Writing a book

[Fritzvalt]

So, as far back as I can remember, I've always wanted to be a writer. The whole idea of language itself is near and dear to my heart. In the past I've tried to write novels, but they always go on the backburner when real life comes into play. Recently, I had an idea for a different sort of piece than my usual fair. More of a humor book. They say write what you know, and I'd like to think I'm an expert on this topic. The title reads as thus:

"A Layman's Guide to Achieving, Maintaining, and Perfecting a Degree of Awesome."

I'm excited about this new project, and would love to have feedback on the idea. Also, I welcome suggests for topics, chapters, and appendixes.

Don't stop the rock, baby.

 

[Radeonx]

Sounds like it could be good, yet somewhat unoriginal. Books like these are pretty common, but, if you can pull it off, it doesn't matter.

 

[The_root_of_all_evil]

Been mentioned and posted about a number of times but http://www.nanowrimo.com

 

[BehattedWanderer]

Include the words haberdashery, susurrus, and megalomaniacal somewhere prominently throughout the book. Magic will then happen. Oh, and your title is a bit...er...unappreciative of the Language. Try and be a bit more eloquent than 'awesome'.

 

[RobCoxxy]

We could see how this will turn out. I for one am writing a few novels... (for film script - easier to write FROM a story) ;D

 

[Fritzvalt]

Been mentioned and posted about a number of times but http://www.nanowrimo.com

Thank you, I hadn't seen that yet. That's good lookin' out.

 

[CoverYourHead]

Sit back and think. Are you funny? Like actually funny? Or do you just think you're funny?

Then re-evaluate your idea for your book.

Note: I am not saying you're not funny, I don't actually know you. But there have been many failed humor books written by people who think they're funnier then they're are. I'd like to stop the disappointment.

 

[quiet_samurai]

I don't know man, that all depends if you are in fact awesome. If not, then that would be the equivilant of a janitor writing a book on anatomy.

And, is it like a humorous self help book?

 

[Clashero]

I'm not sold on the title at all. If I saw a book with that title at the bookstore I'd think some 16-year-old with Internet culture (as evidenced by the use of "awesome" as a noun).

However, I haven't seen anything you've written. Care to give us an extract of... anytihng?

 

[MelasZepheos_v1legacy]

Humour books are hard to write, and I speak from experience. Not only is it difficult to know if you are actually funny (see above thread for the disclaimer) but even if you are funny, trying to maintain that level of funny for the required length of the average novel is incredibly difficult.

For example, you may be able to very easily come up with all the topics, chapters and additional minutiae needed for this project, but then when it comes to writing it you find you just end up parroting the same couple of references and jokes endlessly. Some books which aim for this 'fauxtivational' book mode, actually become extremely unfunny if one tries to read the whole thing straight through, without breaks. You need to be certain that it is different, and utilises a whole range of styles and levels of comedy.

That muck now raked, good luck to you, writing a book is going to be a long hard process, especially when it comes to the editing. Hope to see you in ten years when it gets published.

 

[Lord George]

Everyone seems to want to be a writer these days, never seem to see many succeed sadly.

 

[Aqualung]

Everyone seems to want to be a writer these days, never seem to see many succeed sadly.

Unless, of course, you can manipulate the female pre-teen masses with poorly written fan fiction (see: Twilight.)

 

[DazBurger]

So, as far back as I can remember, I've always wanted to be a writer. The whole idea of language itself is near and dear to my heart. In the past I've tried to write novels, but they always go on the backburner when real life comes into play. Recently, I had an idea for a different sort of piece than my usual fair. More of a humor book. They say write what you know, and I'd like to think I'm an expert on this topic. The title reads as thus:

"A Layman's Guide to Achieving, Maintaining, and Perfecting a Degree of Awesome."

I'm excited about this new project, and would love to have feedback on the idea. Also, I welcome suggests for topics, chapters, and appendixes.

Don't stop the rock, baby.

Meh, TL-DR