How to write your own book, do you have experiences?

[MayBug]

When I was a child, my father wrote a novel about our family life. Back then, he used to write it by hand, and I could type it on the computer. That was our very first computer and very special for me. Moreover, I earned some pocket money. Then, due to not having enough time, he didn't pursue his writing hobby for years. Now he's retired and would like to write a novel about his professional life.

He's thinking of something inspired by the story of “The Devil Wears Prada”. Of course, he wouldn't come close to a Lauren Weisberger, but he would like to pick a bone or two with some former colleagues. Simultaneously, he thinks that he can't write properly anymore. If he does that, then in his opinion it should be something proper.

I've observed that you've been exchanging ideas about books. But do any of you also have experience with writing? If yes, have you also attempted courses or something similar online? Thanks in advance for your help, and any tips are appreciated!

[Anonymous]

Yes, I have experience with writing. I have an MFA in it.

I'd suggest your dad look at online writing classes. Gotham Writers is probably your best bet. It's relatively inexpensive and caters to beginners and has lots of offerings. The problem with it is that the experience depends a lot on who your classmates are -- so it can be great, or a total waste, or something in between. A friend teaches with UCLA extension, and the classes offered there are good options, too.

[Zynoba]

I don't think you can forget how to write. Certainly some things will be a bit rusty, but then you just practise a little again. You don't have to write the book straight away. He's not under time pressure.
He will have read a few books over the years, which should be enough to avoid having to start from scratch. Reading and writing go hand in hand. You also learn a lot by reading and you can incorporate some things that way.
There would be courses, there are courses at further education institutions, some authors also offer private lessons, some publishers like novum publishing also have online courses. I would also keep an eye out for literature meetings in my area. This is a good place to exchange ideas with other authors. You can also learn a lot here

[Anonymous]

I have tips but I'm not about to give them to you for free.

[Anonymous]

I've written four and a half books - three of them published (so far). There's no advice to give other than you just have to sit down and write it.

People really tie themselves in knots getting ahead of themselves. It's fun to think about down the line when you're going to get an agent and be published, and the n of course the movie comes out.

But for any of that to happen you have to just sit down and write. Make it a priority. Put off other things you enjoy every day until you meet your word count goal.

Annie Lamott's book Bird By Bird is helpful, as is The War of Art.

[MayBug]

Thank you for your thoughtful responses and suggestions!

To the anonymous user with the MFA: Thank you for recommending the courses at Gotham Writers and UCLA Extension. At this point, I must confess that we don't live in the US. So, it is important for us to know if he could participate from anywhere. Anyway, we would keep in mind that the quality depends on the classmates. Do you think that this applies to every class?

@Zynoba: To be honest, I agree that the writing is something you don't forget. However, I think that after such a long time, he needs to get back into the routine. We will certainly investigate the possibilities of further learning centres, online classes, private lessons, and local literary meetings. The literary meetings would also allow him to engage with the community. But I wonder if he would get a lot of feedback there. For that, private lessons and online courses might be more useful. Have you any experience of this?

To the other anonymous author who has published books: Your advice to simply sit down and write makes perfect sense. The writing itself constitutes the key step. We will search for the books “Bird by Bird” and “The War of Art”. Would you say that these books help you to break through creative blocks and focus on the writing process?

[Anonymous]

Memoirs are HARD to get published, FYI.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Memoirs are HARD to get published, FYI.

Yeah, I think worrying about getting published is putting the cart way before the horse here.

[Anonymous]

MayBug wrote:Thank you for your thoughtful responses and suggestions!

To the anonymous user with the MFA: Thank you for recommending the courses at Gotham Writers and UCLA Extension. At this point, I must confess that we don't live in the US. So, it is important for us to know if he could participate from anywhere. Anyway, we would keep in mind that the quality depends on the classmates. Do you think that this applies to every class?

@Zynoba: To be honest, I agree that the writing is something you don't forget. However, I think that after such a long time, he needs to get back into the routine. We will certainly investigate the possibilities of further learning centres, online classes, private lessons, and local literary meetings. The literary meetings would also allow him to engage with the community. But I wonder if he would get a lot of feedback there. For that, private lessons and online courses might be more useful. Have you any experience of this?

To the other anonymous author who has published books: Your advice to simply sit down and write makes perfect sense. The writing itself constitutes the key step. We will search for the books “Bird by Bird” and “The War of Art”. Would you say that these books help you to break through creative blocks and focus on the writing process?

I'm this PP. I'm sure Gotham has international students. But you could easily contact them and ask. The only writing thing I've done internationally was in India, so on the tiny off chance you happen to be there, look at the Panchgani Writers' Retreat.

