Book-writing

I know it's not strictly Ricardian, and that there are many writers who are members here and therefore already know full well how to write a book, but if there are some who feel daunted by the idea of even starting out, if you go to my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/sandra.heathwilson.9 I have posted a fairly in-depth list of the do's and don'ts as I see them. I was asked to provide the list to a writers' workshop, so it may be of help to anyone wishing to write their first Ricardian story. Sandra =^..^=

Hi Sandra, I would love to read it! The link takes me to your Facebook page - can you tell me where I go from there to find it? H (Your book has just arrived - why do treats always arrive when I'm at my busiest!)

On Wednesday, 4 June 2014, 14:32, "'SandraMachin' sandramachin@... []" <> wrote:


I know it's not strictly Ricardian, and that there are many writers who are members here and therefore already know full well how to write a book, but if there are some who feel daunted by the idea of even starting out, if you go to my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/sandra.heathwilson.9 I have posted a fairly in-depth list of the do's and don'ts as I see them. I was asked to provide the list to a writers' workshop, so it may be of help to anyone wishing to write their first Ricardian story. Sandra =^..^=

I'm so sorry, Hilary. I really didn't think about the settings I had at Facebook. Anyway, here it is:-

I am sometimes asked what I think any budding writer should remember when setting out on their career. What makes a book interesting and entertaining, and above all readable? I was asked again today, to help a writers' workshop, and I thoug...ht maybe my response might be of interest/help to anyone else thinking of making writing a career. Here's my list of do's and don'ts

(1) Always keep your story within its setting  if in the past, then chose your words accordingly. Modern anachronisms soon have a reader laughing instead of taking it seriously. Books will often be given up on if the speech is inappropriate. For instance, someone from the Jacobean period would not use gangsta rap, and a Norman warlord would not take out his pocket watch and say, Good lord, is that the time? Must fly. Byeee. An agent of mine once told me that a manuscript was submitted to him that had Joseph, Christ's earthly father, ploughing a field in the heat and taking out a red-and-white spotted handkerchief to mop his brow. A red-and-white spotted handkerchief? Really? The manuscript was not accepted, even by the agent, let alone a publisher. People of the past did not speak, behave, think as we do now. Bear it in mind. But nor should you write too much in period. We do not speak mediaeval English now, and readers aren't likely to fancy struggling with it.

(2) Punctuation, grammar, spelling  all must be synchronised and correct. No jumping from tense to tense, use the same quotes for conversation, not curly or straight as you feel like it. Be consistent in everything. (Except being dull!)

(3) Break it up into reasonable paragraphs. NEVER have long paragraphs that become difficult to read because the place can be lost by the eye. The eye will pick up again more easily with smaller paragraphs. L-O-N-G paragraphs = BORING. A whole page taken up by one paragraph is likely to be skipped.

(4) If you are writing non-fiction, the same rules apply regarding consistency, punctuation, paragraphs, etc. Never preach, but set out your case in an agreeable, reasoned way. If the subject matter is contentious, don't make it worse by stating your view aggressively, as if you are right and everyone else is wrong. If the subject can be written about in an inviting and engaging way, do so. Brownie points are gained by being eminently readable. Plod along, and you won't be particularly liked as a writer. Nor will your reasoning/arguments be as well absorbed.

(5) In fiction, unless you intend your characters to be unpleasant, which doesn't happen that often, always be sure to keep the reader on-side. It's no good creating people for whom no one gives a tinker's.

(6) Describe your characters, fix them in the reader's mind. Just giving names or writing he/she isn't good enough. You want your readers to see what you see, so make sure they do.

(7) To go back to setting, make sure you give at least a sensible inkling or where they all are. If it's Greece, describe Greece. If it's New York, make sure the look/feel of NY is almost tangible to your reader. The same with time of day, weather, seasons, and so on. One of the things my readers like about my books is that I obey the above rules. They like description and scene-setting, but don't go on for page after page. Pick out salient details that will create a picture in the reader's mind.

(8) Remember to move your characters around with some sort of continuity. If someone has just been seated, don't have them take a seat again a few sentences later. In your mind's eye you are seeing it all as if it's a film, so no bloopers about who is doing what, to whom, where or when. What you see and feel, your reader must see and feel too.

(9) Keep the action flowing. No doldrums. You don't want your reader nodding off because they---and you---have lost the plot. So definitely do not be tedious. Don't be tempted to dwell on something that is really immaterial to the plot or general story. Ask yourself, if I take all this out, will it make any difference to the flow of the plot? If the answer is no, then ditch it. Keep focused on your story.

