Writing a Book

[Nique]

I'm brainstorming a concept for a book right now, basically a commentary based on my own expieriences and those of others about entry level jobs. Just a humour piece primarily becuase lord knows I shouldn't be giving advice.

What I'm wondering is if you talented people (and Brian) have some advice for me on where to start. It's not a work of fiction, but what are good methods for structuring the book? What are good brainstorming methods? Since I'm not an authority on anything and don't have a degree, certainly not one in literature, should I even be this ambitious with it? Should I write some samples and try to get a deal with a publisher? Would it be safer to self-publish since I've never done this kind of thing before?

[Bells]

You should never think of "the deal" before you actually have something that you can say to yourself "i would buy this". It dosent have to be the complete book... but you would need at least one chapter and the style of the whole thing pined down.

If i grasped your concept right... it's a humorous piece of advices for people starting to work now and on entry-level jobs right?

The first thing that comes to mind is "Guide of X For Dummies", by that i mean... sound like a manual/guide style of book would be fitting for this

[Nique]

It's more of a perspective, commentary. It would basically go through each of the entry level jobs I've held more or less grouping the type of job into a category. Lots of focus on your entry-level employee's perspective on managment, with some pseudo-advice mixed into a sort of checklist format.

[bluestarultor]

Honestly, it sounds a bit shaky to me, depending on how you handle it. If it's like some sort of memoir, you'd have to ask yourself if it's really unique enough to sell. If it's humorous, but interspersed with facts and advice, you may have research involved. However, I think the humorous route would be a safer, more salable choice, if you can do humor. But that would mean, actually, you know what? I'm just going to do a list to keep this organized.

Memoir/serious piece:

Needs:
- Lots of facts
- Either very unique or very common experiences with a very unique twist
- If unique experiences, to relate them and the outcomes; if common, to offer insight and advice

Pros:
- If you can make an authority out of yourself, you're golden

Cons:
- If you can't make an authority out of yourself, it won't sell
- If you don't have interesting material, it won't sell
- It probably hinges on you having a degree in this kind of thing



Humorous piece:

Needs:
- A sense of humor, likely hinged on irony or humorous insight
- Unique or humorous, but relevant, experiences
- Probably some facts, but not as much as a serious piece

Pros:
- Humor, good humor, always sells
- Humor is a good way to deliver even a serious message
- You need not be an expert to be funny
- Even if you don't have unique experiences, if you can provide humorous insight, you can compensate

Cons:
- Humor is a gift not all of us are born with or develop
- In this case, unique experiences are nearly a must, either in situation, detail, or outcome. If you're good enough to ride on insight, you should be a professional comedian. I mean, crap, if Jerry Seinfeld can get a TV show, you should be rich.




No matter what route you take, you're going to need a broad range of experiences and at least some amount of research. Sorry if I sound biased, but really, the points stand. If anyone has anything to add or wants to contest any part of my listing, it's open.

[Death by Stabbing]

Just start at the begining and then go from there...I find that the funniest stuff is unscripted...

funny metaphors and similes are also good for humor pieces. Also mutilation could be funny like "I'd go over to that paper cutter every day. And very day I'd consider cutting off a finger or two. You know, just to liven up the office a little. Variety is the spice of life"

[Mike McC]

You're probably gonna get a ton of advice on how to go about, but really the only way to really do it is to find your own groove, find what method works best for you. Writing is a very personalized experience; what works for one p[erson might not work for the next. Some people work well with outlines, others work well with just a general idea of where they're going and writing mostly off the cuff. The best way to figure out what works is to esperiment a little. Start of writing a few essays, and see what feels most comfortable.

[PraetorZorak]

I've found the more you prepare in the beginning, the easier it goes down the road. My tips? Notecards, and lots of them.

Every character in your book should have its own notecard. Write down everything about this character: physical attributes, drives, fears, tendencies, attitudes, trivia, and connections to other characters. This will allow you a quick, physical reference at any time. I also tried doing this with a Word document, but found the cards much easier on the eyes and faster to flip through.

Give each major plot point or anecdote its own series of cards:
1. What leads up to it
2. What happens in the event itself
3. Results or consequences of the event and
4. The way it connects to or is related to the others.

These will help your narrative flow more smoothly.

Full Circle: Try do end your narrative in a way that relates to the opening. It gives your readers a sense of closure and satisfaction. This should also be planned out well in advance.

[Mirai Gen]

I'll just throw in that the most important thing you can do is get a notepad and pen and keep it with you everywhere.

Anyone who says 'it isn't important if you can't remember it' doesn't know what they're talking about.

Other than that, find your own style, and that's the most anyone can offer.

[Marelo]

Seconding Mirai's suggestion. I keep a small spiral notebook with me at all times, and, trust me, inspiration can strike at any time. I've had to get out of bed at 3 in the morning, get out in the middle of a shower, find a paper towel in a restaurant, and write on my own arm, among other things, to make sure I remember an idea for my own writing.

There's nothing worse than forgetting the details of a great plot point or character concept, and only remember that it was a good idea. So, at the very least, keep a pen handy at all times, and be prepared to hinder all but the most critical of activities in order to get the idea written down.

[bluestarultor]

I third this. I can't COUNT how many times I was about to fall asleep and then had a really great idea that shot me bolt awake, and then I had to turn on a light and try to find a sheet of paper around my room to write it on. So a lot of good ideas are on old envelopes. XD