How to Write a Book the Easy Way

When I say How to Write a Book, I'm talking about the actual writing, or the setting down of words on paper in the form of prose - as opposed to planning the book, which is what you have been busy doing up to now.

Personally, I enjoy planning a novel. I find the process just as creatively fulfilling as actually writing the novel. Though even I have to admit that finally starting to write, and seeing your characters come to life on the printed page, is a hard feeling to beat.

Of course, the difference between planning and writing isn't always clear-cut in novel writing. What you will probably find as you write your book is that you are constantly shifting from planning-mode to writing-mode and back again.

That being said, you have to start getting some words down on paper sooner or later, and this section on writing a book is all about preparing for the journey ahead and making the writing process as smooth as it can be.

• First, it outlines the process of writing a novel - which basically involves writing a first draft and then revising that draft, over and over and over, until you can't improve it any more.

• Second, it offers plenty of tips and advice to help you along the way - not least the advice on beating writer's block.

The remaining sections - on Structuring Narrative Writing, Writing Prose and Writing Dialogue - then concentrate on helping you to get the actual words right.

The Process of Writing a Book

The process of writing fiction could not be simpler:

• The first step is Writing a First Draft. Paradoxically, this is the part most writers look forward to the most and also fear the most.

• Next comes Revising the Novel. This is probably the most important part (many famous novelists are on record as saying that, to them, writing is rewriting). So don't fall into the trap of believing you are almost done once you have finished drafting.

Before moving on, a quick caveat: there are actually Two Ways of Writing a Book, each of which will suit different writers. This article explains all.

More Tips on How to Write a Book

Beating Writer's Block
Something often associated with writing first drafts is the dreaded writer's block. Does it exist? Yes. But it goes away easily enough, too, if you know how to beat it.

What Is the Ideal Novel Length?
Writing a book in draft form is a lengthy process. Before you begin, it will be helpful to know just how long the book should be. More importantly, this article provides help on how to write a book to a predetermined length.

Final Tips on Writing a Book
Follow the advice here to ensure that your novel stands the best chance possible when it gets into the hands of a publisher.