Trying to write a book

[hisbloodformysins]

Ok, here it is. I have a gift for writing. God put me in all the right english and writing classes at school in which I kept inside of me some valuable lessons that I still use when writing, and writing is my way of communicating. Not only that but God has also given me the ability to translate let's say spiritual things to others so that his will is clear... I've been told before that i can take everyday ordinary things and really well make God known in them, communicate clearly what others only think about, in other words I'm really good and putting things into words that is easy for people to get it. I also have a big desire to write about the spiritual things the lord has shown me in the past and throughout my spiritual. I believe he has given me some powerful revelations for my own life that can really help others with their lives, plus I found that I have a nact for non-fictional writing.

Ok, now that said ever since I've been a spirit filled christian I have felt called into ministry, particularly evangelism. I want to do like what Joyce Meyer does... and others who go from town to town for like a weekend or a meeting to share the word of God and believe I have a prophetic spirit... meaning not to tell people the future, but the ability to speak God's will and heart to people in an edifying way... so, anyways... my plan had always been to attend a bible college to get an official degree in ministry once all my kids begin school.. however, my desire has kind of changed... we'll see when it gets to the point of my kids going off to school. I realized in prayer one day that I do not necessarily have to go to school to be in the ministry in order for the lord to lead me that way... and one day when I was praying it dawned on me that the lord may use my writing to bless others... but at the time I had not specific topic to write about.. and knowing that that desire may have just been a whim, I gave it to the lord, leaving it with him to lead me to the content to write if it's really meant to be. Well, a few months later I got the content... and this was about a year ago.

It is almost overwhelming and scary. I bought a book about writing books. It's not that I doubt my ability, it's knowing just where to begin. First I tried making an outline, but found that to be too confining, so then I used the tip in the book to brainstorm on a paper board.. and well, even two or three of those just were not big enough to try to get out all the content I want. So then I am now just getting on my microsoft word program and making different topics that I'm writing about as I go. But I still don't find that system structured enough.. it feels very unorganized and caotic. Does any one here have some suggestions on how to go about writing my book?

Anything you give I will appreciate. Thanks!

HB

 

[sunstruckdream]

I'm unclear as to what sort of book you mean you want to write. Do you mean you want to write the way Joyce Meyer does? Are you angling after a novel-type project, or more of a memoir or spirituality book? Just curious...I'm not sure if I could offer much help on the latter...

 

[DonaldOrwinRenKern]

Ok, here it is. I have a gift for writing. God put me in all the right english and writing classes at school in which I kept inside of me some valuable lessons that I still use when writing, and writing is my way of communicating. Not only that but God has also given me the ability to translate let's say spiritual things to others so that his will is clear... I've been told before that i can take everyday ordinary things and really well make God known in them, communicate clearly what others only think about, in other words I'm really good and putting things into words that is easy for people to get it. I also have a big desire to write about the spiritual things the lord has shown me in the past and throughout my spiritual. I believe he has given me some powerful revelations for my own life that can really help others with their lives, plus I found that I have a nact for non-fictional writing.

Ok, now that said ever since I've been a spirit filled christian I have felt called into ministry, particularly evangelism. I want to do like what Joyce Meyer does... and others who go from town to town for like a weekend or a meeting to share the word of God and believe I have a prophetic spirit... meaning not to tell people the future, but the ability to speak God's will and heart to people in an edifying way... so, anyways... my plan had always been to attend a bible college to get an official degree in ministry once all my kids begin school.. however, my desire has kind of changed... we'll see when it gets to the point of my kids going off to school. I realized in prayer one day that I do not necessarily have to go to school to be in the ministry in order for the lord to lead me that way... and one day when I was praying it dawned on me that the lord may use my writing to bless others... but at the time I had not specific topic to write about.. and knowing that that desire may have just been a whim, I gave it to the lord, leaving it with him to lead me to the content to write if it's really meant to be. Well, a few months later I got the content... and this was about a year ago.

It is almost overwhelming and scary. I bought a book about writing books. It's not that I doubt my ability, it's knowing just where to begin. First I tried making an outline, but found that to be too confining, so then I used the tip in the book to brainstorm on a paper board.. and well, even two or three of those just were not big enough to try to get out all the content I want. So then I am now just getting on my microsoft word program and making different topics that I'm writing about as I go. But I still don't find that system structured enough.. it feels very unorganized and caotic. Does any one here have some suggestions on how to go about writing my book?

Anything you give I will appreciate. Thanks!

HB

Hey,

I have several different systems that seem to work for me when I'm writing...

In the case of non fiction, I work better if I use a stuctured outline of the chapters and subchapters. Try over doing it, write about twice as many chapter topics as you would like to use. Then fill in each chapter topic with about 10-15 topics relating to that chapter, these are subchapters.

As you go through and fill out the subchapters, edit the topics and see if you really need them. Cut a few out.

this will give you a very loose outline that you can tweak as you work on your book.

Some people will claim that writing with a solid structure and organization is the way to go... That's to rigid, keep it loose, keep it fun, don't make it work.

