How to write a book – the short honest truth
Every author I know gets asked the same question: How do you write a book?
It’s a simple question, but it causes problems. On the one hand, it’s nice to have people interested in something I do. If I told people I fixed toasters for a living, I doubt I’d get many inquires. People are curious about writing and that’s cool and flattering. Rock on.
But on the other hand, the hand involving people who ask because they have an inkling to do it themselves, is that writing books is a topic so old and so well trod by so many famous people that anyone who asks hoping to discover secret advice is hard to take seriously.
Here’s the short honest truth: 20% of the people who ask me are hoping to hear this – Anyone can write a book. They want permission. The truth is you don’t need any. There is no license required. No test to take. Your book idea is worth writing if you think it is. Writing, as opposed to publishing, requires almost no financial or physical resources. A pen, paper and effort are all that has been required for hundreds of years. If Voltaire, Marquis de Sade and Marina Nemat could write in prison, then you can do it in suburbia, at lunch, at work, or after your kids go to sleep. You will always find excuses if you want them and most people do. Why? Writing is work. No matter how smart you are or how great your idea is, you will have to put in the time and no one else can do it for you.
It helps to kill the magic: a book is just a bunch of writing. Anyone can write a book. It might be bad or be incomprehensible, but so what: it’s still a book and many published authors haven’t done any better.
Nothing is stopping you right now from collecting all of your elementary school book reports, a years worth of emails you wrote, or drunken napkin scribbles, binding them together at Kinkos for $20, slapping a title on the cover, and qualifying as an author. Want to write a good book? Ok, but get in line since most pro authors are still trying to figure that out too.
Writing a good book, compared to a bad one, involves one thing. More work. No one wants to hear this, but if you take two books off any shelf, I’ll bet my pants the author of the better book worked harder than the author of the other one. Call it effort, study, practice, or whatever you like. Sure there are tricks here and there, but really writing is a kind of work. I like this though: it means anyone who puts in enough time can actually write well. Some of our best writing comes from ordinary people from all walks of life.
Getting published. 30% of the time the real thing people are asking is how do you find a publisher. As if there wasn’t a phone book or, say, an Internet-thingy where you can look this stuff up (start with Jane Friedman’s website). Writers-market is literally begging to help writers find publishers. Many publishers, being positive on the whole idea of communication, put information on how to submit material on their website. And so do agents. The grand comedy of this is how few writers follow the instructions. That’s what pisses off all the editors: few writers do their homework.
The sticking point for most people who want to be authors is, again, the work. They want to hear a secret that skips over the work part. Publishers are rightfully picky and they get pitched a zillion books a day. It takes effort to learn the ropes, send out smart queries, and do the research required to both craft the idea for a book, and then to propose it effectively. So while writing is a rejection prone occupation, even for the rock-stars, finding a publisher is not a mystery. In fact the whole game is self-selective: people who aren’t willing to do the work of getting published are unlikely to be capable of the work required to finish a decent manuscript.
But that said – it’s easier today to self-publish than ever. People look down on self-publishing, but I don’t see why. When people buy books it’s not like they care who published them (“Oh, I don’t read Random House books, sorry”): they only care who recommended or reviewed the book. But again, our tragically unpopular companion, work, is required to self-publish so many prefer to keep asking writers how they got published instead of just doing it themselves. You can read what I learned from self-publishing the first time here (although the technology and options have improved since then).
Being famous and wealthy: Now this is the kicker. About 50% of the time the real thing people want to know is how to become a famous millionaire rock-star author person. As if a) I qualified, b) I could explain how it happened, or c) I’d be willing to tell.
First, this assumes writing is a good way to get rich. I’m not sure how this lie started but writing, like most creative pursuits, has always been a less than lucrative lifestyle. Even if a book sells well, the $$$ to hour ratio will be well below your average corporate job, without the health benefits, sick days, nor the months where you can coast by without your boss noticing. These days people write books after they’re famous, not before. A book can help you gain professional credibility, but then it’s more of a marketing project than a writing project, isn’t it?
And if the only books you read are bestsellers, well, you have a myopic view of the publishing world. Over 100k books are published in the US annually, and few sell more than a few thousand copies. What causes books to sell may have little to do with how good a book is, as we’ve all been mystified by the abysmal bestsellers and surprised by amazing books few seem to know about. Either way, to justify the effort you’ll need reasons other than cash.
Discouraged yet? Here is the upside: I love writing books. I love reading books. Books have profound powers and they’ve changed my life so many times. Maybe the bittersweet challenge of chasing words into sentences suits you. If you want to do this you have my support. GO YOU. Sincerely. I am behind you. But thinking about writing isn’t writing. Talking about it isn’t either. Commit to 10 hours of effort (basically a weekend or two). Write an outline or even just a few pages of a chapter. Take a course that focuses on actual writing and getting feedback. If it feels hard but rewarding, keep going. If it doesn’t, well I think you know.
