How to write a book…

Posted on August 25, 2017 by Sue Vincent

Image: Pixabay

There are more books being written and published at this moment in time than ever before. Self publishing has opened the doors to a global sharing of imagination and knowledge, but when you pick up the proverbial pen for the very first time, it can seem a daunting task. How do you start, where does it end… and how can you define success?

There are a plethora of resources available online to help writers start, explore or hone their craft. It matters not at all what you are looking for, there is something available. Whether you want to know how to write the vilest of villains or avoid creating a histrionic heroine,  advice, good, bad and indifferent is easily located thanks to the power of the internet.

Most of this advice, it is true, is aimed at writers of fiction. There is a tendency to generalise and the term ‘book’ seems very often to come with the unwritten corollary that ‘we are talking about fiction here’. Writers of non-fiction, or of fictionalised fact, find themselves at a bit of a disadvantage where the general advice is concerned, especially as they tend to fall outside the accepted genres. Anyone who fails to fit into the genre mould or, heaven-forfend, chooses to mix them up a little, is seen as a bit odd, to say the least. As if they are more likely to sit down with a vampire for an in-depth discussion of parasitic morality and the best ways of growing garlic, than they are to offer them a passing virgin for tea.

Even research has changed. It is no longer exclusively the preserve of those happy to spend hours poring over dusty tomes… an unsafe practice at best for writers who have, as a species, a tendency to get lost in their pages. All it takes, these days, is a few clicks of the mouse and a world of knowledge opens in front of your eyes.

Grammar and punctuation may be corrected and polished by both the well-researched writer and the many programmes that are out there… though my own opinion of them is equivocal. Commas, like salt, may be sprinkled to taste while debates rage about the use of the Oxford variety.

You can learn all the rules and break them with impunity as long as you have found your own peculiar voice as a writer… except where spelling is concerned. There, you must conform, but the digital documents you create will nudge you in the right direction… sometimes. Unless the typo is a real, if misplaced, word. Or until it decides you should be using American English whether you like it or not. It is bad enough proof reading a manuscript in your own language, without having to check to see whether or not autocorrect decided to teach you another.

Then, when you have completed the book, done the editing, proofed it, rewritten and agonised over it, polished and proofed it again, you find that there is so much excellent, and often conflicting, advice out there about what to do next. You have to learn about marketing and promotion. You are reminded that cover designs and layout must be decided upon, you should think about getting a professional editor and sending the book to beta-readers… but the most important reader of all is usually dismissed as being unfit for the job.

You.

It is true that writers generally make terrible editors and proofreaders of their own work. With the best will in the world, and even if you sit there with eyes propped open with matchsticks until the words dance on the page, you will miss something. Every time. Whether you can afford a host of professional services or whether you do all the work yourself, you owe it to yourself and to your book to present it to the best of your ability. Unless you believe in it enough to do so, then why should anyone else?

If you have written from the heart, you will read from the heart…. and so will your readers. But no matter what you do, no-one else will ever read your book like you. You are the only person in the world who truly knows what you wanted to say and what you hope your book will do once you set its pages free to fly. You are the only one who knows why you wrote it… whether your aim was a bid for fame and fortune or whether it was one of those books that just had to be sent out into the world, regardless of whether anyone else reads it or not. Only you, in the deepest corners of your thoughts, know the answer to these questions and only you can say whether or not you have attained your goal…and if you have, then you have already achieved success.

‘Success’ is a strange word that each of us defines differently and that definition will change in every situation that is encountered. To me, success as a writer is not to be measured by royalties, celebrity or bestseller status, no matter how good that might feel, but whether or not, after all you have poured into its creation, you can still curl up with your own book… and enjoy it.

About Sue Vincent

Sue Vincent was a Yorkshire born writer, esoteric teacher and a Director of The Silent Eye. She was immersed in the Mysteries all her life. Sue maintained a popular blog and is co-author of The Mystical Hexagram with Dr G.M.Vasey. Sue lived in Buckinghamshire, having been stranded there due to an accident with a blindfold, a pin and a map. She had a lasting love-affair with the landscape of Albion, the hidden country of the heart. Sue  passed into spirit at the end of March 2021.
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77 Responses to How to write a book…

  1. Mr. Militant Negro says:
    August 25, 2017 at 06:09

    Reblogged this on The Militant Negro™.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
      • Mr. Militant Negro says:
        August 25, 2017 at 06:25

        It’s my pleasure and you are very welcome.

