How I Wrote My First Book

As a child, I loved to read. As an avid reader from early on I loved to travel through the pages of a book and use my most vivid imagination and "poof" I'd be there. There's something about a good book that enlarges our horizons, disseminates life-changing information, or just simply tells a story - sometimes fact, sometimes fiction. I never thought I'd ever write one, much less publish. I could only dream. However, after years of living and some interesting life-challenges I felt I had something to say and writing it would give it a voice in a way nothing else could.

For those writers who need some basic information on how to get started allow me the privilege to take you on my journey and perhaps it will provide at the very least some tips on how to pen and ultimately publish your story. It is entirely within your reach.

1. Passion

Much is said about having a "passion" for what you do. It most certainly applies to writing. That insatiable desire to put in print what you see, what you know, what you love is all a part of your success. The passion to write is that fire and fervency that causes you to get up in the morning with a sense of purpose and destiny. It creates an atmosphere that keeps you going when the words don't flow at times as quickly or as succinctly as you would like. Passion empowers and enables you to keep your focus and complete your assignment. It's that key ingredient that propels your message into your mission. Whatever you do, don't lose that wonderful thing called passion.

2. Story

Just what kind of information are you wanting to share? Who do you want to reach with your book? Is it a real life drama or something seen only in the theater of your mind that needs to be brought to the pages of a novel? Could it be you want to glean from your experiences and expertise imparting information that will instruct, give strategies and ideas that have the potential to impact the corporate world? Maybe you have a children's book all locked up inside that would inspire some child to dream. Perhaps you are a religious writer that has a desire to introduce your reader to principles and ideas that can revolutionize their lives or empower them to achieve God's master design. It could be that you're a historian or an expert in the political arena and have a pen ready to relate what you know to the eager reader. Whatever your story is, you are now one step closer to the transfer of all of that information, concepts, experiences and ideas onto paper (or computer, or recorder).

3. Research

Now that you know what your "story line" will be, it is important that you do all the necessary research to make it believable, credible and readable. For me, this is the most tedious albeit important part. Thankfully, I also have those who will assist me in research and enjoy the process. Also, I've made a lifelong commitment to be a willing student. It is important to read, read, and read some more. Don't be afraid or intimidated to ask questions. Be a consummate listener. To be sure there are some books that have been born and written out of the crucible of crisis. The project, the researcher and the one researched is one and the same - you. It's believability, credibility and readability is undeniable because it's you, the author, who walked it out. It was your experience. Nonetheless, do not take shortcuts in researching your subject matter as it relates to your "story." Know your facts. Document your resources.

4. Write, Write, and Write Again

The fun part now begins. What will be your title? Can you write a "hook" that will captivate the reader before they even complete the first chapter? When I sat down at my computer and began to write "Miracle on 13th Street" there were days I couldn't type fast enough as I relived my story with all of it's challenges and opportunities. Then there were those days things moved more slowly but I knew I had a story to tell that I believed would encourage and inspire the reader to go after their dreams just as I had mine. The passion I talked about in step one is the fuel that feeds the fire of your work. Your research is now intermingled with your creativity and a wonderful masterpiece is being crafted. Trust me when I say you may write a sentence, a paragraph, a chapter over and over again until it paints the word picture you want. After the final sentence has been written and the last punctuation mark has been placed, have someone skilled in editing read your work making corrections as needed.

5. Self-Publish or Not?

To be perfectly honest, at the time of the writing of my book, I did not submit it to any of the major publishing houses. I don't know if it's because I was so excited about getting it out or if I feared rejection. Perhaps, it was a mixture of both. Self-publishing seemed to be the best option for me at the time and that is what I did. I chose Xulon Press as my publisher of choice and I was pleased with the quality of their work and service. At the time of this writing, they have always responded to my reorders in a timely fashion. When I submitted my completed manuscript Xulon Press staff worked with me in a step-by-step process of publication. I was particularly impressed with their cover design that so closely reflected the title of my book. Whether or not to shop your manuscript is up to you. There are so many wonderful options available to authors. There are many who are using ebooks as a way to get their work into the market place. I have been privileged to be one of several contributing authors in a soon to be released book "Faith of Our Fathers" published by Pathway Press. Whether you submit your manuscript to a publisher or you choose to self-publish is really up to you. If you do submit a manuscript that is rejected by a publisher always remember their denial is simply a temporary delay. As the great Winston Churchill said, "Never give up."

Now the above list is most certainly not an exhaustive one on how to write a book. This is simply a snippet of my experience and how I wrote my first book. Writing for HubPages is a wonderful way to hone your writing skills and make some money as well. Writing is a journey for me and to tell you the truth I'm enjoying every minute of it. I'm looking forward to reading your "story" and seeing your name on the cover of a best-seller. Then I'll be able to say I knew you when....