If I only knew ...
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Some years ago I had this sudden urge to write a book. I even have a name ready for it. Actually I saw the name in a dream and it felt so right. I know when my book does eventually take shape, that this will be the perfect title for it.
But wanting to write a book and actually writing one are two very different things.
For one, what would my book be about?
Fiction writing is not my strength yet it seems fiction seems to do better than fact.
Or should I write about spiritual insights? But there are so many spiritual writers and frankly most of them write the same things in different words.
Or should I publish my poems? But poetry isn't everyone's cup of tea and often I find that the meaning I am trying to portray is lost on my readers. Perhaps my poetry is too complex. And lately the poetry mojo seems to have dropped by the wayside. I haven't written a poem for months.
Lately I've been trying my hand at Romantic Fiction (short stories) but with a spiritual message / background. I'm enjoying these a lot. Sometimes I think these may not be true fiction. That is somewhere inside me I feel I've lived these stories before. Or maybe I'm just dreaming. But are they good enough to publish?
In April I took part in the A to Z Challenge and my theme was based on the historical epic The Ramayana but with a very different view. My series was based on a combination of poetry and prose and friends who have read my posts think I should expand on it and create my book. But The Ramayana is dear to the heart of many Indians so how would my twist be received?
And then there's the publishing itself. I haven't got a clue how to go about doing that.
If I only knew what I need to write.
If I only knew how to publish a book.
If I only knew!
What do you think? Would love your thoughts.
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You should make a start. Write that book. Then, join an online critique group like IWW. But first, you need to write.
ReplyDeleteThanks Francene. Will check out IWW. Yes I need to start but the first step is always scary.
DeleteI hear you Suzy...if only we knew! Maybe you could outsource the publishing even if it's via a self-publishing mode?
ReplyDeleteThanks Sanch. I guess I should just start writing. I was thinking of self publishing but that's still a long way away.
DeleteJust do it! I'm not a fiction writer - I tried, with some short stories, and started 2 novels - but I just didn't have the passion. Instead I wrote a non-fiction book which I self-published. I didn't make a fortune but it was immensely satisfying and rewarding and I learned a lot, and hopefully it helped others :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks Janet. I guess the trick is to just start writing and through that the path will show up. Loved your post on 5 clues.
DeleteIf there is something inside you yearning to be written, then give yourself the freedom to write. I can't write fiction at all but I have three ebooks in various stages of development, I need to give myself permission to finish them and to get them out there, in whichever way I can. I wish you all the best x
ReplyDeleteThanks Kirsty. I should just start writing. I hope you finish your books.
Deleteso many bloggers are frustrated writers - fortunately the writing bug hasn't claimed me yet! If it's in your heart then you need to write more and look for places to publish - there are heaps of writers out there who are happy to share their knowledge if you ask :) Good luck!
ReplyDeleteThanks Leanne. I've always wanted to write and blogging was perfect for me. Then the thought of a book filtered through my mind. I guess one day when it takes a complete hold of my mind, my book will take shape.
DeleteJust write. Make a collection. The ones that are meant to be shared will bring themselves forward to you, you will know. If you are passionate about sharing them, type them up and save as PDF files. This way you can share on the internet as ebooks. I don't know exactly how, but thankfully these days we have Google to tell us how to do just about anything!
ReplyDeleteThanks Alicia . I love what you've said that the ones that are meant to be shared will come forward. Thanks so much - now to start writing :)
Deleteif u want to wwrite - u should! Romantic Fiction (short stories) but with a spiritual message / background does seem like u a forte - make a start n then we will see?
ReplyDeleteThanks Mina. Yes, I will start and I am enjoying my spiritual romantic fiction.
DeleteI wanted to say that when the time is right you will know...But I guess unless we get down to doing it, we will never know..Make a start, if you feel more confident with your touch of Romantic Fiction, go for it..But just start...
ReplyDeleteThanks Naba. Yes I just need to start. Perhaps I'll start a few and then as Alicia says, the ones that are meant to be published will emerge.
DeleteI think your instincts will kick in and let you know what style and genre to write in. Fiction has never been my forte, but yes, it does seem to be the most popular. As for self-publishing, there's plenty of info and advice online, plus you probably have blogging friends who have done it and might advise you. BTW, I loved your A-Z Ramayana series!
ReplyDeleteThanks Debbie. I so enjoyed writing my Ramayana series. Hmmm maybe there's more than 1 book. I just need to start!
DeleteI am in the same boat Suzy. I have never entertained the idea of writing a book. I struggle to write what little I do write. I can't fathom making it through hundreds of pages or keeping a reader captivated that long. If you want to do it, go for it. That's my advice. Sit down and write and see what story emerges.
ReplyDeleteThanks Kathy. Yes, I just need to write and see what comes through.