(10) If writing anything historical, include some known background, but don't go into too much detail. Fewer people these days know a great deal of our history, and their interest will only be held by just enough information---too much and they're nodding off again. They want to open the pages and see' a rattling good costume drama, not the Close Rolls of the reign of Henry VIII. So entertain them, be a story-teller, not a historian. You want them to enjoy your writing and share your enthusiasm.

(11) Respect your reader. It is no good if you think you are writing for fools. Being a writer does not make you superior. You need readers, but they might soon not need you. Never forget it.

(12) And if your cat wants to help, pay attention to her suggestions!



From: mailto:
Sent: Thursday, June 05, 2014 9:53 AM
To:
Subject: Re: Book-writing



Hi Sandra, I would love to read it! The link takes me to your Facebook page - can you tell me where I go from there to find it? H

(Your book has just arrived - why do treats always arrive when I'm at my busiest!)



On Wednesday, 4 June 2014, 14:32, "'SandraMachin' sandramachin@... []" <> wrote:





I know it's not strictly Ricardian, and that there are many writers who are members here and therefore already know full well how to write a book, but if there are some who feel daunted by the idea of even starting out, if you go to my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/sandra.heathwilson.9 I have posted a fairly in-depth list of the do's and don'ts as I see them. I was asked to provide the list to a writers' workshop, so it may be of help to anyone wishing to write their first Ricardian story.

Sandra
=^..^=

Sandra, that s such great advice. As a person who majored in, and taught English, I am appalled by the lack of knowledge some "famous" writers have. It is so off-putting for me, that I start looking for looking for grammar and punctuation errors rather than actually read. And eventually, I chuck the book.
On Jun 5, 2014, at 4:12 AM, "'SandraMachin' sandramachin@... []" <> wrote:

I'm so sorry, Hilary. I really didn't think about the settings I had at Facebook. Anyway, here it is:-

I am sometimes asked what I think any budding writer should remember when setting out on their career. What makes a book interesting and entertaining, and above all readable? I was asked again today, to help a writers' workshop, and I thoug...ht maybe my response might be of interest/help to anyone else thinking of making writing a career. Here's my list of do's and don'ts

(1) Always keep your story within its setting  if in the past, then chose your words accordingly. Modern anachronisms soon have a reader laughing instead of taking it seriously. Books will often be given up on if the speech is inappropriate. For instance, someone from the Jacobean period would not use gangsta rap, and a Norman warlord would not take out his pocket watch and say, Good lord, is that the time? Must fly. Byeee. An agent of mine once told me that a manuscript was submitted to him that had Joseph, Christ's earthly father, ploughing a field in the heat and taking out a red-and-white spotted handkerchief to mop his brow. A red-and-white spotted handkerchief? Really? The manuscript was not accepted, even by the agent, let alone a publisher. People of the past did not speak, behave, think as we do now. Bear it in mind. But nor should you write too much in period. We do not speak mediaeval English now, and readers aren't likely to fancy struggling with it.

(2) Punctuation, grammar, spelling  all must be synchronised and correct. No jumping from tense to tense, use the same quotes for conversation, not curly or straight as you feel like it. Be consistent in everything. (Except being dull!)

(3) Break it up into reasonable paragraphs. NEVER have long paragraphs that become difficult to read because the place can be lost by the eye. The eye will pick up again more easily with smaller paragraphs. L-O-N-G paragraphs = BORING. A whole page taken up by one paragraph is likely to be skipped.

(4) If you are writing non-fiction, the same rules apply regarding consistency, punctuation, paragraphs, etc. Never preach, but set out your case in an agreeable, reasoned way. If the subject matter is contentious, don't make it worse by stating your view aggressively, as if you are right and everyone else is wrong. If the subject can be written about in an inviting and engaging way, do so. Brownie points are gained by being eminently readable. Plod along, and you won't be particularly liked as a writer. Nor will your reasoning/arguments be as well absorbed.

(5) In fiction, unless you intend your characters to be unpleasant, which doesn't happen that often, always be sure to keep the reader on-side. It's no good creating people for whom no one gives a tinker's.

(6) Describe your characters, fix them in the reader's mind. Just giving names or writing he/she isn't good enough. You want your readers to see what you see, so make sure they do.

(7) To go back to setting, make sure you give at least a sensible inkling or where they all are. If it's Greece, describe Greece. If it's New York, make sure the look/feel of NY is almost tangible to your reader. The same with time of day, weather, seasons, and so on. One of the things my readers like about my books is that I obey the above rules. They like description and scene-setting, but don't go on for page after page. Pick out salient details that will create a picture in the reader's mind.

