Tips/Advice on Writing a Book

[DaVeyWaVey]

Not sure if this is the right place to put the thread so feel free to move it..

But I was wondering if anyone had any helpful or useful tips when it came to writing a book or short story?

Over the long summer, I've been reading a lot of novels but I've had bad writers block as well. But early this morning, I woke up and just started writing! After finding it so difficult, I feel like I can slowly write something again.

Anybody got any useful tips at all? It can be anything.

[alan45]

I know a couple of people who have published books. One was a journalist who already had all the contacts. The other one was a friend who wrote a novel. It was rejected dozens of times before he eventually got it published.

Both of them told me that the publisher makes up his mind after reading the first two pages. You need an original idea that will be popular. Easier said than done.

[parkerman]

I have had 21 books published and am currently writing two more, both to be published in 2010.

Alan is right in saying that publishers generally tend to make their minds up very quickly. It is best to send them a synopsis of the plot together with one or two full chapters before getting fully in to it to see what advice they give. It may also be worth trying an agency first as they will give better advice on what you need to do. Many publishers will not read anything now unless it has come through an agent.

You can find Agents on line or in the "Writers' and Artists' Year Book" which gives details of the type of book they specialise in.

[alan45]

I have had 21 books published and am currently writing two more, both to be published in 2010.

Do you mind me asking what your books are about

[parkerman]

Not at all.

They are fairly evenly divided between books on local history and books on speedway. There is one biography of a footballer in amongst that lot as well.

The two currently in production are a biography of a speedway rider and my memoirs of my time at The British Museum (where I worked for 37 years).

All my books are factual, so I'm not in the same position as DaVeyWaVey and also I always get a contract before I start so I don't waste any time writing something that is not going to be published! However, the advice I have given is from what I know of the writing and publishing trade.

[Luna]

I did a writing course a wee while and they advised that no matter what always write something for atleast 15 mins a day. No matter what it is just write!

[DaVeyWaVey]

Thank you for the tips so far - they are really helpful. I will need to make sure the first two pages are pretty good then :D

Good luck with the next two books you're publishing Parkerman.

[Abbie]

Wow sorry I never knew that people on here wrote books
good luck with everything you two :D