Some things to think about while you’re writing your bestseller.
Many people claim they would like to write a book. They might believe their life has had more twists and turns than the average person, and so their experiences must be put out there. However, very often they don’t understand what this entails — you have to fill 200 pages or so with interesting stuff, and that’s not so easy to do.
After publishing three books and having gone through the process, I can tell you that it’s so painful that I won’t consider another one. But I’m starting off with a bad attitude, and there are some great-to-be writers out there who would love to, and should, jump into this game. If that’s you, or you’d like to find out if that’s you, here’s some points that might be helpful.
First off, I can’t give advice on how to write — to say I’m not good enough for that is an understatement. Besides, there are plenty of books on this subject written by people who know what they’re talking about.
What I can tell you is, if you want to be a writer, you have to be a reader, of anything — great works, trashy novels, short articles, the National Enquirer, etc. Writing is not a talent you’re born with, it’s one you develop through years of practice and lots of exposure to other people’s writing. You also need to be a good listener, because what others have to say and how they say it will be your inspiration.
“It’s none of their business that you have to learn to write. Let them think you were born that way.”
—Ernest Hemingway