(8) Remember to move your characters around with some sort of continuity. If someone has just been seated, don't have them take a seat again a few sentences later. In your mind's eye you are seeing it all as if it's a film, so no bloopers about who is doing what, to whom, where or when. What you see and feel, your reader must see and feel too.

(9) Keep the action flowing. No doldrums. You don't want your reader nodding off because they---and you---have lost the plot. So definitely do not be tedious. Don't be tempted to dwell on something that is really immaterial to the plot or general story. Ask yourself, if I take all this out, will it make any difference to the flow of the plot? If the answer is no, then ditch it. Keep focused on your story.

(10) If writing anything historical, include some known background, but don't go into too much detail. Fewer people these days know a great deal of our history, and their interest will only be held by just enough information---too much and they're nodding off again. They want to open the pages and see' a rattling good costume drama, not the Close Rolls of the reign of Henry VIII. So entertain them, be a story-teller, not a historian. You want them to enjoy your writing and share your enthusiasm.

(11) Respect your reader. It is no good if you think you are writing for fools. Being a writer does not make you superior. You need readers, but they might soon not need you. Never forget it.

(12) And if your cat wants to help, pay attention to her suggestions!

From: mailto:
Sent: Thursday, June 05, 2014 9:53 AM
To:
Subject: Re: Book-writing

Hi Sandra, I would love to read it! The link takes me to your Facebook page - can you tell me where I go from there to find it? H

(Your book has just arrived - why do treats always arrive when I'm at my busiest!)

On Wednesday, 4 June 2014, 14:32, "'SandraMachin' sandramachin@... []" <> wrote:

I know it's not strictly Ricardian, and that there are many writers who are members here and therefore already know full well how to write a book, but if there are some who feel daunted by the idea of even starting out, if you go to my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/sandra.heathwilson.9 I have posted a fairly in-depth list of the do's and don'ts as I see them. I was asked to provide the list to a writers' workshop, so it may be of help to anyone wishing to write their first Ricardian story.

Sandra
=^..^=

I have on occasion been so appaled by spelling and grammatical errors, or even worse, poor research, that I have thrown the book away, and refused to read any thing else by that author, on the grounds that if they can't be bothered, then neither can I!
I put it down to years of reading dissertations written by Dyslexic's, too long wielding the red pen.=

Jess From: Pamela Bain pbain@... []
Sent: 05/06/2014 13:46
To: <>
Subject: Re: Book-writing

Sandra, that s such great advice. As a person who majored in, and taught English, I am appalled by the lack of knowledge some "famous" writers have. It is so off-putting for me, that I start looking for looking for grammar and punctuation errors rather than actually read. And eventually, I chuck the book.
On Jun 5, 2014, at 4:12 AM, "'SandraMachin' sandramachin@... []" <> wrote:

I'm so sorry, Hilary. I really didn't think about the settings I had at Facebook. Anyway, here it is:-

I am sometimes asked what I think any budding writer should remember when setting out on their career. What makes a book interesting and entertaining, and above all readable? I was asked again today, to help a writers' workshop, and I thoug...ht maybe my response might be of interest/help to anyone else thinking of making writing a career. Here's my list of do's and don'ts

(1) Always keep your story within its setting  if in the past, then chose your words accordingly. Modern anachronisms soon have a reader laughing instead of taking it seriously. Books will often be given up on if the speech is inappropriate. For instance, someone from the Jacobean period would not use gangsta rap, and a Norman warlord would not take out his pocket watch and say, Good lord, is that the time? Must fly. Byeee. An agent of mine once told me that a manuscript was submitted to him that had Joseph, Christ's earthly father, ploughing a field in the heat and taking out a red-and-white spotted handkerchief to mop his brow. A red-and-white spotted handkerchief? Really? The manuscript was not accepted, even by the agent, let alone a publisher. People of the past did not speak, behave, think as we do now. Bear it in mind. But nor should you write too much in period. We do not speak mediaeval English now, and readers aren't likely to fancy struggling with it.

(2) Punctuation, grammar, spelling  all must be synchronised and correct. No jumping from tense to tense, use the same quotes for conversation, not curly or straight as you feel like it. Be consistent in everything. (Except being dull!)

(3) Break it up into reasonable paragraphs. NEVER have long paragraphs that become difficult to read because the place can be lost by the eye. The eye will pick up again more easily with smaller paragraphs. L-O-N-G paragraphs = BORING. A whole page taken up by one paragraph is likely to be skipped.

