This is the opening post of this How to write a book blog. As an author, writing coach, and a publisher I do a lot of research into different writing skills. I will be sharing these with you. And, because I have helped over fifty authors get their manuscript published, I know what information you need. Years ago, I wrote, what became a popular book, How to Write – Right! The version was ‘entry level’. With the research that I just mentioned. I am updating How to Write – Right! The book is not just about writing skill, it is also about publishing/self-publishing, social-media marketing, genres – in fact, pretty much everything to do with writing, publishing, and promoting a book. This blog will contain much of the information from the new book. Another way to think of this blog is that it is a free, on-going, writing and book publishing course.


Some of the topics we will cover together:

• I want to write a book. How do I start?
• How do I advance from a novice to a good writer?
• Do I need to learn grammar before I can write?
• Should I self-publish my book?
• Why do most manuscripts not work?
• Creativity, can I develop it?
• How do authors and writers develop ideas?
• How do you say what you mean to say?
• Why you need to make yourself a brand?
• Where is the book-publishing industry heading?

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    And there is more, such as ePub’s, editing, and creativity, all designed to support you as a writer who hungers to be published.

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Creative Writing
    In the writing skill section, I will be giving you many examples of wonderful creative writing, all based on the topic discussed. Here is one such piece.

From Captain Corelli’s Mandarin by Louis de Bernier …
… She did not feel very much like a healer when she saw those feet, however; they
were unrecognizable as such. They were a necrotic, multi-hued. A shell of puss and
scab lay upon the inner windings of the abandoned bandages, and yellow maggot writhed and squirmed in flesh that was all but dead. “Gerasimov!” Exclaimed
Drusilla, clutching her son’s weathered shoulders for support as she tried not to
faint away. The stench was inconceivably stupefying, and at last Pelagic felt herself
flood with the sacred compassion whose absence has previously so appalled her…
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Your Comments
     For this blog to work I need your comments, your questions, and requests for future posts. As blog posts should be about this size (not too much information) I will kick off with only one morsel of writing skill – then I’ll shut up for today.


Thought Leaders
     I love reading and have been blessed to have read over a thousand books of many genres. From these I have gleaned that there is one attribute that separates mediocre writers from good to great writers, that is beyond writing skill – beyond story telling ability – it is thinking. Not just thinking about the actual novel, but thinking about life, about people, events, politics, and our effect on the planet. They are in tune with not just current events, but how those current events do and will affect humanity. With their profound thoughts and insights placed almost seamlessly and metaphorically on the page, good writers are therefore thought leaders. Another trait they mostly have is they are not afraid to be bold and confronting.
     Alas, we can’t all be thought leaders, but we can still write and contribute, give enjoyment, support, make people laugh, entertain, contribute to human culture, whilst entertaining ourselves.

The next post will cover; ARE YOU READY TO BE AN AUTHOR?

PS, if you want to know more about me and my books, then click on this link – I’m shy!
        https://www.heartspacepublications.com/about-patrick-grayson.html

     Another PS, we have a free give away for you, an extensive Edit Check List. For this, just fill out the subscription form and we will send you the check list.
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    Be well, write well, and story tell well,
Pat

    Spontaneous writing is a writing drill that teaches you many things about writing. 
 
    You write for a set period of time, usually around ten minutes, on a spontaneously
chosen topic. You start writing and do not lift your pen off the page for the chosen time. Whilst writing, do not worry about grammar, spelling or punctuation – do not obstruct the creative process. In fact, the only thing you worry about is getting your ideas down cohesively. 
 
With these writing drills, the subject matter is not important (if it were, you may be attached to the result).
 
Benefits of spontaneous writing:
 
     ✔ You learn to write quickly and with good flow (explained later)

    ✔ It teaches you just to start writing, no procrastination. You will be surprised at how easy it gets after a time. A good writer can write about anything anytime. You must be able to write on a bus, or in a noisy environment, such as a cafe, without preamble, or fidgeting, or any other delaying tactic

    ✔ It will also teach you how to write clearly

    ✔ You gain confidence
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    The first time you do a spontaneous writing drill, start off with four minutes. Each time you do one, an another minute until you get to about fifteen minutes.

     

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     Over the years I have seen amazing improvement in students’ writing as a result of spontaneous writing. So, if you are serious about writing you should incorporate it into your daily life. I know of top-class writers who have done these drills all of their lives.
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​If you want to read & know more about writing spontaneous,
check the preview of this e-book How to Write…Right!
 
You can purchase this e-book from here: How to Write…Right!
 
If you are interested in being a professional author or want to publish your book, CONTACT US & we will get back to you in no time!