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Today's usborne books Article
Turn Your Ideas Into Books
Turn Your Ideas Into Books
by Laura Backes, Write4Kids.com - The Children's Writing SuperSite
Maybe you're one of those lucky writers whose head is
bursting with ideas. Or perhaps you have one idea that's
been nagging you for weeks, always at the edge of your
thoughts. Either way, you're itching to begin writing.
That's good. But before you rush headlong into your story,
stop and ask yourself one question: Is this just an idea, or
is it a book?
Ideas, of course, are the seeds of any work of fiction or
nonfiction. But until an idea is fully developed, until you
can envision its beginning, middle and end, that one idea
might not be enough. The experience of writing for pages
about an idea and ultimately getting nowhere (or getting a
pile of rejections) has taught many writers to outline their
books before they begin. But if the thought of an outline
sends shivers up your spine, at least thinking your idea
through and making sure it merits months of writing can save
you future frustration.
Ideas for Fiction
A lot of writers, especially when they're beginners, get
ideas for fiction from their own lives. This can be useful
for several reasons: you're emotionally invested in the
topic, you can relate directly to the main character, and if
the situation actually happened to you, you're less likely
to be unconsciously basing the story on a book you've read.
But remember, just because you find this thing that happened
to you or your child fascinating, it doesn't mean it will be
fascinating to thousands of potential readers. Very often, a
real-life event is just that--an event. It's a vivid scene
you recall with pleasure, or a family joke that's repeated
over and over. It evokes strong emotions when you remember
it, perhaps you even look back on an event as a turning
point in your life. But only rarely does reality provide a
plot.
When writers stick too closely to what really happened they
fail to develop the elements necessary for a good story: a
believable main character who is faced with a problem or
conflict, mounting tension as that character tries to solve
her problem and experiences setbacks, and a tension- filled
climax followed by a resolution that's satisfying to the
character and the reader. If your main character is really
your son, you might not want to get him in trouble or throw
rocks in his path. But you have to. It's the only way you'll
create a story that will keep readers hooked and wondering
how it will end.
Speaking of endings, if the resolution of your story comes
too easily, it's probably obvious and predictable. Try
mixing up real life and have the situation evolve in a
different direction. Surprise yourself, and you'll surprise
an editor.
However you get your idea, focus first on whether it's a
plot or a theme. Many times, an initial idea is really the
underlying meaning of the story, what the author wants to
convey to the reader. Themes should be universal in their
appeal-- such as friendship, appreciating one's own
strengths, not judging others too quickly. Then play around
with the sequence of events until you develop a plot (what
actually happens in the book) that makes this theme clear to
the reader. And remember; if you're using a childhood
incident as the foundation of your story, tell it from your
childhood viewpoint, not how it feels to you now as an
adult.
Ideas for Nonfiction
Your nonfiction book should be based on something you're
truly interested in and passionate about. After all, you'll
be living with this idea for many months. The key to
successful nonfiction is to take your idea and approach it
in a way that no one else has ever done before. This means
doing most of your research before you begin to write. Don't
settle for the most easily-found information on your topic--
your readers have probably read the same information. Keep
digging until you find an aspect to your subject that
strikes you as unique. Then search through the library and
book stores to make sure no one else has already beat you to
it.
For a nonfiction idea to become a book, you need enough
information to fill the number of pages necessary, depending
on the age group for which you plan to write. Younger
children need a foundation of basic facts, but you can also
get fairly detailed within the scope of the approach you've
chosen as long as you explain concepts in a simple and
straightforward manner (how animals hibernate, why insects
are different colors). Older readers can draw on a broader
foundation of knowledge, and infer connections between your
topic and related subjects. A detailed outline of any
nonfiction book is essential to help you see if your idea
has enough substance and originality, or if you need further
research before you begin writing.
Whether it's fiction or nonfiction, your idea should mean
something to you, but also have the potential to mean a lot
to your readers. Think it through, add to it, take the
nonessential elements away, and make sure it has a
beginning, middle and end. Only then will your "idea" turn
into "an idea for a book."
# # #
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Laura Backes is the publisher of Children's Book Insider,
the Newsletter for Children's Writers. For more information
about writing children's books, including free articles,
market tips, insider secrets and much more, visit
Children's Book Insider's home on the web at
http://write4kids.com
Copyright 2006, Children's Book Insider, LLC
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Laura Backes is the publisher of Children's Book Insider,
the Newsletter for Children's Writers. For more information
about writing children's books, including free articles,
market tips, insider secrets and much more, visit
Children's Book Insider's home on the web at
http://write4kids.com
About the Author
Laura Backes is the publisher of Children's Book Insider,
the Newsletter for Children's Writers. For more information
about writing children's books, including free articles,
market tips, insider secrets and much more, visit
Children's Book Insider's home on the web at
http://write4kids.com
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Today's usborne books Article
Turn Your Ideas Into Books
Turn Your Ideas Into Books
by Laura Backes, Write4Kids.com - The Children's Writing SuperSite
Maybe you're one of those lucky writers whose head is
bursting with ideas. Or perhaps you have one idea that's
been nagging you for weeks, always at the edge of your
thoughts. Either way, you're itching to begin writing.
That's good. But before you rush headlong into your story,
stop and ask yourself one question: Is this just an idea, or
is it a book?
