Writing your own book, what are your experiences?

[boyptc]

It might take time but as long as you're encouraged to do that, you'll be able to do it.

You are happy to take the time if it brings you something. You also benefit from it.
You can assume that you're interested in writing and literature, so you're happy to put in the time.
As long as that's the case, you should give it a go. It just shouldn't become a burden and you shouldn't stress yourself out.

Yeah, that's the joy in it when it takes time and you're enjoying it because that's part of the process.

@boyptc: Yeah, it’s wild how drawn people are to real-life stuff that’s unfiltered. Like, even when it’s messy or quiet, if it feels lived, it sticks. Your point about learning from other people’s stories really hit. That’s the kind of reading I crave too – someone putting it out there without smoothing all the edges.

I guess that's all natural for most of us and we want to know what happens to someone's life and what we can learn from it.

The beauty of that expression of an author is really amazing sent to the readers.

[Fretum]

@Fretum: That metaphor with the marathon got me. Like, you’re absolutely right – half the hesitation is just standing on the edge of the pool, looking at the water. And I love how you framed writing as something that should give something back to you. That’s probably what I’m trying to reclaim – letting it be a balance, not another pressure point. Quick question though: have you taken a course yourself that really helped shift your perspective or flow? Would love a recommendation if any stood out.

Ah, I’m so glad the marathon metaphor landed – it’s wild how much energy gets spent just hovering at the edge, right? That internal build-up before we even begin. And yes, totally with you on reclaiming that balance. When writing starts to feel like just another obligation, it loses the very thing that drew us to it in the first place. I’ve been trying to notice when it gives me energy versus when it drains me – not to judge it, but just to adjust how I approach it.
As for courses – yes! I’ve taken a few, but one that really shifted something for me was a generative writing workshop led by a poet who focused less on polish and more on process. It was such a relief. We were encouraged to write messily, with zero pressure to “finish” anything. That freedom unlocked a lot. If you're looking for something similar, I’d recommend checking out classes through places like Catapult, novum publishing, or even local writing centers or further education centres. Sometimes it’s less about the content and more about the vibe – finding spaces that feel generous and low-stakes. There is also a lot of help online. Youtube is full of tips, there is also a lot of good help. It's worth a look.

Yeah, that's the joy in it when it takes time and you're enjoying it because that's part of the process.

And that, for me, is the difference between a hobby and a job.
With a hobby, you do it voluntarily, but you have to do the work. That's not to say that work can't be fun, but there's more pressure behind it.
You should see writing as a hobby for as long as you can, even if you're a professional author, it shouldn't get to the point where you have to write. You can write and enjoy it.
If you enjoy it, the result will be much better.

[planingkoala]

@boyptc: Exactly – there's something kind of beautiful about that slow, stubborn process, right? Like, even the frustrating parts are part of what makes it feel real. I guess that's why life stories resonate so much – because they're messy, incomplete, and still moving forward. It's wild to think that something so personal can reach across to someone else just because you decided to put it into words. Have you already thought about whether you'd structure it chronologically, or more like little snapshots from different stages?

@Fretum: Your whole post hit me at such a weirdly perfect time – it’s funny how sometimes you know something deep down, but you only realize it fully when someone else says it out loud. I really needed that reminder that it’s okay to write messily, to not polish every word while it’s still being born. I love the way you framed it – finding spaces that are “generous and low-stakes.” That’s honestly the energy I want to stay in.

The workshop you mentioned sounds amazing, btw. Were the sessions more freeform, like pure writing time, or did they build in small exercises to help push past blocks?

And about the other places you mentioned for courses – when you looked for local centers or adult education stuff, did you find it helpful right away or was it more trial and error? Would love to know what made a good course “feel right” for you.

Also when you said YouTube was worth checking out – were there any specific kinds of videos that actually helped you? Like, more motivational talks, or super practical stuff on techniques and mindset? And you're so right: when writing feels like a duty instead of a choice, the whole thing tightens up.