Here are some practical next steps:
- The single best website to learn more about writing and publishing books – Jane Friedman
- How To Start a Book Project – specific advice for tackling a book sized effort.
- Is Your Book Idea Good? I’ll tell you here
- 28 Things No One Tells You About Publishing
- How To Get From An Idea To a Book – a bit harsh, and focused on publishing, but explains the steps and the time you’ll need
- Writing Hacks: Part 1 – Starting – What to do when the page is blank.
- Part 2 of ‘How To Write a Book’ is here, where I answer the best comments.
- Time-lapsed video of a writer writing an essay – amazing and revealing
- Confessions of a Self Published author – here’s what I learned from self publishing my last book.
- Writer’s Market. How to find a publisher for your written work (more good advice here).
- National Novel Writing Month – You must check this out.
- Or leave a comment below. I am, despite the curmudgeonly vibe, happy to answer thoughtful questions.
- Austin Kleon’s book writing flowchart
- Preview image credit
[Light editing: 10/7/2019, 2/4/2021]
hello Mr. Scott
I’m 13 and writing a book called, The Kings Of Spearhead, a teenage thriller…
I have 4500 words, and 22 pages…
any ideas?
Adam: Yes. Keep writing.
Nothing you said put me of the idea of wanting to get published in any way. Not that that’s what you had intended. however, a friend of mine has been published and i’ve asked him the ‘how do you do it’ type questions in the hope that something he says will nudge the penny and it’ll drop.
My question is do i really need a solid grasp of syntax an all its oddities? No seems to be the general responce. Everyone keeps coming back at me and telling me ‘that’s what an editor is for.’ Well, if i were an editor and someone dropped a poorly writen but otherwise interesting piece on my desk, i’d e inclined to tell him/her to smarten it up and bring it back when they’ve finished. Ok, that is more than likely extreamly short sighted but as a wanna-be writer i feel it’s my job to knowmy craft and even if i don’t need to know everything, i feel i do.
Really it’s down to feeling confident. If i do my writing flows and i get excited and my imagination does loop the loops inside my head. But i find due to my pretty poor schooling and being dyslexic i find it hard to learn in a regular way and this makes me easily spooked. Spooked in as much as i doubt the syntax and thus i’m not commiting all of my attention on what i’m trying to write.
Matt..UK.
Excellent advice!!!True and to the point.I have some very interesting experiences that I love to share…Thanks
Hello,
My name is Tequia. I am really interested in writing a book on Domestic Violence. I went through many years(10) of DV and have many stories I would like to share. Of course I have overcome and would like that to be a huge part of my book. I was thinking of a couple/few. Being In Domestic Violence and Overcoming Domestic Violence and Drugs and Domestic Violence. I was 18 when it started for me and It lasted till 28. I will say I am not a great writer, but assuming everything I write will be of truth, I am hoping it will be easier than I expect. I read your comments and you made me feel more confident in my aspirations of sharing my life with the world. I want readers to be able to vision and feel my every word. Is there coaching classes to help me? Or do I need to take a journalism class for this? Thank you so much for the confidence you gave me already.
dear stranger
am writing a book i have 44 pages according to Microsoft word its gonna be a small book but i don’t really care i just wounder how it would look my question is. have u ever read any kind of a novel consisting of less then 50 pages according to the Microsoft word size i mean the page just so u get an idea
regards
Hello,
I have been searching for some real advise on the Famous, “Where do I Start?” Thanks, you at least have gotten me to open and create my first words and saved it on a long journey ahead!
I love this article, it’s really inspired me to just be myself when I write! As a 13 year old, I am always naturally worrying what people think of me. Whenever I used to write, I wrote for a specific audience: My little group of my most trusted friends. Before handing over my notebook for them to read my stories, I would put my head in my hands and say over and over, “It’s horrible, I’m sorry. It’s so terrible, isn’t it? God, I am such an incompetent author, it’s ridiculous-” And then they would surprise me by telling me it was really good! So, I will now follow some of your advice and be more confident and myself!
-Mackenzie Wallis, Author-To-Be!
To Mr. Scott Berkun
I truly have great ideas, and all the time I will right short drama stories for my church and everybody would want to know how I came up with that idea.
I’m a day dreamer and sometimes I get most amazing ideas but never did anything about them.
Maybe is because work, because I’m always tired when I get home.
Sometime I would tempt to start but get lazy some reason.
Please tell me what to do?
I really don’t want to write for money or fame but would like to share my ideas and invite the world to my mind for a moment.
Some of my ideas will be inspired by my real life or family and I can’t help it but want to share that very bad.
I’m a Christian and I know we have so many Christian’s books out there but still feel I can also make a different but being who I am, sharing my experiences in life.
Hi Scott,
When is the wright moment to choose the book name, before or after writing it, or when is simply comming.
