How to write your own first book - experiences and opinions?

[Tallupooh]

I also want to be a writer. Of course writing is not easy. I have to look for references first as well as a quiet enough time to write. Writing and reading are my hobbies. So I write because I like it, but sometimes I also want my book published, and I become a writer.

I always look for the right time to write, if my mood is peaceful and serene, I always write. But, if my mood is not good, I won't write, because it makes my writing a bit bad and I can't concentrate.

[Fretum]

I also read a lot, but not to copy from other authors, but to be inspired by their stories and also to reflect on which elements of the writing style I like well and which I like less. I think the knowledge and skills could also be well honed in a workshop. To see what my chances are, I contacted Novum Publishing with a sample of my book. I got feedback from the service publisher that they could see potential and that I should keep at it. I can contact them again when I am finished with my work and then they will see how they can support me on the way to publishing my book. However, I'm sure it will be some time before that happens. I've made good progress, but there's no end in sight yet. And when I'm done, I want to give the book to a few beta readers first and get feedback, and then start editing it myself. I think that will be a good piece of work again. But I'm looking forward to when the story is ready to be polished before handing the project over to professionals.

Learning from other authors does not mean copying them. Copying would be just changing the names in a story and then selling it as your story. But learning from other authors how to give a person a real character is not copying. You don't have to copy it 1:1, but you should learn from it.
You should always have the will to improve and develop. There are certainly several methods how you can do that. You should not assume that you know and can do everything. Even if you have already published several books, you have to adapt again and again. Readers often want something different and trends change.
Finish your book and then get back to that publisher. The publisher will know how to get feedback or will give you feedback themselves. You will certainly have to rewrite one or the other part of the book.

[Fretum]

I also want to be a writer. Of course writing is not easy. I have to look for references first as well as a quiet enough time to write. Writing and reading are my hobbies. So I write because I like it, but sometimes I also want my book published, and I become a writer.

I always look for the right time to write, if my mood is peaceful and serene, I always write. But, if my mood is not good, I won't write, because it makes my writing a bit bad and I can't concentrate.

I don't think you should put yourself under too much pressure. You should continue to see writing as a hobby. At some point you reach a point where you can try it with a publication. You can't force it.

I've often heard it the other way around, where writing is used to get back into the right mood and wipe away all the worries of everyday life.

[dragonb]

I think most people who enjoy writing also enjoy reading other authors' books. It is simply something special to be able to immerse oneself in the thought worlds of other people through texts. And through the same medium to be able to offer other people the opportunity to dive into a world that you yourself have created. That one does something like this not only for oneself and has no interest in having one's book published, is something I can only imagine for very few authors. Most of those who finish their book probably want to see it published successfully. That you can only try, but not force, I also see so. But in the meantime there are so many different possibilities that there should be something for everyone who seriously wants to do it.

[Fretum]

I think reading and writing somehow belong together. Normally you probably start with reading books, often you stay with it. Now and then, however, it appeals to you to write such stories yourself. Stories that have moved you, that have been fun, that have distracted you from your stressful everyday life,... You want to try that yourself and bring your stories to other people.
I think very few people start writing because they want to earn money with it. First and foremost, it's about bringing your stories closer to other people or because you feel the same way when you write as you do when you read (stress is reduced, you forget about everyday life,...).
At some point you will surely reach a point where you want more. And what comes after reading, after writing - a publication.
I think you can compare it well with sports. I saw my father playing soccer, then I started playing myself. Later I earned a little money with it and at some point I wanted more. For me, this is a very natural development that happens in many areas.

[schupp]

Finish your book and then get back to that publisher. The publisher will know how to get feedback or will give you feedback themselves. You will certainly have to rewrite one or the other part of the book.

Yeah, I'll definitely do that when I'm done. I felt really comfortable contacting Novum Publishing and if they actually want to publish my book and the price fits, I'll probably take the option. It may be that you also have a small chance with traditional publishers, but getting published there is also very time-consuming and involves a lot of rejections.

I think very few people start writing because they want to earn money with it. First and foremost, it's about bringing your stories closer to other people or because you feel the same way when you write as you do when you read (stress is reduced, you forget about everyday life,...).
At some point you will surely reach a point where you want more. And what comes after reading, after writing - a publication.
I think you can compare it well with sports. I saw my father playing soccer, then I started playing myself. Later I earned a little money with it and at some point I wanted more. For me, this is a very natural development that happens in many areas.

This is a nice example. And yes, I also believe that this is a normal development. Most people are more or less socially inclined and it's normal to want recognition for one's achievements.

[schupp]

Most of those who finish their book probably want to see it published successfully. That you can only try, but not force, I also see so. But in the meantime there are so many different possibilities that there should be something for everyone who seriously wants to do it.

I think so too. It's the same in the music industry. In the past, you absolutely needed a record publisher. And today, some artists become famous via YouTube or TikTok.

