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Get Going! You Can Do It!
You've had that idea for a novel, book or article
rummaging around in your head for some time now, but like so many of us, you
procrastinate for many reasons. You are too busy, or have no self-assurance,
or you have no knowledge of where to begin. All sorts of obstacles stand in
your way, and the biggest one is YOU! So, believe in yourself and just do
it!
Get going!
Once you get over your biggest obstacle, you can get
started. Take notes as you go along on a notepad and/or your computer. Do an
outline. I even send e-mails to myself when I'm online and have an idea for
a story or for further chapters in books I'm currently writing.
You probably ask yourself, "Can I write?" Yes, you can!
There are many publications and websites from which you
can get information and details about writing, how to find a publisher or
agent, and all the tools you'll need in your endeavor.
One of the main ingredients of successful writing is a passion, inspiration,
or a cause. Call it what you like, but you have it in you if you will just
call upon yourself to make the effort. Sometimes it is an effort, and other
times the words just flow as if your muse has taken over your mind,
heart, and hands. Words are one of the most important creations of man and
they can paint portraits beyond the wildest dreams.
Some of the more practical aspects of writing are that
you can do it from home or almost anywhere, and it can be a vehicle for
self-determination. You are your own boss, your own creator—the managing
director. You can be young or old, a professional or stay-at-home parent.
Writing has no bounds or limits to your creativity and to your enthusiasm.
In terms of themes or ideas, think about your uniqueness
and what life experiences you've had. There is so much stored in your brain
that you've seen, read, watched in movies or on television
If you haven't already thought through most of the
details, that's okay. You can choose a theme or idea if you haven't already
and build from there based on your experiences and interests. Whether you
are writing a fiction novel or a self-help book, you have the knowledge and
expertise to share based on your experiences and your research.
As an example, my first book, Descent Into Madness,
is based on the true story of my son's schizophrenia and it was inspired to
help him and others with this disease—to help people understand.
Your causes or life's experiences may be valuable to others. You can write a
true story as I did, or you can incorporate your experiences and interests
into a work of fiction.
Most novels and true stories have some adversity and
don't always have happy endings. There needs to be much thought given to
character development if you are writing fiction. You will have to get
into the heads of your characters and decide how they will behave, what
they would do in a certain situation, how they will interact with each other
and with the plot or theme of the book. Develop the characters'
backgrounds, relationships, and interactions with the plot. Details are
important and shouldn't be overlooked. Many a novel or movie is
"flat," or deemed to be "so-so" when there is no depth
to characters.
What perspective you write the book from is also an issue
you will have to consider from the outset. In my case, I wrote Descent
Into Madness from my son's point of view—a first-person
perspective. Most first novels are best written in the third person, or
from an outside observer's or narrator's point of view, since the
first-person character cannot experience everything that is perhaps
necessary to convey in the novel.
Some topic ideas for self-help or informational books are
such things as being addicted to the Internet, losing a loved one or close
friend, how you worked through a major life crises, great ideas or
suggestions to help others, vacation tips and hints, and something
extraordinary you have done.
You might even want to research and study the markets to
help you determine a subject or what you think might be of interest to
people.
Entrepreneurial ideas are often great subjects for books
and articles. You may wish to send out questionnaires and do surveys about
your topic, and join groups of writers and others who are interested in
your subject. The Internet is a great tool for finding these groups.
Remember, you are unique and you can do it, if you don't let you—your
biggest obstacle—stand in your way.
Jonell Belke is the author of Descent Into Madness.
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