Thank you
Mircea from Romania
The name of a book is the easiest thing to change. You can change it as many times as you like, right up until its published :) I’d put this near the bottom of your list of things to worry about.
pls i need a help in writing a book with the tittle VISIONARY LEADERSHIP for people in ledersip positions and those who wish to be in leadership positions. Could you pls do the writing from chapter one to the last chapter while i do the compilation as i receive them through e-mail on weekly basis and then publish. Expecting you response soonest.
Hello,
I’m 13 & recently discovered I love to write. I’m /trying/ to write a realistic fiction called Joy. I always have a great start but, the ending always drags on and on. How can I get to the end without it being never-ending or stopping so abruptly? Mind giving me a few tips?
-Hope
Mr. Berkun:
I have always wanted to write a book about some of my true to life experiences but everytime I start to put down some ideas or write about some things that have happened in my life I just can’t really get the thoughts or events in chronological order enough to make them make sense. I have started taking some notes several times but somehow I always end up quitting on the idea as I realize how hard it is to write and write effectively. I have read other peoples books and I know that they had to put a lot of really hard work and research into it and it just seems that through the course of my busy life there is never enough time or even after a hard days work I don’t even feel like writing or anything. I know if I wanted to do something like this that the effort must be put forth and as you have said hard work goes into it. Please give me some idea of how to get a really good start on a true story and I will try to put as much effort and hard work into it as possible. Thank you: Gregory A Malone
Sweeeet.^
I am 16 years old, a girl, and have started at least 10 books but haven’t finished any of them. I’m currently working on another book and am actually feeling quite good about it. After I read this article, I felt even better about it. Maybe my age doesn’t matter after all and my book will rock even if I’m the only one who likes it :)
Thanks.
I had something horrible happen in my family’s life. And I started writing it in book form kind of as a form of healing. I was approached to finish the book and get it published, but would not even begin to know where to start or who to trust in getting started. Its a scarey place out there, and I don’t want to put my story and my family’s story in the hands of the wrong person. So any guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you Jaden
I don’t have a website. However, I am a product of a kansas family. We’re not farmers. We are a family of love, connection, an astranged brother that has his “own family” then there’s me, a son of admiration. A son of protection, and a son of a very dear loss. I’d like to write about a true hero of a father that has left a son to care for a mother that hasn’t been alone for 43 yrs. The product of an amazing man that was a hero, a true man. The dying breed of what an america american family was always seen as, at least at one time.
Scott,
Thanks for your tips it help a lot to people like. I also appreciated the people who made comments such as Adam he help me get an idea on is comment, learned a condition from Porcsha (fibromyalgia) which I don’t know whether I might be having; I will see doctor for it.
And more of the comments are beneficial.
I am one of the people who dare to write a book based on true stories, myself, immediate family as well as the community in which I come from. But I am scare because of my english one and two because the community in which I come from no writers we are backward people and to write where will be no mentor it kind of difficult and scary don’t you think?
Scott thanks because the little i gave inspired a lot and it just gave me ideas on now to go about all I have that deserve to be shared. So far I have written two page but was discourage, but now I have to continues but I need guideline on how to go about all.
your response will be highly appreciated
Sarah
Test. Ignore me. Move along.
Thanks Scott, this is exactly what I’ve been searching for ;)
I need help writing my book any suggestions? And how can you get it published? Thank you
Although this put a bit of a damper on my mood, it’s completely true. Thanks for the advice that I will surely take! :)
Hello, Mr. Scott Berkun. I like your intelligence. When I was in 5th grade, it was one of my ambition to write a book, actually I started the writing, but I need more information to chose a title and more information about writing a biography and story.n
thanks,
kamilah
This is so true and It didnt make me feel down at all – i dont wanna write a book for the money or the fame! I just love to write! XoX
a hilarious piece of writing, Mr.Scott,you are doing a lot of work and enjoying it for I think you must be living under the shadows of the ghosts of Wodehouse or Cervantes
This was very inspiring article because i feel like getting a pen right away and put something on paper. Thank you so much.I think i can now start.
Dude, you Rock!!! I really enjoyed this article nd it answered the essential questions I have about writing a book.
It’s no rocket science, you wann a good book ther’s work to be done.
There are no short cuts to this business.
Thanks for your sincerity and frankness man.
A healthy advice always implies it will be sugar-free. I love it. I love you.
this things are realy good for someone who has ideas of writing but did not have the guts
Hi Scott,
For me writing isn’t about money, I’ve spent 5 years thinking about putting something very important and close to my heart on paper, and sharing it, even if it is just with a handful of people.
I’d love to follow you on twitter on my cell phone, but for some strange reason I can’t find you, if you could help that would be great.
Hi,my name is Keith.The thing I would like to know. I’m not very good with punctuation. But thing is I have a story I been writing my whole life and its not finnished by a long shot,but its a biography. I think people would relate with it.I don’t know a little scared it my writing would make it worthless..
Thanks for your time….Keith
Short and Sweet ,, Like this THANK;s SCOTT ) .. Off I go ..
