by Pip Harry
10 October 2014
1. You’ve got time.
If you’re currently holding down two jobs, juggling a few kids and studying part time then starting a book project might not be the best idea. On average a novel or non-fiction book will take 6-18 months (or ten years…give or take) to write. Then there’s and a year or more after signing a publishing contract of polishing that baby until it SHINES. You need many quiet hours, with your bum planted on a seat in front of a blinking cursor. Having said that, even the busiest writer will find time for a burning idea. Things that can be pushed aside for writing include piles of washing, vacuuming and unstacking the dishwasher. Writing minutes can be found at play centres, on trains and during your lunch break. You could also become a sparrow like YA novelist Gab Tozer, who sets the alarm at 4.30am to work on her series, The Intern and Faking It. Respect.
2. You have skillz.
Everyone and their spoodle wants to write a book (particularly a bestseller) but do you have any clue how to structure chapters, set up a compelling narrative and write three dimensional characters? If the answer is no, then you’ll want to brush up on the basics before you start writing. These can be obtained by reading brilliant books like On Writing by horror master Stephen King, attending writing courses at university, state writing centres or The Faber Academy, which hand holds authors through the process, with brilliant tutors on hand for advice. (www.faberwritingacademy.com.au)
3. You’re committed.
The truest adage about writing a book is that the difference between a published and unpublished author is determination to finish the damn thing. If you lack the grit and sticktuitism it takes to get to The End, then writing a book might not be for you. But if you know you’ll finish, come hell or high water, then get amongst it. Start today. And you better be ready to spill your guts and write in blood. You can’t hold back on the story and expect to get published in today’s tough market. In the words of Natalie Goldberg: ‘Write what disturbs you, what you fear, what you have not been willing to speak about. Be willing to split open.’ Need more inspiration? Head here.
4. Your idea rocks.
Not every idea is worth writing 90,000 words about. Take your time deciding if your concept is going to sustain a reader. How do you know it’s a good idea? You can’t stop thinking about it. If consumes and fascinates you, chances are your readers will be enthralled too. It’s fresh – if it’s a topic that’s been written to death, you’ll need a new take or better still, a completely new idea. Only you can write it. You’re the only person who can tackle this subject matter and it’s something you’ve always wanted to read yourself.
5. You’re supported.
As well as a supportive home environment which allows for your long absences in a ‘made-up’ world, cranky outbursts, massive coffee and chocolate consumption and general obsessiveness, you’ll need some peeps to give you a big cheer as you try to make it through your own personal book-writing marathon. The national month of writing group NaNoRimo (nanowrimo.org) provides a big group hug to writer’s trying to bang out a book (in 30 days, yikes), The Australia Council can help with financial aid (www.australiacouncil.gov.au) and your local library should be able to point you in the direction of a writer’s group. Writer’s retreats at Varuna House (www.varuna.com.au) provide accommodation and food to hole up and get it done.
How many attempts have you made to write a book? Do you agree that there’s a right time to start?