Keeping it in the “hobby heart” even if you dream bigger – that's such a good way to put it. Quick side thought: have you ever stumbled onto a moment mid-writing where you suddenly felt that joy coming back, even just for a random paragraph or line? Like a little spark reminding you why you started?

[franky1]

@franky1: That was honestly the most unexpectedly useful breakdown I’ve read in a long time – thank you for laying it so clearly out. That idea of not starting from the beginning kind of hit me in the best way. I’ve definitely gotten stuck trying to write “the perfect first line” while the rest just floats shapeless in my brain. Starting with a sentence like “a boy is kidnapped and raised by space aliens” and building out from there? That flips everything for me.

yep, each word can then be expanded on until each word becomes paragraphs or chapters
you dont need to start at the start, begin by describing the 'aliens' or the 'kidnapped'.. basically whatever idea comes to mind

when it comes to memoirs, you can start with today and remember events that lead upto today. then put things in chronological order
some good memoirs actually do begin in their books with a brief description of how today turned out because.. [lead into childhood memory]

Also, this whole concept of planting small details early that pay off later – I love that kind of structure as a reader, but I never thought I could engineer it as a writer. Do you think that kind of “backward foreshadowing” works just as well in nonfiction or memoir-style writing too? Or is that more a fiction trick?

it works in many genre's, if not to add depth to story but also a writing aid, if you add a detail mid memoir it can remind you of an earlier event that lead to the detail so then you can go nearer the start and fill in the trigger, which then adds more depth at the start, and .. back to the readers point of view can then aid the overall explanation/experience

And re: your publishing advice – super smart. I hadn’t even considered the psychology angle of handing publishers something physical and “almost ready,” just to draw them in. Did you (or someone you know) actually try this approach with a print mockup? Curious how it played out in practice – especially whether it helped spark any real publisher engagement.

they got more call backs with critique and advice more so than plain paper, typewriter style
cant remember if their books ended up in shops, but they did tell me it got them to atleast get more calls


more advice about publishers
some small publishers are just scammers. they will demand you to hire their editors, hire their illustrators, hire some sales dude, ask you to front a small print run, pretend they approached the big stores but then something went wrong(after you paid because they pretended your book was going to go on best seller chart, if you just....pay)
so research publishers you pick, get reviews

[Hydrogen]

@Hydrogen: I feel that on the outline. I keep changing mine every time I open the doc, which basically means I never get past the early chapters. But alright, let’s do this micro accountability thing. Could even keep it super low pressure – like one-liner check-ins: “Wrote 120 words and hated 90 of them.” Still counts. What would your ideal story feel like, if you didn’t need a perfect outline first?

It all comes down to themes, like:

----------------------------------------------------

If democracy dies in darkness, does evil also meet its end if it steps into the light?

----------------------------------------------------

“Seek freedom and become captive of your desires.
Seek discipline and find your liberty.”

----------------------------------------------------

While you may not fear death.

What you do fear.

Is change.

----------------------------------------------------

Immortality

Mechanisms behind biological longevity could be genetically linked to conditions of causality which may be defined and identified by empirical science.

Leading to conditions of cause and effect with interesting implications.

----------------------------------------------------


I'll try to come up with a theme I like ^.

Then build an outline and story around it.

But if it resembles something that has already been done, I'll give up on it.

While portions of the story might seem unusual. I would like people to feel better about themselves, after reading it.

[Fretum]

more advice about publishers
some small publishers are just scammers. they will demand you to hire their editors, hire their illustrators, hire some sales dude, ask you to front a small print run, pretend they approached the big stores but then something went wrong(after you paid because they pretended your book was going to go on best seller chart, if you just....pay)
so research publishers you pick, get reviews

You should only pay for what you really need.
I would also like to emphasise quite clearly here that if you are looking for an editor, etc., then you have to pay for it. Many people believe that everything has to be free and as soon as it costs something, you don't need it any more. It's not like that. If you self-publish, you have to take care of everything yourself. Of course, a professional editor, graphic designer,... would also want to be paid for their work. That's not a scam.
I think this should be communicated clearly, this prejudice is widespread among many people.
You have to make a clear distinction between the black sheep in the industry. Just because you pay money for a service doesn't mean it's a scam.