Brilliant, one of the first and possibly the most honest declarations i have read in a long time. So im delighted that its that hard, nothing worth doing ever came easy. Thanks for the advice and keep on twisting the knife. the “were not worthy rabble” i want a quick easy buck, will give up and save us all from reading somthing that will cause equal pain and nausea. I have a world of ideas from a world of mad and exciting experience, however i was looking for ideas on how to structure and lay out the story, possibly include never before seen photos. and including relevent and non relevent tangents that require a return to the story with some kind of relevence. ok i will look for more info my problem. and again Brilliant. Love it!!!!
i have had a recurring dream since i was a teen….each dream evolves into another part of a story, like i have continued on and on a story in my dreams. im not sure how common this is but i have writen them down.
i have no experience what-so-ever in writing and would like to make my years of dreams into a book for others to read/experience what has been going on in my sub-concious for so many years. your thoughts please…. this is the first time i have opened up about this to anyone but found you somewhat down to earth and want an honest opinion.
nevermind, i have decided that i dont need your advice. i just need to keep writing…
Damn, Scott! I came looking for advice on writing and I get a lesson on how to get laid all in the same place. Fantastic! Except for the fact you could just feel the drool running all over the page, your response to Sarah1486 could have been considered for one of the best one-or-two-liners I’ve ever heard! Of course she’s got it! A sorority sister masseuse that’s just moved to a state looking for excitement, and just 21 (legal, very legal)?!! Damn it Man! Skip the “So people have it and some don’t. You, have it.” hyperbole and get right to the true heart of it, “You, have it and I, want it.” Let us all know how that worked out for ya, please (Some very good advise as well, but just had to throw ya a bone, ya hoser!)!
I liked your rhetoric (made me laugh). Thanks for the awesome article.
Although I haven’t finished my book yet, I am constantly searching for different ideas for writing. I agree with some of the replies about your crass, yet (in my view) humorous advice on writing. My opinion is that if you are an author, I would suggest taking a writing class (specifically punctuation). For the ones that have viewed this and replied, I would suggest the same. Anyone reviewing this page should continue to write. It’s a wonderful outlet from everyday stress. Believe this as well. Someone, somewhere wants to read your writings. Chin up people:)
Hey Scott, I was think of trying to write a book about how to start life over at 50…..What do you think about the
topic?
I’d read it! I think a lot of other people would too. I’m no expert but go for it! XO
So far you haven’t told me a damn thing I don’t already know. I checked out your site for advice. None here.
Why hello. Anyways, let’s get on topic. You said you would answer questions, so answer mine? Yes? Why, how thoughtful.
Okay, you see, I’m fourteen years old. This one idea has just been knocking inside my head, BURSTING to come out. Must I say, it’s pretty god damn epic. Thing is, I’m only fourteen. I’m in highschool, wanting to be a Veterinarian. I don’t feel like, I have the time. It’s not like it isn’t worth it, and I’m not in it for money, or anything. I’m mainly in it so people can connect. Hell, I don’t care if it gets published or not. I mean, it’d be pretty sweet to have my book in an actual book, but… it’s just a piece of art that people will read, so i don’t care where they read it.
I’m not your hardcore reader. I’m actually very picky about my books… but I write in this online journal, or blog, whatever you may call it. It’s just something I write in whenever I want to, which is mainly every day. I really know buttfuck about English. I always forget what a noun and adjective and everything is. I just write.
I’m told a lot that I’m too mature for my age, and that I should do something with my knowledge. Well, it’s really hard for me…
I started to write a book about a year ago, but gave up because just then, I learned a lesson, and the inspiration just went, poof! Plus, the idea I have, it’s all of the main characters thoughts, and what happens to her. Her resembles me. Well sort of, I have a multiple personality. Her is one of them. So I’m worried that, I’ll be her one moment, and then BAM! Bipolar. Get what I mean?
Summary: How can I balance time with school, (not like I need to do homework with my grades) and how can I stay on character, but not sound like a fourteen year old, but in fact the mature, elegant, young character I have? Oh and, how can I gain, and not lose inspiration?
Hi, im jaz and I just love writing short stories! My favourite genre is horror, scy fi, and the paranormal (especially ghosts!) Every book in the world inspires me even if its not a book I would like or read! I think everyone has a special talent inside and its inside that counts. Your talent can be anything. My talent for instance is writing creative and imaginary stories and personally I think im am quite good at singing. My friend who I trust the most said I was better at singing than dancing but I don’t take things like that the wrong way because I know they are true! My friend is better at dancing than singing and she didn`t take that badly either. And hey 10? So am I!
Just wondering. How would I go about publishing a book. I have never/ will never write a book but am curious.
Thanks
Ps
Have any of your books been made into films? Would love to see one.
Hello, My question is how to protect your work. I have heard stories of people being turned down by publishers only to find their story, with a few name changes, being used by Authors presently working with that publisher who turned them down. Is copy writing enough?
