I’ve often heard that everyone has a book inside them. I don’t know if that’s true or not. If it is, that phrase still doesn’t mean that everyone can get that book to the outside.
For most of us, a book doesn’t come to mind fully developed and needing only to be transcribed. We have to research places and things for our stories. We have to not only create the main characters and supporting characters, but also their backstories, their personalities, their wants, their needs. Then we have to give them obstacles.
Even though some writers create a full outline before they begin writing their books, they don’t usually do that in one sitting and without any effort or angst. Others might figure out where they’re starting from and where they want to end, and then discover the rest of the plot as they write. Still others know only the starting place and let their fingers type until they uncover the story. The point is, while many people have good ideas for books and may even have the desire to write one, it’s not as simple as it sounds.
Many new writers give up after three or four chapters. I’ve seen it happen many times. Why after three or four chapters? I’m not sure, but I remember when I first started writing. My ideas would only get me so far and then I would get stuck, because I didn’t have enough of the story figured out and didn’t have any idea of how to plot it. Sometimes I got lucky and made it all the way through to the end, but then wasn’t completely satisfied. It took time for me to learn how to create a good story and a good plot.
If you’re a new writer or want to be a writer, I suggest reading books on the writing craft first. And don’t forget to brush up on your grammar and spelling, too. Take classes and writing workshops. What classes and workshops do for you is let you hear what others have tried, what worked, and what didn’t work. They let you ask questions, too, and most importantly, they sometimes help you find critique partners. Check for online writing communities where writers can discuss writing in the forums. They can be invaluable.
Most of all–don’t give up just because it isn’t easy. Many of the best things in life don’t come easy.
Great article. I tell people, "I bleed when I write." I have outlines, but most of the time my characters have other ideas!