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Q: SD, I would like
to write a book. How do I get started?
A: In my opinion and this is only my opinion, if you like
reading and it takes your thoughts away from your day-to-day life, then you
already have. A story begins in the mine (between
the ears) long before it appears in front of you on paper. Sometimes these
thoughts aren’t in proper order (absolutely
never is), and may be frustrating at times (absolutely always is), but they will come when you least expect it
(sadly). The easiest way is to start
with short stories (and size doesn’t
matter). I say this because some short stories turn into books that turns
into a series. It may be hard to start, but it’s even harder to stop. I hope
this helps. SD
Q: SD, Why is writing
dialogue so hard?
A: It’s hard because
you are actually holding a one sided conversation with yourself. It takes quite a bit of practice and some
serious experimentation to work around playing both sides of a conversation
with yourself. The fun happens when you have multiple people slugging it out (verbally, of course). I had some help with this from a co-worker (when I was in the US Air Force). He told
me my story telling was very good, but the dialogue between by two characters
sucked. We sat down with a cup of coffee and he had me read the lines of one of
my characters and he the other. Yes, I was embarrassed fully. After learning
how to play the Pro and Con game and small daily debates, I got much better
writing dialogue. How could I not when it sucked. Practice does make perfect,
but if you can have someone read one side of a conversation and you the other,
you will see the light (and it’s not a train).
I hope this helps. SD
Q: SD, When should I
start publicizing my book?
A: Before it's
finished. As long as you have all your support cast in line (draft readers, content readers, editors,
cover artist, and media consultant), and most of which can be done by you,
you are almost ready. As soon as you have hit all the main points in your
manuscript (characters, main story line,
and ending), get the copyrights! But
remember (Indi-Author) when you set
the date it will be offered for sale, have it done completely two months in
advance of the book’s launch. This will allow you time to purchase a few
promotional copies as giveaways to those who are more than happy to help you
fulfill your dream (Radio, TV, Blog and
Web host, and websites dedicated to authors and readers). Just remember,
launch dates have a way of sneaking up on you. SD
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