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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by pinkeye on July 3, 2005, at 11:07:54
Any ideas on how one goes about writing a book? I don't know what I want to write about either.. Just that I seem to get lots of little t*t bits of wisdom here and there, and maybe compile everything into some book?
Are there any courses which will help you prepare for writing??
Posted by alexandra_k on July 3, 2005, at 16:01:20
In reply to What does it take to write a book??, posted by pinkeye on July 2, 2005, at 23:37:47
Well... I guess it depends on what you want to write. I'm writing (supposed to be writing) a mini-book at the moment.
I vary between just writing and trying to arrange the overall structure.
Think about how long it is supposed to be then break it down into chapters and sections and then just write them...
In theory.
Sigh.I don't know.
I think different kinds of books probably get written differently.But I guess they are all the same in the sense that you have to sit down and write something...
Posted by smokeymadison on July 4, 2005, at 15:48:09
In reply to Re: What does it take to write a book??, posted by alexandra_k on July 3, 2005, at 16:01:20
I just wrote a book about my experiences. i just showed it to an editor. he said that i should be writing novels for a living. problem is, i have no idea how to go about writing fiction. writing nonfiction isn't so difficult--its like an extended essay on a topic. but writing fiction is something totally different.
i have been researching online how to write a novel. it seems the best idea if you are a beginner is to plot out the entire story before you begin to write. more accomplished writers can just sit down and let the story evolve.
there was a lot about training yourself to write a bit everyday and to develop a routine.
some more advice--nothing should be in the story for no reason. every symbol, every flashback, even every name of each character has to mean something and be relevant to the story. i am sure that you have heard the expression "show, don't tell"anyway, it sounds like i am at the same point you are, i have a lot of ideas, but i have yet to put them together into a coherent whole. i just plan on letting it stew in my mind for a long while. if you have any advice or figure out something, please let me know!
SM
Posted by cockeyed on July 4, 2005, at 16:19:41
In reply to What does it take to write a book??, posted by pinkeye on July 2, 2005, at 23:37:47
my god, my short term memory is so f*d up that I forgot to whom i was replying. I've heard that one has to apply one's butt to a chair and use some writing instrument for long, grueling periods of time and keep on doing that for long grueling periods of time and be ready for people to s**t upon you from any height possible while you keep on keeping on. Oh, and try a library.the reference people probably can point you in the direction to take.
I myself have been urged to publish. But I myself am lazy, spiteful, vain, and tho I have a big butt, I've got the attention span of, to be kind to myself, a dog. Still a dog will really focus on food. I won't. I just pig out. Writing a book means working for the sake of an audience of one, in most cases. I prefer talking to myself and pretending that I'm a successful writer but that's probably why I've wound up haunting these boards. cockeyed
Posted by smokeymadison on July 6, 2005, at 14:20:04
In reply to What does it take to write a book??, posted by pinkeye on July 2, 2005, at 23:37:47
i found a site online that is very helpful in how to write a book:
Posted by Damos on July 6, 2005, at 17:33:51
In reply to Re: What does it take to write a book??, posted by cockeyed on July 4, 2005, at 16:19:41
Damn Cockeyed, unless you're talking Irish Setter I think you're way ahead of me with the attention span of a butterfly.
Pinkeye, I think Matthew Reilly (young Australian author of Ice Station, Temple, Scarecrow etc) had some interesting stuff to say about how he did/does it, you might be able to google him.
Wishing you good luck and great success.
Oh yeah and it's great to see you back Smokey.
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