I have a book that I was working on for a while, but other things have intervened. I now actually have some time and some desire to finish this book. Most of it is still to be written and that includes a significant amount of text to be inserted into my database.
All that being said, I have time this month, a significant amount of time, and it works on a number of levels, so I am going to do it. Really all it takes for me is time and the strength to write every day. This is my fifth book, so I have some sense for how this all works.
I hope to report here periodically on my efforts as I work toward publication. I will probably start my putting in some time tomorrow. That is the hard part.
Why is that hard? Because I have to see if my memory of how much has been done matches the reality of what has actually been accomplished. I expect that I have a lot to do.
Life does get in the way of writing ... writing a polished book in a month is unrealistic and those that proclaim you can do it ALL in 30 days or less or not talking about substance, quality or REALLY having it all together. With that said--can you do a lot in a month? Can you have the core in place? Sure--but it depends on what kind of book you are talking about? Is it children's that requires illustrations; is it mystery/thriller/romance that needs good editing to make sure the story line/plot synchs in the right places---tightening is what it should be--dialogue makes sense and isn't blah; is it a how-to or biz that addresses an issue, connects with the reader with relevant stories and supplies doable fixes to whatever the topic is?, etc.
Can you have it outlined and structure; all the key parts ID'd; stories, stats and other info needed to support the premise of the book; can you have a blitz of writing done; can you have your vision in place in 30 days? Yes--but it's an intense time and will need fine-tuning ... all those gnats of writing/publishing that will bring it together.
The single biggest mistake is rushing to publishing. No, don't put it off, but get it right. For a book "to sing," the author needs to make sure she or he is in rhythm and is singing the right tune.
Posted by: Judith Briles, The Book Shepherd | 07/02/2011 at 05:41 AM
This is one of those situations where it might have been helpful to see what it is I actually write. While I do agree with you about all of the fiction options that you suggest, I don't write anything like that. So what do I write?
I write non-fiction reference books related to college and high school distance learning. With these books, it's all about the database. Yes, the front matter is important, but the focus is really on the school listing and having the most accurate information possible at the time.
Also and importantly, this is the second edition of a book that I have already written. Much of the structure is the same.
All that being said, I greatly appreciate your guidance for fiction writers above. Too often they do want to take the easy way out. Were I remotely interested in fiction, I would approach this in a very different manner (and much like you suggest).
Posted by: Tom Nixon | 07/02/2011 at 10:49 AM
Have you checked out National Novel Writing Month. NaNoWriMo.org A whole month dedicated to 50,000 words in 30 days with tools and resources and local write ins.
Do it!
Posted by: Ama | 08/11/2011 at 09:32 AM
No offense, but if there's a facebook like button, it'll be much easier for me to share.
Posted by: elliptical reviews | 11/29/2011 at 08:53 PM
I'll have to do something about that. Thanks!
Posted by: Tom Nixon | 01/04/2012 at 09:33 AM