[Fretum]

Yeah, I'll definitely do that when I'm done. I felt really comfortable contacting Novum Publishing and if they actually want to publish my book and the price fits, I'll probably take the option. It may be that you also have a small chance with traditional publishers, but getting published there is also very time-consuming and involves a lot of rejections.

You can only decide for yourself which path to take. You should keep all your options open and try traditional publishers despite all the circumstances. It costs nothing and you can send your manuscript to several publishers at the same time. You can't get more than one more rejection. I think if you still want to publish, you have to think about whether you can do it alone or you need help. You have to be honest with yourself or it won't work. You need a lot of time and nerves to create it alone. In addition, you usually still have a job, a family, household,... You have to take all that into account when making your decision. I'm not saying you can't do it, but it certainly takes longer. If it takes longer, you can also lose motivation, which would be a shame.

This is a nice example. And yes, I also believe that this is a normal development. Most people are more or less socially inclined and it's normal to want recognition for one's achievements.

For some, the desire for more develops. If not, also ok. Basically, you only ever have to be satisfied yourself, what others want is their problem. Fortunately, not everyone likes the same thing and has the same interests. Now and then you wish then nevertheless that other people see what you actually do. If it gives you pleasure and you connect a lot of positive things with it, it can also happen to other people.

[schupp]

That's right, you just have to be happy yourself. At the moment I'm not yet, but that's also part of writing and publishing a book in some phases. But I'm confident that I'll be satisfied in the end. At the moment, I'm leaning heavily towards ultimately turning to a service publisher. But other options may also come into question. Self-publishing, however, I do not have the time and motivation, as you have correctly stated.

[Fretum]

In the end, you can only know for yourself what is best for you. What suits you may not suit others. What's right for others doesn't have to be right for you. I think it's important to think about it carefully. Collect all the information and then make a decision for yourself.

[schupp]

I think that is a very important point. As a new author, when you find out how to write and, above all, publish your first book, you often get the impression that there is only one right way. But the demands and needs of authors are as varied as their books.

Some are satisfied if they can publish their book on their own homepage. Others find accommodation with traditional publishers and change their work according to the wishes of the publisher. Still others opt for service publishers and are satisfied with that. And some also discover a lot of joy in publishing their book via self-publishing, even if this also costs time and money.

You have to decide individually what is best for you. That's the same with investing money. Some prefer to invest their savings in gold, some in cryptocurrencies. And still others feel best when diversifying.

[Fretum]

I think one can and should only clarify and provide information here. The decision then loves but with one himself.  If you mention the example with the investment, it is the same.  My way can be good for me, but it does not have to be so for everyone or maybe you have completely different goals. The conditions are so and so different for everyone.

For a publication, I would strive for the goal of getting published by a traditional publisher. If you can not realize that and you still want to publish your story, you should also think about the alternatives. There are already enough options and everyone will find his way. You have to be honest with yourself. I think if you say, I do everything alone and then you have no time or the stress is too great, then you could quickly stop again.

[mvdheuvel1983]

I'd be interested in your experiences. Have any of you written a book? What strategies worked for you to successfully write and publish your book?

One of the strategies that authors who I love reading their books do is that, they start with a personal story. Usually in a narrative format, their history. Then slowly they start intertwine their their thoughts and opinions into the piece. The best writers are those who will leave you with something to think about after reading a chapter.You could do both.

[misterrtwisterr]

Well, what kind of book? Fantasy, SF, autobiography, fiction, non-fiction? A novel? Short story? Novella? There's a HUGE difference between all of them.

Difference between "having an idea" and actually writing that idea down is night and day. You may think you have a great storyline, but once you start writing, you'll figure out how much "empty space" you have in between. That's where the hard part is. How to fill it with something meaningful?

Before writing anything, and especially fiction, you should have your characters nailed down. Their personalities, their motives. Why would they do something they did, how is their personality affecting the storyline, how may their decision impact the storyline? Fantasy and SF are even harder. You have to create the whole universe before you write anything. Universe that makes sense. The story must sit perfectly in that universe, otherwise you'll have illogical storyline and plot holes.

What you really should do is just write something short. 5k - 10k words. Give it to your friends and families to read. Ask for their honest opinions. Post it on forums or Reddit. Look what people think about your writing. Practice some more. Then maybe some magazines would want to publish your stories if they're good enough. Build up from that.

Writing is VERY hard for most people. It takes time and practice. Maybe only a handful of lucky individuals are talented enough to express their thoughts through writing in a really meaningful and beautiful, effortless way. I would say those are the top 1% of writers. Other mortals will have to grind their way to become good authors. I don't know why people romanticise writing so much. It's hard work. It's a constant fight with empty paper. Moments where you don't know what to write are predominant compared to the moments when words just flow from your mind to fingers.

On the other hand, it's probably one of those things anyone can try. It costs nothing. That's the beauty of it.

[Tallupooh]

I also want to be a writer. Of course writing is not easy. I have to look for references first as well as a quiet enough time to write. Writing and reading are my hobbies. So I write because I like it, but sometimes I also want my book published, and I become a writer.