[BADecker]

I find that if I search for an author I really like, and find a section in one of his/her books that is terrific, if I write out in longhand about a dozen of the pages 36 times, I automatically can write like him/her for a while.

[planingkoala]

@franky1: That whole idea of not starting at the beginning keeps bouncing around in my head. Like – yeah. Why do we act like the first line has to be the thesis of our soul? Half my favorite books don’t even hit their stride until chapter four. And that bit about starting from today and letting memory pull things backward? That really stuck with me. Especially for memoir-style stuff – it just feels truer to how our minds actually work. I also loved your take on planting small seeds mid-story and using them to enrich earlier sections later on. That’s the kind of structure that feels invisible to the reader but anchors everything emotionally. Wild how memory and narrative kind of mirror each other there.

The publishing angle – so smart. I wouldn’t have thought showing up with something that looks like a book already could make such a difference, but of course it would. And yeah, it’s kind of sad how many shady “publishers” prey on that dream. Appreciate you spelling it out. Notes taken.

@Hydrogen: I keep coming back to your themes. Honestly, they hit like questions I haven’t figured out how to ask myself yet. That “Seek freedom and become captive...” line? Feels like it could carry a whole collection. Maybe even without a conventional story. Like a series of connected thoughts orbiting a core truth. That’s the kind of structure I’m drawn to lately – less plot, more pull. I also get that itch to scrap a thing when it feels too “done before.” But maybe originality lives more in tone than idea. And I get the sense your tone has its own lane.

@Fretum: So true what you said about cost not always meaning scam. It’s weird – some people will drop 1k on a laptop without blinking, but expect editing to cost fifty bucks. If someone’s helping shape your voice, they deserve to be paid. That said, yeah: not everyone charging is legit. Your point about separating grifters from professionals is important. I think I needed to hear that right now, honestly.

@BADecker: Never tried handwriting like that, but now I’m super tempted. Curious – did it make your own voice clearer, or just temporarily shift into theirs?

[BADecker]

~

@BADecker: Never tried handwriting like that, but now I’m super tempted. Curious – did it make your own voice clearer, or just temporarily shift into theirs?

You are individually you. It only lasts for a time. But the longer you try to make it a part of you, the more success you will have at changing yourself permanently.

[franky1]

more advice about publishers
some small publishers are just scammers. they will demand you to hire their editors, hire their illustrators, hire some sales dude, ask you to front a small print run, pretend they approached the big stores but then something went wrong(after you paid because they pretended your book was going to go on best seller chart, if you just....pay)
so research publishers you pick, get reviews

You should only pay for what you really need.
I would also like to emphasise quite clearly here that if you are looking for an editor, etc., then you have to pay for it. Many people believe that everything has to be free and as soon as it costs something, you don't need it any more. It's not like that. If you self-publish, you have to take care of everything yourself. Of course, a professional editor, graphic designer,... would also want to be paid for their work. That's not a scam.
I think this should be communicated clearly, this prejudice is widespread among many people.
You have to make a clear distinction between the black sheep in the industry. Just because you pay money for a service doesn't mean it's a scam.

if your self publishing(finding a printing company) (finding a independent editor) then yes obviously all costs come on you. to do the edit, illustration, print and distribute

however if a publishing company show interest of making your book where your pitching them to take you on under their label and they want a cut of the profits then they should take on the costs. especially if its using their own inhouse talent to edit, illustrate and such

this is usually where they cover the costs to get your book into stores fully production ready, and they take the rest of the profit to cover their upfront costs after you take a royalty. if they see your story is very intriguing or is worthy of a series of books. they would also offer you a stipend to cover your living costs whilst you further develop your story

but yes there is a big different between a publishing company vs a self print self publishing model
the biggest emphasis is some people that want to self publish try to find volunteer editors and make fake promises of % of profits later. however this is where the book writer is trying to scam independant editors. because many scam book writers just want to abuse other skilled eople for a one time use with fake promises of ongoing royalty.. so just make things simple pay for the time you use

[MeGold666]

I'm thinking of writing a book about a serial killer who hunts cyclists - the ones wearing faggy-tights.