(4) If you are writing non-fiction, the same rules apply regarding consistency, punctuation, paragraphs, etc. Never preach, but set out your case in an agreeable, reasoned way. If the subject matter is contentious, don't make it worse by stating your view aggressively, as if you are right and everyone else is wrong. If the subject can be written about in an inviting and engaging way, do so. Brownie points are gained by being eminently readable. Plod along, and you won't be particularly liked as a writer. Nor will your reasoning/arguments be as well absorbed.

(5) In fiction, unless you intend your characters to be unpleasant, which doesn't happen that often, always be sure to keep the reader on-side. It's no good creating people for whom no one gives a tinker's.

(6) Describe your characters, fix them in the reader's mind. Just giving names or writing he/she isn't good enough. You want your readers to see what you see, so make sure they do.

(7) To go back to setting, make sure you give at least a sensible inkling or where they all are. If it's Greece, describe Greece. If it's New York, make sure the look/feel of NY is almost tangible to your reader. The same with time of day, weather, seasons, and so on. One of the things my readers like about my books is that I obey the above rules. They like description and scene-setting, but don't go on for page after page. Pick out salient details that will create a picture in the reader's mind.

(8) Remember to move your characters around with some sort of continuity. If someone has just been seated, don't have them take a seat again a few sentences later. In your mind's eye you are seeing it all as if it's a film, so no bloopers about who is doing what, to whom, where or when. What you see and feel, your reader must see and feel too.

(9) Keep the action flowing. No doldrums. You don't want your reader nodding off because they---and you---have lost the plot. So definitely do not be tedious. Don't be tempted to dwell on something that is really immaterial to the plot or general story. Ask yourself, if I take all this out, will it make any difference to the flow of the plot? If the answer is no, then ditch it. Keep focused on your story.

(10) If writing anything historical, include some known background, but don't go into too much detail. Fewer people these days know a great deal of our history, and their interest will only be held by just enough information---too much and they're nodding off again. They want to open the pages and see' a rattling good costume drama, not the Close Rolls of the reign of Henry VIII. So entertain them, be a story-teller, not a historian. You want them to enjoy your writing and share your enthusiasm.

(11) Respect your reader. It is no good if you think you are writing for fools. Being a writer does not make you superior. You need readers, but they might soon not need you. Never forget it.

(12) And if your cat wants to help, pay attention to her suggestions!

From: mailto:
Sent: Thursday, June 05, 2014 9:53 AM
To:
Subject: Re: Book-writing

Hi Sandra, I would love to read it! The link takes me to your Facebook page - can you tell me where I go from there to find it? H

(Your book has just arrived - why do treats always arrive when I'm at my busiest!)

On Wednesday, 4 June 2014, 14:32, "'SandraMachin' sandramachin@... []" <> wrote:

I know it's not strictly Ricardian, and that there are many writers who are members here and therefore already know full well how to write a book, but if there are some who feel daunted by the idea of even starting out, if you go to my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/sandra.heathwilson.9 I have posted a fairly in-depth list of the do's and don'ts as I see them. I was asked to provide the list to a writers' workshop, so it may be of help to anyone wishing to write their first Ricardian story.

Sandra
=^..^=

My kind of lady......excuse my repetition in the post below.
On Jun 5, 2014, at 8:23 AM, "Janjovian janjovian@... []" <> wrote:

I have on occasion been so appaled by spelling and grammatical errors, or even worse, poor research, that I have thrown the book away, and refused to read any thing else by that author, on the grounds that if they can't be bothered, then neither can I!
I put it down to years of reading dissertations written by Dyslexic's, too long wielding the red pen.=

Jess From: Pamela Bain pbain@... []
Sent: 05/06/2014 13:46
To: <>
Subject: Re: Book-writing

Sandra, that s such great advice. As a person who majored in, and taught English, I am appalled by the lack of knowledge some "famous" writers have. It is so off-putting for me, that I start looking for looking for grammar and punctuation errors rather than actually read. And eventually, I chuck the book.
On Jun 5, 2014, at 4:12 AM, "'SandraMachin' sandramachin@... []" <> wrote:

I'm so sorry, Hilary. I really didn't think about the settings I had at Facebook. Anyway, here it is:-

I am sometimes asked what I think any budding writer should remember when setting out on their career. What makes a book interesting and entertaining, and above all readable? I was asked again today, to help a writers' workshop, and I thoug...ht maybe my response might be of interest/help to anyone else thinking of making writing a career. Here's my list of do's and don'ts