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      • beloved-alder says:
        August 27, 2017 at 14:50

        ‘But no matter what you do, no-one else will ever read your book like you. You are the only person in the world who truly knows what you wanted to say and what you hope your book will do once you set its pages free to fly.’ Having written all of one book, and a few short stories and lots of finished and unfinished poems, I have found that sometimes the writer does not know exactly what they wanted to say. For example, the ‘wing it’ experience that you mention in one of your replies may allow writing to take place almost in a dream, that is, ‘something else’ has taken over to produce a section of writing that had only a general intent behind it. Also, once the work has been read by someone else, their interpretation might modify what you thought you had wanted to say and transform it into something equally valid. I venture these comments, Sue, in the hope that I have not misunderstood what you were saying!!

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  2. robbiesinspiration says:
    August 25, 2017 at 06:19

    A lovely article, Sue. I have discovered with my blogging adventure that if I enjoy a writer or poets blog, then I invariably enjoy their books. I have discovered so many amazing writers out there who are self published for whatever reason so I think that it is definitely worth all the hard work of writing a book and getting it edited and published. I, off course, also do my own illustrations which ups the work a lot but at least my books are for children so are shorter. Happy weekend, Sue.

    Liked by 2 people

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  3. Marilyn Armstrong says:
    August 25, 2017 at 06:34

    Garry read my book out loud, cover to cover — and he STILL missed typos. I couldn’t afford professional help, so I enlisted friends and family and they were more than willing. But they didn’t pick up half the typos. I find reading the book frustrating. I want to reach into the pages and fix everything.

    As for all the advice on writing, I am one of those people who’ve never taken a writing course. I have always been afraid it would simply steal my voice. I’ve always felt this way, back to college in the 1960s. But I’m always interested in hearing about other writers’ processes … how they organize information, keep their characters in the right places and make sure it all comes out in order. So I suppose that’s a contradiction.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    • Sue Vincent says:
      August 25, 2017 at 06:57

      I wing it… little or no organisation in the pwriting ‘process’ except memory. And no courses either except practice.
      The whole self-publishing adventure has been learned on the way…through th mistakes.. from cover design to editing. There are things I would change…things I will go back and re-do… but it has been fun all the way learning.

      Liked by 3 people

      Reply
  4. Audrey Driscoll says:
    August 25, 2017 at 06:44

    I do read my own books occasionally, and enjoy them as a reader. My writer self isn’t usually summoned by typos or other flaws, so I suppose that indicates a kind of success.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  5. harulawordsthatserve says:
    August 25, 2017 at 07:13

    A wonderfully humorous and well-written read, as well as wise and insightful. Thanks Sue 🙂 x

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  6. Ritu says:
    August 25, 2017 at 08:21

    What wonderful advice Sue! I needed that after already starting to fret about ‘what next’ and I haven’t even finished my first draft!!!

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  7. barbtaub says:
    August 25, 2017 at 09:00

    I’ve always thought the easiest way to write a book is to wait until you can’t NOT write a book, and then go for it.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  8. barbtaub says:
    August 25, 2017 at 09:01

    Reblogged this on Barb Taub and commented:
    Sue gets it.
    “…but the most important reader of all is usually dismissed as being unfit for the job.

    You.”

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply
  10. jenanita01 says:
    August 25, 2017 at 09:16

    I am still learning the craft, and not as good a writer as Anita… and I suspect that the books I have written so far could do with another edit!

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  12. Madelyn Griffith-Haynie, MCC, SCAC says:
    August 25, 2017 at 11:17

    Thank you, Sue. A voice of reason in a world of “must-dos.”
    xx,
    mgh

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  13. plotmonster says:
    August 25, 2017 at 13:50

    Thought-provoking post. I always love to read tips that can improve my writing skills. Thanks for sharing.

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  14. D. Wallace Peach says:
    August 25, 2017 at 14:47

    Great post, Sue. I love it that there are scenes in some of my books that still make me cry even though I’ve read them a bazillion time while writing, rewriting, and editing. You’re so right that in addition to the mechanics, part of this book-writing process is supremely personal.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  15. patriciaruthsusan says:
    August 25, 2017 at 15:46

    Good post, Sue. 🙂 — Suzanne

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  16. Woebegone but Hopeful says:
    August 25, 2017 at 15:48

    Excellent post Sue, getting right to the heart of the matter. The love to write, the personal journey of exploration.
    Re-blogged.
    All the best
    Roger

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  17. Woebegone but Hopeful says:
    August 25, 2017 at 15:49

    Reblogged this on heroicallybadwriter and commented:
    Some very wise words going to the heart of the matter.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  20. Judy E Martin says:
    August 25, 2017 at 19:31

    Apart from writing my poetry book,I did write a first draft of a book during NaNoWriMo a couple of years ago. It was tricky because it was based entirely on fact but I fictionalised names and places which ended up being a headache. I didn’t realise how hard it would be to edit, re-edit, edit some more, and then do a bit more editing! I can’t see that I will ever finsih it!!! It must have taken you absoloutely ages, and a lot of dedication with all of the work that goes into your books!