It will be based on real events, I've already got a title: "Satisfaction", it will be a bestseller.
Right before the hit-and-run, he'll loudly play the 'Jaws' theme music.

[wez]

I thought too long and just started.

I kept going until i was done and it took me exactly 8 hours

I felt very good and I actually did it.

The sales were worth it too, however, after a while you no longer get sales so you have to think of a new book or new platforms to sell at

[Bluedrem]

I’ve been toying with this idea for a while now, and figured I’d finally throw it out here – has anyone here ever written and actually published their own book? I’m not talking about some ghostwritten business eBook or crypto whitepaper (though that counts in its own way, I guess), but more like a personal project – stories, essays, maybe even poetry or fiction? Something that really came from you.

Lately I’ve felt this weird urge to pull all the scattered texts I’ve written over the years together – some are half-finished, some are just thoughts that never made it past the note app stage. But I keep wondering: what does it take to turn all that into something real? Like, how do you go from idea to book without totally losing steam halfway through?

I’ve read about self-publishing, or doing a small print run with local presses, but I’d love to hear real experiences. Did you do it all yourself? Hire someone? How did you even know when it was done?

And maybe most importantly: how did it feel? To hold the thing in your hands, or to send it out into the world? Was it worth the hassle?

Would love to hear your takes – no matter if you’ve published once or ten times, or if you’re still stuck somewhere in chapter two. Let’s talk.

Yes, I have written many poems, my writing experience was great, although no book has been published about the poems yet, but I have many poems written by myself in my collection.

[Antol8133]

I published my first novel in 2017. It was a fantasy one, and the feeling was very good when I received my author copy. I also had it when I published two more after that, but then you may face certain life issues and make choices about whether it is worth continuing to do that. You need to take into account how much time it takes you to write regularly, and how much time you have left to spend with your family and to make a living. I have already published eight novels, six of them in print with traditional publishing houses, two were self-published. Before those novels, I published short stories in printed magazines. The feeling when you hold magazines/books with your first stories is great, you really feel high. But it fades away gradually, at least for me.

[OrangeCoinGood]

I’ve been toying with this idea for a while now, and figured I’d finally throw it out here – has anyone here ever written and actually published their own book? I’m not talking about some ghostwritten business eBook or crypto whitepaper (though that counts in its own way, I guess), but more like a personal project – stories, essays, maybe even poetry or fiction? Something that really came from you.

Lately I’ve felt this weird urge to pull all the scattered texts I’ve written over the years together – some are half-finished, some are just thoughts that never made it past the note app stage. But I keep wondering: what does it take to turn all that into something real? Like, how do you go from idea to book without totally losing steam halfway through?

I’ve read about self-publishing, or doing a small print run with local presses, but I’d love to hear real experiences. Did you do it all yourself? Hire someone? How did you even know when it was done?

And maybe most importantly: how did it feel? To hold the thing in your hands, or to send it out into the world? Was it worth the hassle?

Would love to hear your takes – no matter if you’ve published once or ten times, or if you’re still stuck somewhere in chapter two. Let’s talk.

I've written three books so far, fourth in the works.  The first is collecting digital dust on my harddrive, the second and third didnt get a publisher so went on Amazon, and the fourth is slowly coming along.

""Like, how do you go from idea to book without totally losing steam halfway through?""

I discovered the answer to this early in my second book.  It's all about the outline.  The outline is the fun part.  You can do it in two or three days if you have most of the story worked out. It doesn't keep you from losing steam later (that happens to everyone) but it gives you clear direction.  For example, "today I'm going to write the chapter where dude breaks his leg snowboarding, simply stepping off the ski lift".