Thank you so much for sharing these thoughts with me, I have been contiplating writting for a while and this is the year that i will do, so thanks.
I’d like to take you on a camel-ride through the Manitoba flat lands…
You in?
I love this article! I have recently begun writing a book and since then new ideas seem to come flooding in all the time. Writing has become an unexpected passion of mine and I hope to one day become published. However, even if I never do, I will still love the writing experience.
Wow, thank you for this post. Blunt, honest and real. I can’t wait to read the rest of the many resources you have listed. I will be coming back again and again.
I love words. I love well crafted words. I love writing words. I’ve written and been published for many years but, boy, have I been intimidated about writing a book. Your words have reassured me that I wasn’t imagining the enormity of the task (that of writing a good book versus an average one) and, somehow, I feel less afraid.
Thanks so much,
Jill Farris
http://www.jillcampbellfarris.com
I enjoyed reading the “short honest truth”. I am presently writing short stories, a sort-of character study about a young man (my son who passed away at 27). He had an extremely interesting life and touched many people. I am not really interested in publishing this in a big way, just want to put it together as a book with a cover for many friends. Thank you for your helpful article. It gave me inspiration to take up my pen again. I have been on a break longer than I wanted.
Hey, I love the tips and advice. I just started writing. I know I suck at it but it gives me something to do at my super slow job. (:
Thanks.
Bethany
My name is Darlene and i’m 41yrs old. i’ve been throught alot of tragety and some important people that i care deeply for suggested I write a book about my life.
I’m not wanting to do this to become famous or even rich for that matter. I’m on disablity and have alot of free time on my hands. You, yourself may not believe me when I say this but thats okay i know why I want to do it. If i could somehow get a book completed and out there for people to read and it helps even one person who is or has gone through the same situation to me that’s reward enough.
If you could find the time to help me find the tools and tips to get me somewhere that would be great. If not that is okay as I’m sure you are quite a busy man.
I have already written about 20 pages and will continue to write more. i guess I just need a little guidence.
Thank You for your time Darlene Langille
I appreciated “how-to-write-a-book-the-short-honest-truth”.
Crazy yes, just the thought that I might consider putting into words my life through some form of non-fiction. Not that my life is so defined that it would draw a crowd but just because of 43 years as a hairdresser and all that goes along with this particular fashion and then throw in 10 years of catering along with it. Thousands of stories and experiences and hidden truths and confessions….I really love it and with a little humor added could be fun. Do know about work…but the desire is there just need a road map to follow to obtain the goal at the end.
Happily and luckily I’ve stumbled upon your w-site, mate. I’m currently amassing years worth of notes I’ve kept regarding the subject of my upcoming NYT best-selling non-fiction…:) But I feel just a bit overwhelmed with the next task ahead, viz., wading through the reems of notes and taking hold of the essential, whilst poop-canning the froth. It’s a bit of a mountain to scale, but having put together a road map (one page of outline and one page of propositional statement…mini-theses, plus a list of topics that I want to make sure I include… Well, no one said the road to literary notoriety, fame, fortune and invites to late-night talk shows was smooth and declining. Or did he say that somewhere and I missed it?
Scott,
I loved what you wrote.
my question is simple, i have many great ideas but i was never good at putting them on paper, Is there any potential in pursuing a life as an author?
Bob
True! Anyone can just write a book even without a license for doing so. You are also right about doing the hard work in making up with a great book. I came across a video about how to become a better writer. It’s from Marie Forleo and she has great advises about those things. http://marieforleo.com/2011/03/erotic-fiction-writer/
Hi Scott, I am just a mother of 5. I am nothing special than any other person but, I can tell you that I have been through alot in my 39 years of life and told by many people at different times in my life “You really should Write a book”. I dont know what to do. I hate to write. Really dont know how,but im a great a story teller. I live to laugh and love to make people laugh. My life consits of the abusive childhood,locked up as a teenager because of baptist parents.Then pregnant at 16,then into the topless industry for 10 years.married 2x to abusive men, on state aid 2x in my life to now. I own a growing business and have 3 more children and a wonderful husband.I have been told could inspire many women. I am a survivor. What would you do? I am a very creative person and a HARD worker. Maybe this is not what you do, maybe it is….Can you give advice? Thanks Gina
Hi! Scott
I starting writing. What you said is true. Afriend told me that if I go to brd and sleep and wakeup thinking about the book or books then that is what I should do. I’m 59 years old and a caregiver to my husband who had two strokes in Marcho 2010 on the same weekend. I’m diabled as well with degentative arthisis all through my body. But I can still write. That is all I have ever wanted to do. but life got in the way. I wanted to Thank you for what you said. Because it is true. I have been going to an university for the past year and have 3 years to go for a BS. One of my instructors was in History of World of Literature. He taught us how to think outside the box. In the first week of class he had us write a story of make believe or it had to do with our past. The story that I wrote was of my past, I know that this doesn’t make a writer and the grade that i recieved didn’t make me a writer. It just showed me the direction that I wanted to write.
