Writing Your First Book

It is estimated that over 80% of the population would like to write a book, yet less than 1% actually do. I'm not surprised. I've always wanted to visit Australia, but given the fact that I'm over 70 now, the likelihood that I will do so is pretty slim. It isn't as though it is an impossible dream. It would require dedication and would have to become a high priority. It didn't and this is where I want to start with this blog.

Writing a book requires a lot of work. Preparing a manuscript for publication can be more daunting than visiting a far-away country on a shoestring budget. In fact, the process is actually similar.

If I decided to visit another country, the first thing I would do would be to look for a travel agency. I'd want to know the cost so I could save or borrow the money required. I'd need a passport, vaccinations and information on all the requirements of a visitor to that country. I'd probably ask advice from people who had visited that country – or at least someone who had traveled to another country. The requirements might be different, but the process would be similar. I'd need to know a little about the country I intended to visit. What transportation would be available and what cities would I find interesting? By this time, I might be getting a little anxious. I've left my comfort zone. Other things have taken priority – finances, family, etc. 

I've never traveled to Australia. At this point, you may be seeing the similarity with writing that first book.

 I'm a bit of an odd duck, but then, that's not unusual for artistic people. Writers are artists. They use words to paint a scene. Their imaginations transport readers from one place or time to another. A book can take us places no travel company can access, at a price we can afford. Wait; don't travel companies us the word booking?

I began writing my first book in the early 1970's. To date, I have not finished that book. I got my first rejection of a science fiction story in the late 80's. To date, I have not finished the book. I still intend to. I know what it is like to be hung up on a book. I have published traditionally, self-published and even home published over 60 titles since 1996. I did it while working a full-time job, serving as den mother and president of two different non-profit groups. I did it while raising two boys, nursing a paralyzed husband and taking care of my father. As if that wasn't enough, I am dyslexic. Writing has been more to me than a passing interest. It has been a passion and a source of comfort. It has been a high priority – and THAT is why I have published 60 books.

 Unlike traveling; if you want to write a book, getting an agent is not the first thing you want to do. That's months or years down the line – maybe never. The first thing you need to do is write the book. Like I knew which country I wanted to visit, you probably already have a plot idea and characters in mind.

At this point, you may run into your first obstacle – what are the character's names? You may be tempted to post on social media and ask for suggestions. DON'T. That is the slippery slope to writing a book for someone else. This is your book. Grab a phone book and browse – a first name here, a sir name there. Search the internet for baby names, or unusual names or popular names in a specific period. Let your character search with you and they will point out their name to you. This book is between you and your characters, not your friends on social media.

Get to know your characters. Take them to the store with you and determine how they would react to everyday situations. Find their weaknesses and strengths. That's character building, and your characters will move the story.

At this point, you're probably wondering if you should outline your story. Yes. Well, maybe no. Ask a dozen successful writers (and by "successful" I mean any writer who has published a book) if they outline their stories. The answers will vary depending on author style. Some say they wouldn't start a book without one and some say they never use one. Try using an outline for your first book and decide what works best for you.

Write the first chapter. The first chapter is not only the first plunge for the writer, but the most important for the reader as well. That first chapter – and often the first few pages - will determine whether a reader finishes your book. But don't put your focus only on that first chapter. If the rest of the book doesn't fulfill the promise of the first chapter, readers probably won't finish the book. That's bad enough, but they will probably not even consider reading your next book. Yes, there will be another book. They are like chickens. You can't have just one.

You've written the first chapter. Now it's time to look for some help. It's too early to send your story to an editor, but it is an ideal time to use beta readers or a critique group. Friends and family are fine, if they are readers and if you can trust them to give you honest feedback. Encouragement is vital, but only honesty will help you improve your writing skills. Sharing your first chapter before you write the rest can save a lot of time and frustration. You will get feedback that will help you with the rest of the book. If you decide to pay for advice, it's a lot cheaper to have that first chapter edited than the entire book.

Each time you travel, you gather valuable information. You learn from mistakes and experience. You listen to people who have been there before and compare their experiences to your interests. You don't have to go the same places for that information to be valuable. The same is true in a critique group. You don't have to use their input verbatim. Listen and decide which part works for you and your book. Let them write their book and you write yours. Just write it.

 Linda L. Rigsbee