by Colene Pefley

Created on: August 01, 2010   Last Updated: August 23, 2010

Having a great idea for a book is the beginning of a long, arduous process that requires dedication, persistence, and a love for the concept that is being created. Writing a book is not easy, but completing a book can give a person a feeling of accomplishment.

The first thing to do after realizing your idea is to write as many abstract thoughts about it on paper. Ideas vanish quickly if they are not written down. This makes it easier for a person to recall this information when it comes time to structure it into a novel.

The next step is to research which genre this idea falls into. Knowing as much about the genre that you will be writing to can help with the creative aspects of writing a book. This can also be a beneficial way to learn the techniques and styles of each particular genre. This is particularly important when you are looking to publish your book upon completion.

From there, it is time to start brainstorming and writing. Writers write in many different ways, so writing a book from beginning to end is not always the way books are written. Authors may start writing from the beginning, middle, or end, all depending on when and how ideas come to them. Writing is not necessarily a clean cut process; it can be messy. This process cannot be rushed when producing quality work. Some authors write small amounts every day, while others may write for long sessions, sporadically. It is all about personal preference.

Once many separate pieces have been written, it is time to sort them, which can be frustrating. This is where it will help to join a writing group or have a few close friends read each piece and help put them together. It can be like a puzzle; trying to arrange these fragments into a solid piece of literature. Consulting with others who have successfully written novels is also a great way to gain valuable knowledge and advice.

After the pieces have been assembled, it is time to begin the editing process. Editing may be the most time consuming part of this process because many authors may never get through a run through of their book without finding something that they would like to change. This is also a place where experienced authors or avid readers may be helpful. It is important for you, as a writer, to have objective opinions of your work.

Once the editing process is complete, it is important to research markets for the finished product. Since the book can go through many drastic changes and directions throughout the process, it is necessary to make sure that the finished novel reaches markets that are suitable for it. One way to find an appropriate market is to compare the book to the research done earlier. Getting a book published may take a great deal of time and can be a learning experience for a new author.

Ideas come and go quickly, and it is important to act on these ideas promptly before they disappear. Writing a great book fulfills a person’s desire to create something magnificent. People want to be remembered, and great books last forever

Learn more about this author, Colene Pefley.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.