will be a joy to you, even when you are cross-eyed and exhausted. While this is not for the timid, those with a dream of writing a book should try it, at least once. Don't wait until you think you have free time, however, just find some and get writing or you will never do it. You do have to put some thought into it before you start.

Some think that book writing is easy. All you do is think of an idea, start writing chapter one and before you know it, your masterpiece is done. Perhaps there have been a few writers in history that wrote that way, but that is simply not how it works for most folks. No matter what style you are using or what your ideas may be, at the very least, your book writing endeavor should start with an outline. You should understand plot points, plot twists, and resolution. If you do not yet, study them so you know what you are getting into. Then, turn your ideas into an outline so you have some structure to work with as you write. Think of it as blueprints so your building does not fall.

If your ideas and outline are not working out, you may not be as ready to start as you may think. Take some time and research your ideas and your time period, if not writing in the present. When book writing from a different time period, your book should have some historic accuracy to it. However, that does not mean you have to research for years to get it just right. All you have to do is make sure any events that would have been going on that would affect or even drive your story are present. It does not have to be the focal point, but it adds realism to your writing.

Once you are sure you are ready, get on with your book writing. Wake up early and write for half an hour, or do it when the kids have gone to bed. If you cannot write during the week, block out a few hours on the weekend. No matter how busy you are, there is always time to write. If you are writing with passion and with a great idea, you'll be surprised how much you get done even when you can only afford a little time each week to devote to book writing.

You are not finished when you have typed your last chapter. Some are relieved when they get to this point because writing is a labor of love, but can be very emotional. Once you are done you have to edit and edit, and then edit some more. You should put your book away for a few weeks and then edit again. Do not be afraid to cut and chop and rewrite. You want your book to be as good as it can be before you send it out for review. This part of book writing is not always the most fun, but it is when the true gem will be polished to a shine. Put as much into this as the writing.