These days, everyone and his mother are writing books. Some are good, some great, and some are those that I wouldn't send to my enemies (Anyone who writes better than me.)
So why are they bad?
I think the problem is that because everyone reads books, they also think they can write them. And maybe they can. However, before they start, they need to study up on the subject.
Of course, even experts disagree on what makes a book work.
One camp says that structure is the most important part.
A second camp believes its dialogue and description.
A third camp is at the bar drinking. We won't bother them. They look pretty buzzed out to me.
I belong to the first camp--structure. Just so you don’t get the wrong idea, I'm pretty much a pantster. Oh, sometimes, I use outlines for certain things, but at heart I just write.
Still, I do believe what carries us along in a book is how it moves. A good structure can make it easy for someone to start your book, and keep reading till the end.
I had an experience last week with such a book. I began reading, and I have to admit, up until about page thirty, I was not completely on board. I had thoughts of putting the book down. However, once I was past page thirty, I could literally not stop. I finished it within a few days. I'm sure you've had that experience as well.
Was the dialogue and description fantastic in this book? It was definitely good for this genre, but not exceptional. But this author (other then page one to thirty) knew how to make this book fly.
So when you're writing your book, know all you can about everything, but especially take note of the structure. Now, I’m off to join that guy in the third camp. Maybe he’ll buy me a drink.
Have fun every day!
Steve
So why are they bad?
I think the problem is that because everyone reads books, they also think they can write them. And maybe they can. However, before they start, they need to study up on the subject.
Of course, even experts disagree on what makes a book work.
One camp says that structure is the most important part.
A second camp believes its dialogue and description.
A third camp is at the bar drinking. We won't bother them. They look pretty buzzed out to me.
I belong to the first camp--structure. Just so you don’t get the wrong idea, I'm pretty much a pantster. Oh, sometimes, I use outlines for certain things, but at heart I just write.
Still, I do believe what carries us along in a book is how it moves. A good structure can make it easy for someone to start your book, and keep reading till the end.
I had an experience last week with such a book. I began reading, and I have to admit, up until about page thirty, I was not completely on board. I had thoughts of putting the book down. However, once I was past page thirty, I could literally not stop. I finished it within a few days. I'm sure you've had that experience as well.
Was the dialogue and description fantastic in this book? It was definitely good for this genre, but not exceptional. But this author (other then page one to thirty) knew how to make this book fly.
So when you're writing your book, know all you can about everything, but especially take note of the structure. Now, I’m off to join that guy in the third camp. Maybe he’ll buy me a drink.
Have fun every day!
Steve