(1) Always keep your story within its setting  if in the past, then chose your words accordingly. Modern anachronisms soon have a reader laughing instead of taking it seriously. Books will often be given up on if the speech is inappropriate. For instance, someone from the Jacobean period would not use gangsta rap, and a Norman warlord would not take out his pocket watch and say, Good lord, is that the time? Must fly. Byeee. An agent of mine once told me that a manuscript was submitted to him that had Joseph, Christ's earthly father, ploughing a field in the heat and taking out a red-and-white spotted handkerchief to mop his brow. A red-and-white spotted handkerchief? Really? The manuscript was not accepted, even by the agent, let alone a publisher. People of the past did not speak, behave, think as we do now. Bear it in mind. But nor should you write too much in period. We do not speak mediaeval English now, and readers aren't likely to fancy struggling with it.

(2) Punctuation, grammar, spelling  all must be synchronised and correct. No jumping from tense to tense, use the same quotes for conversation, not curly or straight as you feel like it. Be consistent in everything. (Except being dull!)

(3) Break it up into reasonable paragraphs. NEVER have long paragraphs that become difficult to read because the place can be lost by the eye. The eye will pick up again more easily with smaller paragraphs. L-O-N-G paragraphs = BORING. A whole page taken up by one paragraph is likely to be skipped.

(4) If you are writing non-fiction, the same rules apply regarding consistency, punctuation, paragraphs, etc. Never preach, but set out your case in an agreeable, reasoned way. If the subject matter is contentious, don't make it worse by stating your view aggressively, as if you are right and everyone else is wrong. If the subject can be written about in an inviting and engaging way, do so. Brownie points are gained by being eminently readable. Plod along, and you won't be particularly liked as a writer. Nor will your reasoning/arguments be as well absorbed.

(5) In fiction, unless you intend your characters to be unpleasant, which doesn't happen that often, always be sure to keep the reader on-side. It's no good creating people for whom no one gives a tinker's.

(6) Describe your characters, fix them in the reader's mind. Just giving names or writing he/she isn't good enough. You want your readers to see what you see, so make sure they do.

(7) To go back to setting, make sure you give at least a sensible inkling or where they all are. If it's Greece, describe Greece. If it's New York, make sure the look/feel of NY is almost tangible to your reader. The same with time of day, weather, seasons, and so on. One of the things my readers like about my books is that I obey the above rules. They like description and scene-setting, but don't go on for page after page. Pick out salient details that will create a picture in the reader's mind.

(8) Remember to move your characters around with some sort of continuity. If someone has just been seated, don't have them take a seat again a few sentences later. In your mind's eye you are seeing it all as if it's a film, so no bloopers about who is doing what, to whom, where or when. What you see and feel, your reader must see and feel too.

(9) Keep the action flowing. No doldrums. You don't want your reader nodding off because they---and you---have lost the plot. So definitely do not be tedious. Don't be tempted to dwell on something that is really immaterial to the plot or general story. Ask yourself, if I take all this out, will it make any difference to the flow of the plot? If the answer is no, then ditch it. Keep focused on your story.

(10) If writing anything historical, include some known background, but don't go into too much detail. Fewer people these days know a great deal of our history, and their interest will only be held by just enough information---too much and they're nodding off again. They want to open the pages and see' a rattling good costume drama, not the Close Rolls of the reign of Henry VIII. So entertain them, be a story-teller, not a historian. You want them to enjoy your writing and share your enthusiasm.

(11) Respect your reader. It is no good if you think you are writing for fools. Being a writer does not make you superior. You need readers, but they might soon not need you. Never forget it.

(12) And if your cat wants to help, pay attention to her suggestions!

From: mailto:
Sent: Thursday, June 05, 2014 9:53 AM
To:
Subject: Re: Book-writing

Hi Sandra, I would love to read it! The link takes me to your Facebook page - can you tell me where I go from there to find it? H

(Your book has just arrived - why do treats always arrive when I'm at my busiest!)

On Wednesday, 4 June 2014, 14:32, "'SandraMachin' sandramachin@... []" <> wrote:

I know it's not strictly Ricardian, and that there are many writers who are members here and therefore already know full well how to write a book, but if there are some who feel daunted by the idea of even starting out, if you go to my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/sandra.heathwilson.9 I have posted a fairly in-depth list of the do's and don'ts as I see them. I was asked to provide the list to a writers' workshop, so it may be of help to anyone wishing to write their first Ricardian story.

Sandra
=^..^=