Writing a book is not just a nice thing to do. If you have a book burning inside you, it will not leave you alone until you do the deed. You can struggle along for a while with your sticky notes and midnight scrawlings. But if you want to get the job done, it helps to learn a few points. Following these tips can help you write a book.

What kind of book?

Basically, there are two kinds of books: fiction and non-fiction. Each of these further divides into more specific categories. You will need to learn about those before you start. It is important to be clear about which you are writing. Authors who ignore the classifications will find themselves with complications when they attempt to market their book. trouble.

Fiction

A work of fiction is a made-up story. It may contain truth, and it may be based on real events, but essentially, it is not representing the truth. A book-length fictional story is called a “novel.”

Under the fiction umbrella are found a variety of categories. These may be determined by target age group, subject matter, or writing style. Fiction can be “literary” or commercial. Literary works focus on style, innovation, and figurative language. Commercial works are intended to be sold to the largest market possible for a profit. Literary works require a high degree of natural talent. Commercial works can be produced by anyone who carefully follows the rules.

Fiction may be written for children, teens, or adults. Genres include romance, mystery, horror, western, fantasy, and a myriad of others. Sub genres abound. Markets also exist for “adult” content: erotic, violence, and gore. Not all publishers—or readers—are interested in these.

Non-fiction

Non-fiction is a work that presents factual material. Some common categories are how-to-do-it, biography, inspirational, and business. Non-fiction books should be well-researched and written by experts in the field.

Organize and plan
Different kinds of writing require different techniques. Certain principles can be applied to all. Don’t just sit down and start writing. Make a realistic plan and work on a little at a time. Some of the tips for fiction and non-fiction overlap, so look over both of the following sections.

Fiction

Writing a work of fiction requires a creative mind. Reign in that creativity by setting up an organized workspace. Plan to collect materials on your characters, plot, setting, and conflict. Keep relevant pictures, clippings, notes, outlines, and maps in file folders, boxes, or on your computer.

Non-fiction

Non-fiction generally requires more research than fiction (though not always). Components that will have to be organized include books read, experts interviewed, and websites visited. Set aside ample space to allow for boxes of file folders, books, videos, models, and other research material you may accumulate. Set up a system so that you are able to retrieve the material when you need it. Many authors suggest a separate file folder for each chapter.

Oulline, Plot, or Other

Plotting generally applies to fiction. It requires development of characters, setting, and conflict. The story must keep the reader’s interest. You need a clear path to keep your story on track. This can be accomplished by any number of visual prompts. You may sketch pictures, take notes on index cards, use computer software, or make large cluster diagrams.

Or you may fall back on the old, reliable outline. Non-fiction writers can implement any of the techniques suggested for fiction. Usually an outline makes more sense for non-fiction. The truth can generally be more neatly divided in categories than fiction. You can hand write your outline, using traditional I, II, and III divisions, with appropriate subdivisions. Or you can use your computer software, if you don’t mind the computer dictating the way you set up your notes.

The “other” category is the most interesting. Authors work in different ways. Notes can be organized from audio recordings, sticky notes, paper napkins, emails, or text messages dictated to yourself. You can purchase software designed for writing books. Or you can stuff all your notes into mailing envelopes and label them with a marker. You can create a series of” bubbles” or “clusters” on a poster board or a white board. You can tack up notes all over your office.

The possibilities are endless. The point is, you need some sort of system to organize your work.

Your agenda

Stuff happens, but books don’t. If you are serious about producing a finished product, you need a plan. It needs to be specific, and it needs to be achievable. Don’t say you are going to write your book during your two-week vacation when you already have plans to paint the house and lay new carpet.

Try these steps:

• Assess your available time.
• Estimate a reasonable timeline.
• Set a realistic target date.
• Identify bite-sized tasks
• Reward yourself for victories.

Warnings

Sometimes your best friends can be your worst enemies. People tend to be in awe of authors. It can be intimidating. Talking about your book to those closest to you can trigger their fears. “What if my mother/sister/nephew/spouse becomes a successful author? Will he or she have time for me?

So, unless you have a sympathetic support group around you, avoid talking about the project too much. Some authors can actually talk themselves out of a book. Once they have spilled all the details to everyone they know, they feel that their work is done.

Avoid this trap. Brainstorm with others if that helps your creative process. Share your frustrations if you have people around you who care and can offer constructive help. But this can backfire if not used carefully.

Revel in your status
There is no feeling in the world like seeing your name in print. This feeling can be yours. Learn how to write a book. Plot, plan, and pursue. With a maximum of writing, and a minimum of talking, you can achieve your dreams.