It would help if you could give me advise on the best way up setting up the right time to write. I know that it should be when I won’t have any interruptions, but in this house there isn’t a right time. In this house there is only myself, my husband, and two little dogs that are like children. Please advise!
Linda
You speak bitter truth and that’s what I love the most. There is a difference between what one dreams to achieve and what one practically achieves in the end of the wild chase for fame. I do write a bit, but only if its an inner calling. It’s not always mandatory to lust for fame for every writer. I guess writers are more like revolutionaries; meant to bring change to the inevitable. We have seen many of them since centuries and some of them are very less spoken about.
Irony aside, writers are immortals. We die but we leave behind a wave of indexed pages in Google, torn worn out pages in the shelf of the learned, fiction for the present, stories about in-existent and reality that pricks, for every word we publish bears a trace of our hard work which shall withstand the judgement of time.
Seriously, if you do have a passion for writing and greed for fame you will have to chose between them at a certain point of your glory ride.
Or else one fine day you get your Arse kicked by sarcastic people like Scott (Who do tell the truth but only which sells) or some religious freak programmer (Me) who knows what not to write but do not have the patience to stick to the profile.
Let the sarcasm flow Scott. Am waiting. Honestly, I love the way your comment pricks. You know you are good at that. Nice Post.
hi my name is maxine and i have a story to tell about my life now let me start by say i have told this stor to meny peaple of whome i have left in tears but that was never my mishion my neeeds where to lighten my lode and make my foot steps in life lighter ! i guess i should start at the begining are you sitting with a coffie of a glass of wine i ask myself ? when i was a young girl from the age of 6 is the youngest i beleaive i can remember any thing before that is a loss to me you see one nite when my mum was at bingo my dad came to see me in my bedroom he lay next to me in my bed holding me and stroking my head telling me i was a good girl and he loved me !! you see my mum she never loved me or not that i could remember ? as my dads hands touched me i felt like i was being loved and as time went on the visets to my room became more often time went by and i used to get excited when mum went off to bingo then it was my time to shine but dad started to become a bully to me in the day and all around him he had a busnes that was doing so well he would paint for the whole of the countys pubs doing some of the finest art work all by hand i had ever seen but it was to much for him to take on all but himself he had contracts to fill and not enough time to compleat it mum who worked as a kitchen assistant in the backgrounds of dads busnes she was keeping thing aflote with the bills when dad was working so hard without money cause his work never got payed for till compleat so mum was what you could call the back bone to the body of our family i have a brother who is older than me he was the apple of my mums eyes he could never do any wrong he was hansom well dressed and the girls loved his cheeky grin but the cracks where showing in the house dad was becoming the man with the iron fist he would give us the cane if we made any noise in out rooms after bed time he would sneek up stairs hover above my face i can still smell his breath to this day some times i wake with a shudder take a pill to calm my nerves and drift off to sleep with in the hour !! now where was i oh the money side was tight and contractes had to be filled my muum had a friend she had had since growing up in london she was somone i love going to see to me she was so rich laced in gold dripping from her neck she was to any little girl who never had alot very well off he children had so much stuff tvs in there rooms really flashy cloaths leather sues and boots to dye for i loved going to see linda she started to become a huge part in our lives bring beautiful things in to your home mum was selling the stuff and it wAS going fast dresses by laura ashly bedding by the same lady and curtans to match omg our lives where changing fast maoney was stuffed under the sofas and under the beds dad started to employ men to help him in work he started to bild this empier life was becoming amazine mum learnt how to drive she was free from being this woman stuck at home never happy with what thay got dad started to viset me again but hes temper never changed he was still a nasty man but one evening close to xmas me and my brother where scouting for xmas presants but we found a whole lot more than we could ever emagin there was a purse you see i green purse whth a crean stripe that crossed over at the front past two of the pritest silver clasps i had ever seen my brother not bothering to look because there was a black sack he could see which had his full attenchion but all i could see was this beautiful purse ad i wanted to hold it like a grown up i loved it its mine i laughed on opening it i found this bullet shaped thing big in my hands and on turning the base it vibrated not having a clue then but as you can guess fuw years latter i learnt what it was ha ha so funn as to what it was then me and my brother had a play with it and put it back but there was somthing else some paper with out names on it and the name of a man we had never hurd off my brother who is 3 years older than me was so upset and angrey i could not understand what we had forund just put the stuff back and went after him he would not talk to me till mum came home then he went for here like there was no tomorrow shouting at her and saying why did you noty tell us he was not our dad i was so confused i had no ider what was going on what was happaning who was not our dad what ????????? then mum started to cry and sat us down and told us the man we call dad was not our real dad there was a man who worked for the crays a bully a scots man who used to beat her to hell and back as soon as look at her she had 3 babys to him one he killed when she was crying it he chucked her down the stairs when she was just 8 weeks and it fell out of her at the bottm of the stairs but through all this i was in shock the man who was coming to my room who hated us in the day and loved me so much at night was not even my dad i felt numb would he love me any less was this why mum never loved me at all ????? well now maybe is time for you to get another drink my story of life is just beginning and there is so much to tell …. now where was it oh yes dad or was he so he came home from work that night and as you can imagen all hell broke lose he was gutted we now know he was not our dad and things got even harder with the punish ment and embarisment he dished out i started to wet myself at night and became a pain always wanting atenchoin in any form from mum wether it be good or bad i was stealing liying crying fighting doing anything i have no idea as to why i just needed to be bad or lye about being good telling storys just about anything to keep my mum griped time went on and i was growing older the visets to my