I mostly work on fiction and screenplays but I do have a non fiction book that I've been working on and this method works well for me.

you could also apply the above to index cards, writing the chapters on the front and the subchapters on the back then lay them out on the floor in what ever order seems right to you then stack them in that order.

Make sure you have a small hand held tape recorder and carry it around with you always. you never know when a great idea may pop in your head.

let me know if any of these help... There are slightly different methods for screenwriting and fiction.

Fun writing!!

 

[hisbloodformysins]

I'm unclear as to what sort of book you mean you want to write. Do you mean you want to write the way Joyce Meyer does? Are you angling after a novel-type project, or more of a memoir or spirituality book? Just curious...I'm not sure if I could offer much help on the latter...

a christian non-fiction.. like a self-help book.

HB

 

[hisbloodformysins]

Hey,

I have several different systems that seem to work for me when I'm writing...

In the case of non fiction, I work better if I use a stuctured outline of the chapters and subchapters. Try over doing it, write about twice as many chapter topics as you would like to use. Then fill in each chapter topic with about 10-15 topics relating to that chapter, these are subchapters.

As you go through and fill out the subchapters, edit the topics and see if you really need them. Cut a few out.

this will give you a very loose outline that you can tweak as you work on your book.

Some people will claim that writing with a solid structure and organization is the way to go... That's to rigid, keep it loose, keep it fun, don't make it work.

I mostly work on fiction and screenplays but I do have a non fiction book that I've been working on and this method works well for me.

you could also apply the above to index cards, writing the chapters on the front and the subchapters on the back then lay them out on the floor in what ever order seems right to you then stack them in that order.

Make sure you have a small hand held tape recorder and carry it around with you always. you never know when a great idea may pop in your head.

let me know if any of these help... There are slightly different methods for screenwriting and fiction.

Fun writing!!

Thanks, actually that helps alot. I have tried to use an outline, but then I get a headache because the ideas get too overwhelming... hmmm, what gets overwhelming about them... I guess narrowing them down, that's what's hard about it. I tried making a very structured outline... but that was too structured, esp. being how I don't really know what direction I'm going with it. I like the idea of making a main topic, and then writing several different subtopics, because it seems that I have several things to write about one topic, and some topics lead to other topics. I also have used index cards before... i'll have to find a way to store them instead of just sticking them all in a pile.. it's not like I'm writing a research paper, I'm writing a book.

Wow, Donald... are you a professional writer? How much experiance do you have?

HB

 

[DonaldOrwinRenKern]

Thanks, actually that helps alot. I have tried to use an outline, but then I get a headache because the ideas get too overwhelming... hmmm, what gets overwhelming about them... I guess narrowing them down, that's what's hard about it. I tried making a very structured outline... but that was too structured, esp. being how I don't really know what direction I'm going with it. I like the idea of making a main topic, and then writing several different subtopics, because it seems that I have several things to write about one topic, and some topics lead to other topics. I also have used index cards before... i'll have to find a way to store them instead of just sticking them all in a pile.. it's not like I'm writing a research paper, I'm writing a book.

Wow, Donald... are you a professional writer? How much experiance do you have?

HB

With the index cards, I usually take over a wall and post them up. there is a great program that uses index cards. See if you can get it.

http://www.anthemion.co.uk/products.htm

I've written screenplays for small productions... Hmmmm, that's about it.

I've been writing all my life. I've taken several creative writing courses and and some screenwriting seminars. I also own every book on writing I could get my hands on... I have the tools and applied tricks, I also have a friend that is a screenwriter in hollywood. I've never tried to publish anything until now.

Was always to afraid... Yep big chicken.

Writer... yes. Professional... nope.

 

[shepsgirl]

I'm taking a writer's course, and they say to get three small notebooks. Put one in your bedroom , one in your living room on your coffee table, and one in your purse. That way you will always have a notebook to write your ideas down in.
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[Lindon Tinuviel]

The old saw is even more true today than ever--books aren't written, they're re-written.

Write the book you're able to write. Then use that book as an outline for writing the one you want to write.

 

[hisbloodformysins]

I'm taking a writer's course, and they say to get three small notebooks. Put one in your bedroom , one in your living room on your coffee table, and one in your purse. That way you will always have a notebook to write your ideas down in.
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I have a small notebook in my purse... and I have journals everywhere.... that is one thing I learned from creative writing in high school.... to always have a notebook to write down your thoughts as you have them. Thanks.

I sometimes think about writing a fictional book, but I don't know how people do it. I'm sure the lord would show me if I asked if that's meant to be. I do want to check out more books on writing at the library. So far I've read two.

HB

 

[hisbloodformysins]

The old saw is even more true today than ever--books aren't written, they're re-written.

Write the book you're able to write. Then use that book as an outline for writing the one you want to write.

That is an idea... i've kind of thought about that as well.

HB

 

[hisbloodformysins]

With the index cards, I usually take over a wall and post them up. there is a great program that uses index cards. See if you can get it.

http://www.anthemion.co.uk/products.htm

I've written screenplays for small productions... Hmmmm, that's about it.

