Comments on: Friday Free-For-All: Writing Your First Book

By: Elisabeth Lundhagen

Elisabeth Lundhagen — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 11:12:14 +0000

Sometimes I think – Can I really do this? When my thoughts go there, I think, – I am doing this!
My fist children’s story was the result of an illustration project in art school about 15 years ago. I jotted it down always thinking of how it would ‘look’ as a picture book and put it on the shelf. After all these years I finally figured out what was wrong- it’s not a picture book! Now I am rewriting it for YA.
In the meantime, I have written a few picture book manuscripts and realize while writing this that they all come from images in my head. I guess my ideas come to me as pictures that have stories to tell.

By: Etta Wilson

Etta Wilson — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 19:50:01 +0000

Good to hear your passion for both reading to your children and the writing that inspires. You may be ready for a critique group soon!
Etta

By: Lori

Lori — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 04:11:04 +0000

I wrote my first book about 1 month ago and have written 3 more since. They are geared toward children. I am a stay-at-home-mom with my 3 little ones and am often found with a toddler on each knee and a book in the middle.:) As a result, I have been exposed to many children’s books and have found myself thinking, “I can do this.” Small pieces, of each book I have written, would just “pop” in my mind and off to the computer I would go! It has been so fun and exciting! I know each one has been inspired by the Lord and by the love and passion I have for my children and watching them grow. I am 31 years old and my writing journey is just beginning. Precisely why I’m here responding to this post as I am exploring and learning about a new world…publishing! Thanks for the opportunity to share and also for making yourselves available to learn from.
Sincerely,
Lori

By: Etta Wilson

Etta Wilson — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 22:00:10 +0000

Maybe somebody should pull all these wonderful replies together and publish a book! Seriously, it’s great to hear all the reasons for writing and the timeframes in which we write and what gifts it brings. Keep that pencil handy and that computer wired up! Etta

By: Britt

Britt — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 14:33:52 +0000

I began writing my first book over a year ago. I had always written Christian drama and devotions for churches up until that point. It was after some conviction and suggestion from others, along with inspiration from local color, that I began a contemporary book. 5000 words in, I started another book, a historical one…and I’ve been writing it ever since.

There’s a lot of learning in this business. I’m almost finished with the book…but know I have a lot more to do.

I’m currently in a great critque group and that’s been a big eye-opener.

By: Michelle Ule

Michelle Ule — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:51:19 +0000

I wrote a three page novel when I was nine, and was struck by how long it took to handwrite that many words and then the story just didn't seem to work . . . I wrote my next novel at 32--forcing my two year old to watch Sesame Street and Mr. Rogers so I could get something on the page. I was reading Little House on the Prairie aloud to my kids at the time and was struck by how long it took to type that many words on a page . . . I've now written three family histories, three travel stories and five novels and I can type 120 wpm. Now I can get it on paper, but . . . .

By: Krista Phillips

Krista Phillips — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 17:08:38 +0000

I guess I should clarify… *grin* I write romance regardless… just found that tickle-the-funny bone romance was more up my alley than the more dramatic kind (although I read either kind!)

You’re right though, humor can be difficult at times… what one thinks is knee-slapping hysterical, another says, “Hmmm, I don’t get it.”

I think the key to writing funny is to let it come naturally and not try to force it. Nothing worse than someone TRYING to be funny!

By: Linda Stanek

Linda Stanek — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 05:33:00 +0000

I began my first book, a MG novel, as a gift to my children, and discovered in that 64,000 words, that I loved writing. I was nearing the age of 40, (which of course sounds *ancient* to kids) and I now tell students at school author visits that you are never too old try something new, nor too old to find something you love.

By: joylene

joylene — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 23:54:08 +0000

I started my first book in 1984 because I’d always felt good writing and because my dad had just died. I thought “Hey, I write. I’ll write his story and he’ll live forever.” Seven years later, I stuck it on a shelf and started number 2. That one, Dead Witness was published in 2008. My next book will be released in 2011. I’m working on its sequel, 2 series, 2 other thrillers, and a children’s book. I love writing!

By: Etta Wilson

Etta Wilson — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 21:50:29 +0000

Very interesting, Krista. BTW, authors who write humor need to be especially skilled but nearly always catch attention from editors. Glad you found your genre.