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  21. roughwighting says:
    August 25, 2017 at 19:54

    This is so true! I have to like my own words – my own stories – first. Then I hope others will enjoy also, but if not, at least I’ve written from my own heart.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  22. paulandruss says:
    August 26, 2017 at 00:07

    Such and Enjoyable post Sue… insightful as ever!

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    Reply
  23. dgkaye says:
    August 26, 2017 at 02:31

    Stellar post my friend. 🙂 xx

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  24. Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life. says:
    August 26, 2017 at 08:18

    Reblogged this on Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life and commented:
    Wise words from Sue Vincent that I recommend any writer of books whatever the genre read. This is especially true if you are a first time author. And If I might add something here. You are not inventing the wheel..you are not the first.. there are millions of us who went through this for the first time.. and we are there to help if you need it. #recommended

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  26. rijanjks says:
    August 26, 2017 at 15:21

    So much has been said about the writing process and there is a plethora of information out there for any aspiring writer. But, there is no replacement for consistently writing something every single day. The more you do something, theoretically, the better you get. However, that being said, the Creative Writing Courses I invested my time and money in proved to be invaluable. I’m still learning, five books later. Great post, Sue.

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  27. Sarah Brentyn says:
    August 27, 2017 at 15:35

    Yes! I love this post. I couldn’t agree more. Thank you for sharing these thoughts. 💖

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  28. musingofanauthorintrainingblog says:
    August 28, 2017 at 23:08

    Reblogged this on A.Fae and commented:
    Great post! Thanks, Sue.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

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  30. aurorajeanalexander says:
    September 2, 2017 at 06:28

    Reblogged this on Writer's Treasure Chest and commented:
    Sue Vincent informs us with an excellent blog post how to write a book. Thanks a lot Sue.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  31. joylennick says:
    September 2, 2017 at 10:41

    A spot-on article, Sue! I’ve been scribbling for decades: diaries, articles, poetry, short stories and five books and am truly hooked on words, while not over-ambitious. I’m more of a plodder, although I was happier financially speaking in the misty past when commissioned to write by a mainstream publisher. Oh the joys of an ADVANCE (?) and ROYALTIES (?) and healthy SALES (!) Fast forward and eking out a meagre pension, the rewards are laughable (while the joke’s too bad…) and I’m expected to write and be the ‘washer-up/cleaner’ too!.I was taught when quite young that the world’s not a fair place, Too right! PS I shall continue to write for my own enjoyment and a few others. Best wishes. Joy Lennick

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    • Sue Vincent says:
      September 2, 2017 at 11:16

      Hi Joy, I grew up with a writer who earned an actual living from her work… the world is a very different place these days for writers. While there is now no excuse for remaining unpublished, getting those books read is a much more difficult task. Writing from the heart, writing those books we would choose to read, means that at the very least we give pleasure to one reader…even if it is only ourselves.

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  32. Pingback: How to Write a Book by Sue Vincent, Blogshare

  33. Sue Dreamwalker says:
    September 10, 2017 at 15:58

    Excellent advice Sue .. And yes I agree with you it should be a book we ourselves are happy to be absorbed in reading. Wishing you a peaceful Sunday this very Autumnal day.. Sue 🙂

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  34. robbiesinspiration says:
    September 12, 2017 at 12:05

    Wonderful advice, Sue.

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  35. Carrie Watts says:
    September 14, 2017 at 17:08

    Reblogged this on Highland Editorial Services and commented:
    Excellent advice for new writers! Especially this part:

    “It is true that writers generally make terrible editors and proofreaders of their own work. With the best will in the world, and even if you sit there with eyes propped open with matchsticks until the words dance on the page, you will miss something. Every time. Whether you can afford a host of professional services or whether you do all the work yourself, you owe it to yourself and to your book to present it to the best of your ability. Unless you believe in it enough to do so, then why should anyone else?”

    Like

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  37. macjam47 says:
    September 18, 2017 at 13:23

    What an insightful post, Sue. I enjoyed your sprinkling of humor and could honestly hear you reading the post. A post from the heart!

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