Writing a book is a difficult task.
It takes multiple skills in basic writing and in organizing a piece of complex writing.
But how do you gain the skills to write a book? I'm going to deal with that question by splitting the skills into two.
First up will be the ability to write.
And the second will be writing a complex piece like a book.
The simple answer to learning to write is that there is no easy answer.
The way to learn to write is in three parts.
First you need to read.
Lots.
Read everything you can get your hands on.
Read genre fiction.
Read non-fiction.
Read textbooks.
Read executive self-help.
Just read.
Everything and anything! Second you need to write.
It doesn't matter what.
Just write.
Copy out that fiction that you thought was so good.
Write out a conversation.
Write a one paragraph how to.
Write a two paragraph piece of fiction.
Write a one sentence story.
Write out a poem you like.
Write out a pastiche of a poem you like.
It doesn't matter what you write.
Just write.
Lots of writing.
As much as you can.
Third.
You need to repeat the first two steps.
Many times.
Over and over and over and over.
Every day.
That's the only way to become a better writer.
Or so the simple answer goes.
The reality - as usual - is a little more complex.
Yes, you need to do as the simple answer says.
However, there is one form of writing that we do constantly...
oral.
That's right, speaking.
So write like you talk.
Let your natural voice shine through.
Don't write to your reader, talk to them across the kitchen table.
Talk to them like you are best buddies.
Now that will work to give you the skills to write a short piece.
And the skill to write a short piece is mandatory for writing a book.
However, what about the skill to write a complex piece like a book.
There are three ways you can learn to write complex pieces like a book: 1.
You can learn through trial and error.
Just give it a try.
Yes, you'll fall flat on your face but keep trying.
While you're doing it look for better ways to write a book.
Keep trying and keep falling flat on your face.
Eventually if you're lucky you'll figure out how to write a book.
The problem with this of course, is that it takes a long time and a great deal of effort.
And there's no guarantee that you'll succeed.
2.
You can learn through others trial and error.
Hey, at least you won't have to make the mistakes.
The other person will have done it.
The problem with this technique is that you have no guarantee of how good the other person's solution is.
3.
Or you can learn from someone who has the ability to create systems.
Writing is a system and there is a large group of people - mostly from Information Technology - who have been training in designing systems.
Let them learn through trial and error and then design a solution.
The advantage is that not only do you not have to learn by trial and error yourself, but you know that the purchased system will work well -- efficiently and effectively.