room where still going on in one way i was still excited how sick is that but in another way i know it was wrong i had told mum but she never wanted to know i went to school one day after a viset to my room the night before and we had sex ed i sat there feeling sick to my gut not knowing where to turn when the pics came up wanting to be sick as the female teacher was explainging about our bodys had how femails have babes god help me please i dont want to go home ste me free i was thinking i left that room and want to see my pe teacher i loved her and i was so good at pe i stod out from the rest i had earnt gold badges in most things as i told her what was going on she was so caring and nice to me she said she would help me and things where going to get better for me from now on i went home and we had a viset from socel services there at our door stod this nice kind looking lady and my teacher i was so happy but at the same time i was scaird we all went in to the front room well to be honest it was my stepdads blue room thats what he called it we now had this huge house and it was very posh in a nice area where paeple where well off we each had our own rooms and nan and grandad had a self containd flat down stairs in the basment so where was i oh yeah we marched in to the blue room a 3 seater sofa facine the huge marble fire place and two large arme chairs sitting eather side of the sofe i sat on the armchair in the bay window with my teacher sat next to me on the sofa then there sat the socel worker my mum sat on the very eddge of the sofer and my dad sat in the arme chair at the other end the room was full of grownups and i was scaird the socel worker explaning why she was here and what had been said and there had to be a investagtion in to the aligations made by me ie the chiled who had no idea what investagation ment let alone aligations well let me tell you it was the longest time i had ever been aloud to spend in the blue room and the hardest time of my life you want to try and argue your piont at 11 years of age with your mum and dad who just crucifide me and lead the othere grownups to beleaving i was a attenchion seeking brat who would never know the truth it it smacked me in the mouth ,, so anyway that is yet to be proved and im sure you will as my reader will come to your own conclushens at the end of my story i got badly punished for telling anyone anything i got the cane evey night for a week at the end of my bed with no nickers on i remember with every strike thinking how i could make my teacher feel my pain and after crying myself to sleep sobbing under my pillow dreaming of how to get back at my teacher i trusted her and she turned her back on me after promising me every thing would be better and never would this happen to me again i hated her a strong word i hear you say but hate was not the end of it a wanted to kill her for the what had i to lose ?????? i was made to feel like i should never be alowed to walk the earth i was a volkcno ready to explode and god help anyong in my path no matter how big they be so on going to school i turned in to a bully beating nay one who crossed my path stealing food from anywhere and eatting as much as i could my dad hated fat peaple and would slag them off as soon as look at them so i started to morph right befor his eyes i never botherd with gym anymore i hated it if im honest the teacher was going to get here come upance i was just buybing my time and well my dad was still coming to see me at night and i was getting fat so the visets where getting less frequant but one night i had had enouth i woke the next day to mum home alone who would be doing hairdressing but had no one to work on this day so i took here hairdressing sicers and went to the bathroom sitting on the toilet for what seamed like hours thinking what to do with what i had just taken ????????? i then started to hack at my vagina cutting away like a mad kid crying and asking my self why was i doing such a thing then on opening the toilet door i stood there with blood running down my legs dripping on to my feet i never looked i could feel the pain i know what i had done i shouted for my mum to come but she shouted back im not coming what do you want so i walked to the kitchen where she was sat drinking tea she looked at me stood there with here sisers atill in my hand and said what have you done you selfish bitch i told her still crying and wanting her to grab me and tell me its ok its all going to be ok im sorry but no never all she did was run upstaire and get me this huge sanitury towle and told me to get to my room i hate my life i screamed at the top of my voice i hate you all the weekend was over not a viset did i get for him my dad and mum called me in sick from school for the week i started to heal and we hardyly said a word my brother was still getting a pasting from dad at night i would wait for his crying to stop but as time went on he got bigger and started to fight back my dad had at last had met his match so my brother started to spend most of his time out now and there was nothing he ie dad could do about it ,,, i hever told my brother what was going on he had enough to deal with and we where so young when it frist started so who is to say at that age what was wrong and what was right ???? i got better and went back to school but that day there was some steam i needed to let go and i know where i wes about to leave it my pe teacher was on the stairs in the school hall and i was coming down the stairs along with lots of other girls i see my chance and i grabed it i pushed her down the stairs with all my waight and chased her to the bottem where i started to kick her as hard as i could till she was no longer moving then somthing clicked in me and i stoped droped to the floor and started to cry what had i done what will happen to me now i hope i go to prison i shouted i dont give a shit anymore ,,,, the police came to school i was taken home thay chatted to my mum and dad for some time and left i was soon taken to a resadenchel school no school would take me and mum never wanted me at home but he did the pig and we all know why !! but in a way i missed him there was no more love or hugs to be had i was in this place where on the ground floor where kids whth speachel needs who could not walk and where chair or bed bound the next floor where more spechel needs who would smash the wall with there heads or scream bit them selfs or just bounce back and forth one one and then the other leg where was i now it was like a horra movie and i was scaird life for me was about to change im more ways than one my story of abouce goes on till i was 16 where i ran away for life to take a even sader vue then i returne to england where i was beaten for 9 years but beleaved i deserved it after the loss of two beautiful children another story then to run away from a mad ex i have somuch to tell but as you can see my spelling is poor and i have 3 now young children to care for i have no money so i cant pay to have my story told i just need to tell it and let peaple know my fight for a real life is still a fight give me the chance to tell you the story of my life i beleave you will be gripped as so meny have
Question….is it okay to write pieces that interest you and fill in the gaps later?