DeleteI honestly believe that when you know, you just know. It may not be there yet, but it will come, there will be some sort of realisation.
ReplyDeleteThanks Eva. I think that too. But perhaps I just need to start and the realisation will present itself.
DeleteI believe that you should write what's in your heart and that's the only way you will be true to yourself and your readers!
ReplyDeleteSo true Corinne. I should just write what delights me and not worry about the end result. Thank you.
DeleteI believe it is normal to feel the way you do. But in this one case, make an exception, don't worry about the end, just focus on one thing at a time. Write the book. Rest can, and will, follow. Take the leap of faith and write.
ReplyDeleteI have read your entire AtoZ series. It was beautiful. If that is what you want to expand on, that will be great too. Just write from your heart and believe in yourself. :)
Thanks Shanaya. So true, I should just take that leap of faith. Maybe I should meditate on this to get some clarity. I loved writing my Ramayana it gave me so much joy.
DeleteI agree with everyone else. just start writing it! If it needs to be written it will come to you. Best of luck and self publishing isnt as difficult as it sounds!
ReplyDeleteThanks Orana. Good to hear that self publishing isn't so difficult. Yes must start writing.
DeleteI felt the same way you did back in 2007. Then I discovered National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) - an event that happens every November. I wrote the first half (about 50k words) that year, followed by the second half in 2008. Since then, I've written rough drafts for four more novels in a series, and I'm gearing up for number five next month.
ReplyDeleteThe main page - http://nanowrimo.org
My profile (if you'd like to friend me) - http://nanowrimo.org/participants/internetg33k
And yes, to echo others that have responded - take that leap of faith, and just write! :)
Thanks Traci. Yes I must just start. The NaNoWriMo however sounds too hard - I'm a spontaneous writer and sometimes nothing comes for days. It would be too much pressure to write 50,000 words. But I'll think about it.
DeleteWhat I like about NaNo is that they break it down to 1,667 words per day, which doesn't seem so impossible. Then, because I have a word count goal to reach, it forces me to ignore my inner editor (who insists each sentence needs to be perfect before moving on to the next). It also gets me in the habit of writing every day. Just some food for thought. :D
DeleteThanks Traci I am thinking about it. I guess 1667 words per day is not that daunting but can I sustain the whole month? Thanks I will consider. :)
DeleteHey Suzy, go ahead and your writing is so powerful. How about a collection of short stories, romance, myth and poetry as well:)
ReplyDeleteThanks Vishal for your kind words. Short stories sounds really good. Thanks.
DeleteI had similar doubts... when i spoke to a friend of mine, he said.... "Write the damn thing first!". I am yet to do it... but it is a good starting point. No?
ReplyDeleteThanks Lifestyle Problog. Yes writing is definitely a good starting point
DeleteHi Suzy you have a woderful hold on the language. You can write your experiences, infuence of your grand parents in your growing years.
ReplyDeleteWonderful
DeleteThanks Ushaji for your suggestions. I had not considered these but will give them some thought. Thank you.
DeleteDon't worry about what everyone else is doing- because no one else has the same voice as you! Everything has been copied- books, music, movies. Originality is very rare! So don't stress if you have an idea that you think someone else has already done. Do it anyway! Just begin.
ReplyDeleteThanks Natalie. That is great advice. I just need to get my act together and write.
DeleteOh Suzy just write it. I am sure once you get started you will see all these questions being answered :) And not just fiction, poetry too :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Rajlakshmi. Thinking of combining prose and poetry like I did with my Ramayana series. Now I just need to start.
DeleteIf you look on the right sidebar of my blog, I have a 12 part series on publishing fiction and non-fiction. So there's that.
ReplyDeleteBut the hard part is the actual writing :-)
Thanks so much Melissa. I will check out your series. Yes, writing is the hard part and I do need to start on that. Thanks again.
DeleteFollow your heart, which you have, and learn as you go along. I find it easiest if I take it bit by bit.
ReplyDeleteThanks Brenda. That is such good advice - to take things in small chunks.
DeleteWow.. !! Having the title ready already!!! All you need to do now is pen down your thoughts,, whatever they are and the rest will follow..
ReplyDeleteAll the very best!
Cheers
Thanks Geets. Yep title is all set, now the words need to be penned down.
DeleteFollow your heart and rest will follow. Good luck with your book. I am sure you will rock it with your stories and poetry!
ReplyDeleteThanks Shilpa. You are always so sweet and encouraging. <3
DeleteI believe in doing what you want to do. So, follow what your heart says and don't think of anything else. There will never be regrets if you at least try :)
ReplyDeleteJust write, and everything will fall in place, the genre and everything is secondary. Write what comes from your heart and what you feel like writing :)
ReplyDelete