Category: Resolutions

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Enjoy the Process, or Enjoy the Book?

I’ve known George (not his real name) for more than 10 years. He is bright, intelligent, and is successful in completing projects … when he wants to complete them. He’s written a weekly blog for over 15 years, and I learned that he has often mentioned to others that he would like to publish them in a book.

One day several years ago, I suggested that he select about 125 of the blogs, edit them, send them to a publisher, and get his book done. That’s when I learned he was a devoted procrastinator. However, George didn’t think it was procrastination; he thought he was spending time perfecting each article. The truth was, he enjoyed the process of writing.

After 13 more months with no progress to show, he finally got tired of his own waiting game and asked me if I would format and publish his book. I was glad to help.

Our editor completed her part within 3 days, and George could not believe his ears when, 5 days later, I told him the book was uploaded and ready to order.

After receiving a box of 20 of his books, he discovered the joy of holding them in his hands and making them available to his friends. His family told me he was thrilled with the product.

Dear reader, have you discovered the joy of being a published author, or are you still enjoying the process stage? Or have you started your manuscript? We at P & L Publishing and Literary Services are available to assist. Contact us by phone or by email on our Get in Touch page. We look forward to hearing from you.

By the way, Happy Leap Day, and don’t forget to …

Write Creatively.

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3 Steps to a Good Page-Turner

Yes, I know. Most of you have heard something like that many times, and I understand there are many more than 3 steps, but don’t go away. This could help burgeoning authors, and I won’t bore you veterans with unnecessary verbiage.

There is no shortcut to writing a great book. Although it takes time, it takes a lot of thinking, and it’s not easy, it is simple. In fact, this may sound too simple, and you might toss it aside. That’s okay with me, but read it first.

What do you need for the great book you want to write?

1. Enthusiasm, Passion

Simply put, you need an idea that means a lot to you. Tell a story that would keep your interest. Why? Writers tend to be more passionate about their own ideas; therefore, they can more energetically write the story. Infuse your writing with energy.

2. Exciting Characters

No one knows more about your characters than you do. Why? They are born out of your imagination. You assign to them looks, size, attitudes, strengths, flaws, skills, blemishes, character, and all the rest, so make them interesting. Make sure they fulfill their purpose for being in the book, and they dynamically drive the story in the direction you want it to go. Even if you have a dog, cat, or a chicken in the book, give it a purpose for being there.

3. Resolvable Tension

There is a need for nice, sweet stories like Pollyanna. But even in Pollyanna, there was tension. To keep readers turning those pages, there must be conflict. Let that controlled conflict empower the story throughout the book and grip the readers’ imagination.

As I mentioned, writing is not easy, but it is simple. Improve your skill, enjoy your writing, and

Write Creatively

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I’m Going to Write a Book …

Do you hear people saying that? Are you saying it?

If “yes” is the answer in either question, what does it mean? I’ll tell you. It means the book isn’t being written. And in many situations, it won’t be written for some time. In order to write a book, the proposed author must decide to get moving. For example …

An airplane, be it propeller-driven or jet powered, can sit on the runway for years and never fly if it doesn’t move. And if it does move, it must reach a critical speed related to it’s type and weight to lift off the ground. (Note: I am not referring to anyone’s size or weight.)

A watercraft, be it a kayak or a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, has a critical speed for the rudder to take effect. If the craft moves, but hasn’t reached its critical speed, the helmsman can turn the rudder all he wants to, but the boat or ship will not turn.

Writing a blog or book is similar: we can talk about it all we want to, but if we don’t get moving, it will not get written. And if we do move, we must “reach that critical speed” to see our situation change.

So, what are you going do? Change your thinking and you will change your activity. Then you can say, “I’m writing a book.” And then …

Write Creatively

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Fulfilling Your Dream of Writing – Step 4

Where are we? You’ve chosen a writing place, you’re probably still thinking about a writing routine, and a theme might be puzzling you. But that’s okay, you’ll get it.

Today let’s briefly discuss the idea of Designing Your Three Basic Sections.

In this blog, we’re not addressing front and back matter. They are what comes before and after the story the author wrote. All that comes later.

Why do many, if not most, people recommend three sections of the book? Why not 2 or 4 … or even 5 sections? Well, you can have 5 sections. Read Freytag Pyramid to learn more about it. But normally a novel has 3 sections: the setup, the confrontation, and the resolution.

In the setup, you will create an idea for the beginning, middle, and end to the story. You want the beginning to give the reader background information related to the characters and the plot of the story. You introduce, through various means, the reader to the people in the book and to the dangers. And, of course, you add mystery that you do not explain. The intrigue needs to grab the reader’s curiosity so he won’t put the book down.

The middle, most of the book, will develop the main theme. This is where the tension grows, the bulk of the action takes place. The hero is almost overcome by the challenges and obstacles. It seems that disaster waits for him or her at every turn.

The third section will provide a resolution of the plot. Again, you might want to look at Freytag’s Pyramid or Matthew Luhn’s book, The Best Story Wins for helpful ideas.

What is considered the most important part of the book?

The most important part of a book can vary depending on the book itself, the author’s intent, and the reader’s perspective. However, generally speaking, the most important part of a book can be considered as … well, I suppose the most important is the story itself. Write it with excitement, adventure, intrigue.

I’ll see you tomorrow.

Write Creatively

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For information about P&L Publishing and Literary Services, please check out our web site. https://plpubandlit.org/