I always look for the right time to write, if my mood is peaceful and serene, I always write. But, if my mood is not good, I won't write, because it makes my writing a bit bad and I can't concentrate.

I don't think you should put yourself under too much pressure. You should continue to see writing as a hobby. At some point you reach a point where you can try it with a publication. You can't force it.

I've often heard it the other way around, where writing is used to get back into the right mood and wipe away all the worries of everyday life.

You are right, but everyone is different. if I'm complaining, I always write it in a diary. after I poured out everything that was on my mind through writing, it made me relieved. sometimes part of the novel stories that I write, are lifted from the habit of my true story.

but still sometimes I feel bored. so sometimes I switch from writing to reading.

[schupp]

Thank you for your advice! I also think that books should not only tell a story, but also make you think.

That it is more difficult to write a good book than to have an idea in my head is something I am experiencing myself. It will be done, but it's a tedious process. I hope to have the book published next year.

Before it is published, it will definitely be proofread and edited. I think that's when you notice, for example in fantasy novels, whether the worlds described make sense or whether you have to formulate something differently or add information.

[dragonb]

Hey there! I haven't looked in here for a while now... what's the current situation with your project? Have you made any progress yet? In my opinion, you shouldn't do without editing and proofreading - even the best professional authors have to swear by them ;-) There's always something to tweak about a text... but it's also important to let it "be" at some point... two or three revisions is the minimum, I'd say.

[Fretum]

What you really should do is just write something short. 5k - 10k words. Give it to your friends and families to read. Ask for their honest opinions. Post it on forums or Reddit. Look what people think about your writing. Practice some more. Then maybe some magazines would want to publish your stories if they're good enough. Build up from that.

I doubt family or friends are a good guide there. You have to know what you are doing and you have to know the market. And if you're honest, often no one from friends and relatives want to give you negative feedback.
In literature forums, on the other hand, it is quite different. For the people in the forums, everything is bad and everything is talked down. No one is good enough:)
I think the best chances for honest feedback would be if you participate in competitions and exchange with other authors.

Writing is VERY hard for most people. It takes time and practice. Maybe only a handful of lucky individuals are talented enough to express their thoughts through writing in a really meaningful and beautiful, effortless way. I would say those are the top 1% of writers. Other mortals will have to grind their way to become good authors. I don't know why people romanticise writing so much. It's hard work. It's a constant fight with empty paper. Moments where you don't know what to write are predominant compared to the moments when words just flow from your mind to fingers.

I also think writing is hard work. You have to invest a lot of time. Many people think it's too easy. That's probably why there are so many writers who try.
I think you can often tell the difference between a story you had to write and a story you want to get off your chest. The publisher is on your back, there's time pressure, you have to write a sequel, you put yourself under too much pressure,... All this influences the story. If you can write freely what is close to your heart and it is a matter of spreading your story, that is of course more conducive.

On the other hand, it's probably one of those things anyone can try. It costs nothing. That's the beauty of it.

Writing costs nothing (to very little). It takes time but so do all hobbies. It should be fun, a distraction.... you also benefit yourself from writing even though you don't want to publish. It should lift your mood or give you joy.
When it comes to a publication, it costs quite a bit. Not necessarily financially - but in any case time and nerves.

[Fretum]

You are right, but everyone is different. if I'm complaining, I always write it in a diary. after I poured out everything that was on my mind through writing, it made me relieved. sometimes part of the novel stories that I write, are lifted from the habit of my true story.

but still sometimes I feel bored. so sometimes I switch from writing to reading.

I think that is also the positive influence that writing can have. Other people go to sports and exhaust themselves there - but what remains is a positive feeling afterwards. With writing, it's the feelings that you get off your chest.

Often you have to take a step back and read other stories. Then at some point the focus comes back. Think it would also be bad in such a phase with pressure to continue writing - you would then notice.

[schupp]

what's the current situation with your project? Have you made any progress yet? In my opinion, you shouldn't do without editing and proofreading - even the best professional authors have to swear by them ;-) There's always something to tweak about a text... but it's also important to let it "be" at some point... two or three revisions is the minimum, I'd say.

I had a vacation at the end of December and took a lot of time to write after Christmas with the family. I had a good phase and got a few chapters further. But it will take a while until the manuscript is finished.

In the meantime I dared to read the first chapters by friends and got positive feedback. I guess the story makes you want more, but they would also recommend that I edit again when I'm done with the book. I've also contacted Novum Publishing and they've encouraged me that publishing can work out. But until that happens, I might want to enter a short story contest to get some publicity.

Often you have to take a step back and read other stories. Then at some point the focus comes back. Think it would also be bad in such a phase with pressure to continue writing - you would then notice.

In the meantime, I have also had such phases in which I could only have written under pressure. But I think writer's block is quite normal. Since writing is my hobby and should be fun, I then allowed myself a break and read more.