How to Write a Book

Five lessons to remember.

Next week my very first (and likely only) book will be available for purchase. It is the culmination of over 30 years of hearing people say, “You should write a book.” And so, I did.

All it’s missing are the dog-eared pages. That’s your job.

But listen. The writing was the easy part. I have so many stories in my head, put there by the animals and people in my life that I could write ten more books. It’s very likely that I won’t.

Here is what I’ve learned about writing a book.

First, it’s one thing to have a good story to tell. It’s quite another to put that story in a “long-form narrative” that makes up an entire book. It’s like talking without taking a breath. At some point you just have to shut up and breathe.

So, at 84,000 words, I did.

Then, there’s the editing. Oh my, the editing. I found a good editor, then lost them to circumstances I’ll never know. But I did hang onto their encouragement long enough to convince another editor to step forward. They read enough words to give a damn about what I wrote, then had enough courage (and stamina) to help me fix it.

Lesson number 1: You need a good editor to scrape all the garbage out of your paragraphs. Thank the bees for good editors with patience and wisdom.

Lesson number 2: At some point your eyes and ears and mental voice will become blind, deaf and dumb to the very words you have loved for your entire life. It’s a lot like long-form marriage. Refer to lesson number 1.

There are no editors to help you scrape the garbage out of your marriage. That’s on you.

Then kiss your editor and pay them, giving special attention to the “tip” section on the invoice. Forego tipping the person at the convenience store for ringing up your travel yogurt and 1500-calorie latte. Tip someone who actually earned your thanks.

Lesson number 3: Today’s book-selling world is not the same as it used to be. Nothing in the world is the same as it used to be. Ask any migrating bird and they will nod with knowledge.

Yes, birds can nod.

In short, I will not be the next Steinbeck, Rachel Carson, or Mary Oliver. My book will not be a NYT best seller. I will be lucky to sell enough books to pay the book design/format professional and the best editor in the world. Two people without whom I would not be able to say, “buy my book.”

Large book publishing companies only send checks to Stephen King, Danielle Steele, and maybe the estate of James Michener. And those checks travel through the hands of an agent. I do not even have a travel agent.

Lesson number 4: Write the book from a place in your heart that believes your words are worthy and will have a positive impact on people you love.

I tried to do this with every story. When they read it, I hope they feel this way.

Lesson number 5: In faith, all things are possible. Believe in yourself, believe the people who believe in you, and keep doing the one small thing every day that takes you one step further towards your goal.

Suddenly, it’s 30 years later.

I’m just an old dogcatcher, but I hope you love it.