Writing Your Own Book

[that_dozen]

has anyone written a book...either just for yourself or to be published?

what were some of the tactics you used to develop your characters? how long is it? how long did it take you to write? how much time did you spend on it each day?....simple - please just discuss your book project.

I have kept a steady journal since 1996 and I'm trying to use it to re-write the events in the form of a "fiction" story, but I want to know what advice people have about writing a book.

[MisterMCJ™]

has anyone written a book...either just for yourself or to be published?
what were some of the tactics you used to develop your characters? how long is it? how long did it take you to write? how much time did you spend on it each day?....simple - please just discuss your book project.
I have kept a steady journal since 1996 and I'm trying to use it to re-write the events in the form of a "fiction" story, but I want to know what advice people have about writing a book.

Check your pm

[Innkyblott]

has anyone written a book...either just for yourself or to be published?
what were some of the tactics you used to develop your characters? how long is it? how long did it take you to write? how much time did you spend on it each day?....simple - please just discuss your book project.
I have kept a steady journal since 1996 and I'm trying to use it to re-write the events in the form of a "fiction" story, but I want to know what advice people have about writing a book.

Do you need general fiction writing advice or specific advice on structuring a novel?

[Dr. Perry Cox]

I have sort of been thinking about writing a novel myself. I have a general idea of the story and main character, but I would also like some advice on character development and any other advice anyone can provide

[Innkyblott]

Get this to start you out. (http://www.amazon.com/Writing-Fiction-Practical-Acclaimed-Creative/dp/1582343306/sr=1-3/qid=1169952551/ref=pd_bbs_sr_3/105-9762926-5825200?ie=UTF8&s=books)

This to make your fiction commercial (and therefore marketable). (http://www.amazon.com/Advanced-Writing-Wells-Earl-Draughon/dp/059528311X/sr=1-1/qid=1169952674/ref=pd_bbs_1/105-9762926-5825200?ie=UTF8&s=books)

And here's a great forum. (http://absolutewrite.com/forums/)

And this for general good advice. (http://www.amazon.com/Writing-Stephen-King/dp/0684853523/sr=1-2/qid=1169952769/ref=pd_bbs_2/105-9762926-5825200?ie=UTF8&s=books)

[sn0man]

It's crazy Im seeing this because I mapped my plot out last night.....this is too epic to not try to be marketed. It has been kind of a running joke but based on reactions and my abilities Im like man.....I need to commit this to paper and see if anything happens

[that_dozen]

Get this to start you out. (http://www.amazon.com/Writing-Fiction-Practical-Acclaimed-Creative/dp/1582343306/sr=1-3/qid=1169952551/ref=pd_bbs_sr_3/105-9762926-5825200?ie=UTF8&s=books)

This to make your fiction commercial (and therefore marketable). (http://www.amazon.com/Advanced-Writing-Wells-Earl-Draughon/dp/059528311X/sr=1-1/qid=1169952674/ref=pd_bbs_1/105-9762926-5825200?ie=UTF8&s=books)

And here's a great forum. (http://absolutewrite.com/forums/)

And this for general good advice. (http://www.amazon.com/Writing-Stephen-King/dp/0684853523/sr=1-2/qid=1169952769/ref=pd_bbs_2/105-9762926-5825200?ie=UTF8&s=books)
:hug: thanks for the links. i still have no clue as to whether or not i want to write this for commercial purposes or moreso for myself....but i am definitely going to look into various options.

[elle simple]

has anyone written a book...either just for yourself or to be published?

what were some of the tactics you used to develop your characters? how long is it? how long did it take you to write? how much time did you spend on it each day?....simple - please just discuss your book project.

working on a manuscript right now for publication... I dont believe in doing that much work just for myself heh.... that's what my journal is for.

My project is non-fiction, so character development is not an issue in the same way as for fiction. Length is unknown right now, but I'm aiming for something marketable. It is taking me FOREVER. Like years of thinking about it, efforts here and there, finally about to focus and just do it... but realistically, it could still take a year or more. The work is tremendous.

I have to do lots and lots of interviews and transcriptions of the interviews and archival work--I get tired just thinking about it--but am committed to keeping the project moving forward this year. The main thing for me is to break it down into bite-size pieces and do a little bit every week.

I havent actually gotten to the putting it all together phase, but for me, once I do the research and groundwork, that should follow fairly easily... not EASY, but clear what needs to be done.


Have you ever taken any creative writing workshop classes? that would be a good way to start playing with your ideas and getting audience feedback before youre like 500 pages into something that may or may not work.

That said, the academic environment of some workshops is, I feel, detrimental to really edgy, unique fiction. But at the same time, those ppl can help you with the details of your work. So you take it for what it is but dont let it make or break you either way.

Best of luck!!!