Ideas, of course, are the seeds of any work of fiction or
nonfiction. But until an idea is fully developed, until you
can envision its beginning, middle and end, that one idea
might not be enough. The experience of writing for pages
about an idea and ultimately getting nowhere (or getting a
pile of rejections) has taught many writers to outline their
books before they begin. But if the thought of an outline
sends shivers up your spine, at least thinking your idea
through and making sure it merits months of writing can save
you future frustration.
Ideas for Fiction
A lot of writers, especially when they're beginners, get
ideas for fiction from their own lives. This can be useful
for several reasons: you're emotionally invested in the
topic, you can relate directly to the main character, and if
the situation actually happened to you, you're less likely
to be unconsciously basing the story on a book you've read.
But remember, just because you find this thing that happened
to you or your child fascinating, it doesn't mean it will be
fascinating to thousands of potential readers. Very often, a
real-life event is just that--an event. It's a vivid scene
you recall with pleasure, or a family joke that's repeated
over and over. It evokes strong emotions when you remember
it, perhaps you even look back on an event as a turning
point in your life. But only rarely does reality provide a
plot.
When writers stick too closely to what really happened they
fail to develop the elements necessary for a good story: a
believable main character who is faced with a problem or
conflict, mounting tension as that character tries to solve
her problem and experiences setbacks, and a tension- filled
climax followed by a resolution that's satisfying to the
character and the reader. If your main character is really
your son, you might not want to get him in trouble or throw
rocks in his path. But you have to. It's the only way you'll
create a story that will keep readers hooked and wondering
how it will end.
Speaking of endings, if the resolution of your story comes
too easily, it's probably obvious and predictable. Try
mixing up real life and have the situation evolve in a
different direction. Surprise yourself, and you'll surprise
an editor.
However you get your idea, focus first on whether it's a
plot or a theme. Many times, an initial idea is really the
underlying meaning of the story, what the author wants to
convey to the reader. Themes should be universal in their
appeal-- such as friendship, appreciating one's own
strengths, not judging others too quickly. Then play around
with the sequence of events until you develop a plot (what
actually happens in the book) that makes this theme clear to
the reader. And remember; if you're using a childhood
incident as the foundation of your story, tell it from your
childhood viewpoint, not how it feels to you now as an
adult.
Ideas for Nonfiction
Your nonfiction book should be based on something you're
truly interested in and passionate about. After all, you'll
be living with this idea for many months. The key to
successful nonfiction is to take your idea and approach it
in a way that no one else has ever done before. This means
doing most of your research before you begin to write. Don't
settle for the most easily-found information on your topic--
your readers have probably read the same information. Keep
digging until you find an aspect to your subject that
strikes you as unique. Then search through the library and
book stores to make sure no one else has already beat you to
it.
For a nonfiction idea to become a book, you need enough
information to fill the number of pages necessary, depending
on the age group for which you plan to write. Younger
children need a foundation of basic facts, but you can also
get fairly detailed within the scope of the approach you've
chosen as long as you explain concepts in a simple and
straightforward manner (how animals hibernate, why insects
are different colors). Older readers can draw on a broader
foundation of knowledge, and infer connections between your
topic and related subjects. A detailed outline of any
nonfiction book is essential to help you see if your idea
has enough substance and originality, or if you need further
research before you begin writing.
Whether it's fiction or nonfiction, your idea should mean
something to you, but also have the potential to mean a lot
to your readers. Think it through, add to it, take the
nonessential elements away, and make sure it has a
beginning, middle and end. Only then will your "idea" turn
into "an idea for a book."
# # #
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Laura Backes is the publisher of Children's Book Insider,
the Newsletter for Children's Writers. For more information
about writing children's books, including free articles,
market tips, insider secrets and much more, visit
Children's Book Insider's home on the web at
http://write4kids.com
Copyright 2006, Children's Book Insider, LLC
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Laura Backes is the publisher of Children's Book Insider,
the Newsletter for Children's Writers. For more information
about writing children's books, including free articles,
market tips, insider secrets and much more, visit
Children's Book Insider's home on the web at
http://write4kids.com
About the Author
Laura Backes is the publisher of Children's Book Insider,
the Newsletter for Children's Writers. For more information
about writing children's books, including free articles,
market tips, insider secrets and much more, visit
Children's Book Insider's home on the web at
http://write4kids.com
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Grammy winning trumpeter Chris Botti has returned in top form with Italia, his most lushly romantic and expressive album to date. Featuring duets with some of today's biggest international stars including Andrea Bocelli, Paula Cole, and Dean Martin, Botti's rich and articulate musical collection is truly beautiful, enchanting, and understatedly elegant.
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Someone gave this to me as a birthday gift. Now, I'm saddled with having to keep this dog of an album around, lest I hurt their feelings. Damn...
P.S.- Since when is the word "estate" written with an accent over the final vowel? How amateur!
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¸ Use simple breathing techniques to immediately calm inner turmoil
To Fight Depression:
¸ Learn how to kill ANTs (automatic negative thoughts)
To Curb Anger:
¸ Follow the Amen anti-anger diet and learn the nutrients that calm rage
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¸ Develop total focus with the "One-Page Miracle"
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Bryan
I am the author of:
One Boy's Struggle: A Memoir: Surviving Life with Undiagnosed ADD
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Thu, 08 May 2008 22:04:06 GMT
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