I've been writing all my life. I've taken several creative writing courses and and some screenwriting seminars. I also own every book on writing I could get my hands on... I have the tools and applied tricks, I also have a friend that is a screenwriter in hollywood. I've never tried to publish anything until now.

Was always to afraid... Yep big chicken.

Writer... yes. Professional... nope.

The idea of publishing something IS scary!

HB

 

[DonaldOrwinRenKern]

The old saw is even more true today than ever--books aren't written, they're re-written.

Write the book you're able to write. Then use that book as an outline for writing the one you want to write.

Completely true, I usually find that my third draft is usually the best for a screenplay.

VERY IMPORTANT!! Do not do any rewrites until you are completely done (You could write notes) Do not rewrite or you will never finish.

I used to run into that problem early on...

 

[DonaldOrwinRenKern]

I have a small notebook in my purse... and I have journals everywhere.... that is one thing I learned from creative writing in high school.... to always have a notebook to write down your thoughts as you have them. Thanks.

I sometimes think about writing a fictional book, but I don't know how people do it. I'm sure the lord would show me if I asked if that's meant to be. I do want to check out more books on writing at the library. So far I've read two.

HB

If you are curious about fiction let me know... I love it, it's my thing

 

[Lindon Tinuviel]

No kidding. I won't send anything out that hasn't seen at least two re-writes and a good polishing.

Not to sound harsh, but procrastination in the guise of working is a death knell. You can spend your time outlining, re-writing, scouring the library and internet for tips and methods, and jotting down ideas.

Or you can write the book.

 

[hisbloodformysins]

No kidding. I won't send anything out that hasn't seen at least two re-writes and a good polishing.

Not to sound harsh, but procrastination in the guise of working is a death knell. You can spend your time outlining, re-writing, scouring the library and internet for tips and methods, and jotting down ideas.

Or you can write the book.

Very good point! Why do we (who do it) put it off when we want and like to do it? Because it's scary I think... maybe..

 

[hisbloodformysins]

If you are curious about fiction let me know... I love it, it's my thing

Well, I have ideas about a beginning, and an end, and a general idea... making fictional characters but using my own life as a base.... but taking imaginations and ideas and running with them.... but where do you get the inbetween? Like when you read stories and people drag out the persons life... filling in with a bunch of mundane details that really bring forth the beginning and the end.... and character development. How do they know what to write inbetween? I have a lot of ideas.... but I guess it won't do any good unless I get to work and work on them.

HB

 

[hisbloodformysins]

I have several book ideas now. As I shared with don... one about helping christians connect with God, one about spiritual warfare, one about marriage... one about a child (having to do with my own childhood)... don't know where I want to go with that one yet... but I want to show how God had been working in her (or him) and been with her throughout her whole life and how she didn't think she was important or things in her life were significant.. but bring it to a beautiful end... and now I have a romance story idea that would be cool... and I even thought of another one...

What do you do when you have so many ideas? I guess the ideas are where you start... but they don't get your book written, you do.

HB

 

[sunstruckdream]

No kidding. I won't send anything out that hasn't seen at least two re-writes and a good polishing.

Not to sound harsh, but procrastination in the guise of working is a death knell. You can spend your time outlining, re-writing, scouring the library and internet for tips and methods, and jotting down ideas.

Or you can write the book.

Amen.

Well said.

 

[DonaldOrwinRenKern]

I have several book ideas now. As I shared with don... one about helping christians connect with God, one about spiritual warfare, one about marriage... one about a child (having to do with my own childhood)... don't know where I want to go with that one yet... but I want to show how God had been working in her (or him) and been with her throughout her whole life and how she didn't think she was important or things in her life were significant.. but bring it to a beautiful end... and now I have a romance story idea that would be cool... and I even thought of another one...

What do you do when you have so many ideas? I guess the ideas are where you start... but they don't get your book written, you do.

HB

You're right ideas are great! but they do not get the book written. Make sure you store them away, I have journals for random ideas, they are full of them...

I keep everything in there, character developments, ideas, begginings, endings.

For me, when I am writing fiction, I have my characters... not to fleshed out and usually they are based a little on real people. Put them in a situation and let them wiggle them selves out of it.

The beautiful part is when these characters develope their own voice. It always surprises me how someone I created will do something in the story that completely surprises me.

Don't worry to much about plot and what not... Tell you the truth plotting out a fictional story for me makes it too predictable.

See how fun this coud be for you. start out a short story... Ummmm. do the "what if" it makes it easier.

What if a verbally abused house wife finds out that she has just inherited five million dollars...

Create the characters and just write as fast as you can with out putting the pen down or pausing... And don't hold back allow yourself to be dark if it comes to that... Just write.

Then after you have what ever pages of stuff, go back and rewrite it..... Then go back and polish it...

Don't forget to move things around and add or take out parts...

Let me know what happens, I love that part.

 

[hisbloodformysins]

off to write my book I go, high ho, high ho

HB