I'll second the recommendations for Bird by Bird and The War of Art. I actually don't love them, but both of them are very much loved by a lot of writers I know who are much smarter than I am. Stephen King wrote a book called On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft which is also very beloved.

[Zynoba]

MayBug wrote:
@Zynoba: To be honest, I agree that the writing is something you don't forget. However, I think that after such a long time, he needs to get back into the routine. We will certainly investigate the possibilities of further learning centres, online classes, private lessons, and local literary meetings. The literary meetings would also allow him to engage with the community. But I wonder if he would get a lot of feedback there. For that, private lessons and online courses might be more useful. Have you any experience of this?

Didn't he even read books during this time?
Of course, you'll need a bit of practice to get up to a certain level, but you should be able to learn again quickly. It will be important to get to grips with it again. Then you will soon be back to your previous level.
You need to get to grips with the various offers. The providers certainly differ from one another. Get first-hand information, have everything explained to you and then choose what suits you best.
Not necessarily when it comes to literature. My mother teaches philosophy and German and also gives private lessons. That at least goes in that direction but is still a bit far from real literature.

[Anonymous]

Many good points/suggestions here, OP.

Let me add, why not try having your father dictate/record his memoirs verbally, perhaps there is a voice to text program available which can do that.

That way, he can tell his story in a stream of consciousness way, and it can then be edited for clarity and brevity.

FWIW, I don't know what his profession is/was, but unless it is something highly unique (like an astronaut) it is very unlikely many people outside that profession will read it unless the writing is especially engaging.

The greatest challenge as a writer is coming to the realization that no one may read what you've written. Sad, but true.

[Anonymous]

First, I apologize for getting back to you so late! I appreciate your frank words, and I'm all the more sorry for being so slow.

To the first anonymous user: Yes, I agree that memoirs are often difficult to publish. But it also depends on the context and the narrative style, doesn't it?

To the third anonymous user: No, we live in Europe. But I have Indian business partners. I could ask them. Do you mean that Gotham Writers has international students on site, or does it also work digitally?

@Zynoba: Yes, he read books during that time. However, not nearly as much as he does now. Now he orders four or five a month. Does your mum give private lessons for pupils and students, or for creative writing enthusiasts?

To the fourth anonymous user: Yes, he wants to make the text particularly captivating. So, I don't know how much dictation would help. Then he would have to rewrite it. He would also like to learn how to write captivatingly.

[MayBug]

Oh, sorry, I've written my answer without the login... So, I prefer to copy and paste it with my nick.

First, I apologize for getting back to you so late! I appreciate your frank words, and I'm all the more sorry for being so slow.

To the first anonymous user: Yes, I agree that memoirs are often difficult to publish. But it also depends on the context and the narrative style, doesn't it?

To the third anonymous user: No, we live in Europe. But I have Indian business partners. I could ask them. Do you mean that Gotham Writers has international students on site, or does it also work digitally?

@Zynoba: Yes, he read books during that time. However, not nearly as much as he does now. Now he orders four or five a month. Does your mum give private lessons for pupils and students, or for creative writing enthusiasts?

To the fourth anonymous user: Yes, he wants to make the text particularly captivating. So, I don't know how much dictation would help. Then he would have to rewrite it. He would also like to learn how to write captivatingly.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:First, I apologize for getting back to you so late! I appreciate your frank words, and I'm all the more sorry for being so slow.

To the first anonymous user: Yes, I agree that memoirs are often difficult to publish. But it also depends on the context and the narrative style, doesn't it?

To the third anonymous user: No, we live in Europe. But I have Indian business partners. I could ask them. Do you mean that Gotham Writers has international students on site, or does it also work digitally?

@Zynoba: Yes, he read books during that time. However, not nearly as much as he does now. Now he orders four or five a month. Does your mum give private lessons for pupils and students, or for creative writing enthusiasts?

To the fourth anonymous user: Yes, he wants to make the text particularly captivating. So, I don't know how much dictation would help. Then he would have to rewrite it. He would also like to learn how to write captivatingly.

He's going to have to rewrite no matter what. You have to give yourself the freedom to write a sh***y first draft. Then you go back, see what works and doesn't, and rewrite. Then you do it again. Few writers turn out a polished work on their first draft.

That said he doesn't have to do that if all he wants to do is get the words in his head out onto a piece of paper. Then he can do it however he wants, and doesn't have to worry about shaping a second (or third, or fourth) draft into a better crafted book. He's doing this because he wants to, so there really aren't a whole lot of things he HAS to do other than sit down and write.

A** in chair. That's the best advice anyone is going to give any aspiring writer. Sit down and write. That's how you become a writer.