[Amelajhone]

Hello everyone, I am Amelajhone. I am a new user here, and I am eager to learn more and gain knowledge through the discussions.

[Antol8133]

I've written three books so far, fourth in the works.  The first is collecting digital dust on my harddrive, the second and third didnt get a publisher so went on Amazon, and the fourth is slowly coming along.

""Like, how do you go from idea to book without totally losing steam halfway through?""

I discovered the answer to this early in my second book.  It's all about the outline.  The outline is the fun part.  You can do it in two or three days if you have most of the story worked out. It doesn't keep you from losing steam later (that happens to everyone) but it gives you clear direction.  For example, "today I'm going to write the chapter where dude breaks his leg snowboarding, simply stepping off the ski lift".

Any luck selling your self-published books on Amazon then? Are you doing any marketing on social media or running ad campaigns on Amazon? My book was marked as one having a sensitive topic, so Amazon has banned me from doing any advertising on it.

[Bitconsum]

In my opinion, writing a book is unlikely to justify the time spent on it. The current reality is that in just 5-6 years, artificial intelligence will be able to create works of the level of Shakespeare or Dickens in seconds, if someone needs it. Young people, 15-25 years old, today practically refuse not only long texts, but even videos longer than a few minutes. I think that in the near future, completely new forms of art will appear that will be associated with the virtualization of sensory perception through the organic fusion of human memories and impressions with the generative power of artificial intelligence. It seems to me that a creative person will be able to find success in this direction. No matter how fantastic it may seem now, the future is coming very quickly.

[OrangeCoinGood]

Any luck selling your self-published books on Amazon then? Are you doing any marketing on social media or running ad campaigns on Amazon?

Not really.  A few hundred apiece.

[Fretum]

@Fretum: So true what you said about cost not always meaning scam. It’s weird – some people will drop 1k on a laptop without blinking, but expect editing to cost fifty bucks. If someone’s helping shape your voice, they deserve to be paid. That said, yeah: not everyone charging is legit. Your point about separating grifters from professionals is important. I think I needed to hear that right now, honestly.

I think it's because people don't differentiate between the publishing variants. For them, self-publishing must be as free as if they had been published by a traditional publisher. You don't realise what the publisher is actually investing in you.
The result is that many unedited books with photos from the last holiday are published. Just because you can choose a cover picture yourself and a friend who is good at grammar can correct the mistakes for free.
So you don't have to be surprised if nobody reads the book.

if your self publishing(finding a printing company) (finding a independent editor) then yes obviously all costs come on you. to do the edit, illustration, print and distribute

however if a publishing company show interest of making your book where your pitching them to take you on under their label and they want a cut of the profits then they should take on the costs. especially if its using their own inhouse talent to edit, illustrate and such

this is usually where they cover the costs to get your book into stores fully production ready, and they take the rest of the profit to cover their upfront costs after you take a royalty. if they see your story is very intriguing or is worthy of a series of books. they would also offer you a stipend to cover your living costs whilst you further develop your story

but yes there is a big different between a publishing company vs a self print self publishing model
the biggest emphasis is some people that want to self publish try to find volunteer editors and make fake promises of % of profits later. however this is where the book writer is trying to scam independant editors. because many scam book writers just want to abuse other skilled eople for a one time use with fake promises of ongoing royalty.. so just make things simple pay for the time you use

Basically, as an author you always pay. The only question is whether you pay before or after publication. Of course, your own financial risk is lowest if you are published by a traditional publisher.
Unfortunately, there are not many opportunities there. That's why more and more people are opting for self-publishing and service publishers are becoming increasingly popular. I don't know what the situation is with literary agents; they are more common in the English-speaking world and are not yet so widespread in Europe. At least as far as I know.

It's like everywhere else in life, if you need (professional) help, you have to pay for it. Of course, you can also look around to see if you can get it cheaper. If you have a friend in the industry or know people in this field privately, it's probably easier. Some people also offer to do things for you via social media.