Thanks,great article,i ‘ve been thinking of writing for quiet some time but never got down to it,if i did i always got atitle and probably 2pages and stopped at that,u ve answered qns that ‘ve been on my mind,now is the time to get it done,thank u.
Thank you. (That sums up everything I think…)
I believe this gentleman has the right idea. He’s to the point, no beating around the bush and has a clear understanding of what goes on. If people believe he is mean, then you missed his point. Don’t focus on How he says what he’s saying, focus on the point he is trying to make. He is helping others understand how it is to write a book. Be thankful for his knowledge. So thank you for your help Scott. :D
I really enjoyed what you had to say. Thank you, i got all the answers i needed…. wish me luck on my writing journey! ;)
Having just read your comments on how to become a writrer I am a little crestfallen I had wrongly always thought writing a successful book would have had something to do with
Imigination
Littery prowess
Converting ideas into words
Sence of adventure
Self belief
If it’s all just hard work and drudgery without some fun and glitz along the way and then a huge pot of Gold to be presented by the MD of some huge publishing house at a star spangled reception.
Count me out.
Next plan Pig Farming??????
Any advise on that ???
I am writting a book about my life as a cild and an adult and the hardship I have gone throgh with with sexual abuse ans abuse. Coming from a family that moved 14 time in my 7th grade and I went to 14 differnt school durning that time. We came from provity and neglect in every way possable.4 out of 5 of us graduated from high school just because I look foreard to the lord to guid me in my darkest times.I was a sickly child with many pproblmes and still to this day I am an out cast to my family, because I did something with my life.I feel my story will give hope to those youg girls out there that feel they have no way out. But faith inthemselves and the lord will guide them through anything it did my.I thank you for your time in reading my message.
I would like to makes a Biography of myself And need someone to help me out. I wanted to say more but my android speak texting is fucked! B.g.
Thanks so much for the brilliant clues, of which it is of much benefit to me but I stil want your advice. Incase one is writing a book for so long a time such that one is already getting discouraged,is it advisable for one to give it an exact period of time that one must finish the writing? While one start to rush the rest of the work
Hey. Great site. So glad to find you. I love what you said here. I agree 100% too. Of course… isn’t that why we love what people say? Because we agree? lol Anyway… I’m 48 years old, and have said my whole life, that I want to write a book. I want to be a writer. People would read what I write, and say… that’s awesome. But… hey.. I was a self-defeatest. I didn’t think for a second, I could actually do it. Then, after I’d written several articles, it finally occurred to me. I AM a writer. Why? Because I write. I write every day. I HAVE to write. I’m not happy unless I’m writing. I love that you say it like it is. 50% of people are really asking How do I become a rock star famous ass writer that makes a gizzillion dollars and everyone holds me up to adoration. ??? I’m bough Writer’s Digest for 30 years, and I’ve read everything I can to find out the nitty gritty. But I still asked the question. I wanted someone to tell me I could do it… and this is how. Step one. Step two. Step three. Whew. Yeah. ok.
Keep up the good work. I didn’t get a nay-saying attitude from you at all. I got a realistic.. this is reality, cut the bull attitude in your words. And they were appreciated!!!!!
I’ve been writing for over a year now, every day, on my “book”. I never intended to share it with anyone but myself and I’ve told no one about it because it has just been a personal thing for me. Lately it occurred to me that I could maybe look into getting it published someday. That is when I came across your site. I so Love your words! I only started writing down my sotry when I couldn’t hold it in my head any longer. Thanks for the encouragement. It makes me believe it’s possible to take my passion to the next level…