Let’s face it, I’m an idiot. Anyone who has followed this blog these last two and a bit years will know that. I stepped away from a chaotic past and started writing….and running….and then writing some more. All in my 40’s! Classic mid life crisis man. I’m sure that’s what some people think and they’re probably a little bit right. It’s been a crazy few years, but in a good way. And I have learnt a thing or two along the way.
Since publishing the book I’ve been asked so many questions about it. How I came up with the idea, the process itself, all the way through to publishing and promoting it. I’ve answered them as honestly and openly as I can, but thought it might be a good idea to publish a blog series, containing my thoughts and experiences. The good, the bad and the exceedingly ugly. So that’s what I’m going to do.
Imaginatively entitled ‘The Idiot’s Guide to Writing A Book,’ it will be an occasional series. I hope it will spur some of you on into taking that huge step and committing to fulfilling a personal dream. I can tell you there is no better feeling than holding a copy of your first novel. Well, actually that’s not true. Holding your first born child trumps it….and second….and third. Getting married. Waking up without a stupendous hangover every morning.
But you get my drift. I hope the series will be of some use. If you have any specific questions or areas you would like to address then drop them in the comments below. Or if you already have an idea for a book, you’re currently writing one or anything else then let me know. Writing is soooo tough and a largely thankless task. I want to help fellow first time authors take that first, huge step. It’s scary but you won’t regret it. You can be sure of that.
Black Thoughts 
I’m waiting (im)patiently for this! I sometimes feel I need an idiots guide…
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I’m glad you responded Emily. It justifies me deciding to do this. Thank you 😊
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Nope, thank YOU! I’m currently writing yet another short(ish) story, but this time I’ll be brave and try to self-publish or something. So you’re going to be helping me massively!
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Goid
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Good
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Thank you.
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Looking forward to reading your insight into writing, Commander Stephen.
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Thank you sir. Although you have little to learn 🙂
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Tips on plotting and how to finish once you’ve started would be greatly appreciated! I keep getting stuck on subplots at the moment. 😅
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I can do that, no problem. Stay tuned 🙂
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Brilliant!
I’d also like Fionnuala’s input. I’m deadly curious about your day-to-day schedule, but mostly in terms of how I can replicate that. Given that your superwoman wife and I are …blessed with the same tasks, I wonder how to make that lifestyle and a rigorous writing schedule work.
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I’ll let her know.
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Yes. Yes, yes, yes! 👍
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Finally, a blog series written with me in mind: An Idiot’s Guide! I was glad to discover your blog and am looking forward to reading this series. Thanks for sharing your experiences about this, and everything else, with all of us.
Joan Senio
My Best Friend Adeline
https://kindness-compassion-and-coaching.com
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You’re very welcome Joan 🙂
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Amazing story… Myself, I began writing this year, can’t get enough, and I’m working on two books. I’ve looked into publishing on Amazon, but if you have any ideas, I’m listening. I’m planning on returning to school this fall, with a couple of writing classes added to my schedule. Thanks, Joseph
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What to do once you’ve written it – that would be useful. Thanks
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Yes, of course. The writing is the easy part.
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Hi there! I have a question regarding publishing a book. Which is better – a small publishing company or self-publishing?
I am a 20-year-old from a village in the outskirts of the Himalayas. I have a story that I’ve been working on for one and a half years. I didn’t want to work on it at first, but it has been begging me to write it. So I am preparing myself, as best as I can, to begin writing. This series would be a huge help. Thank you!
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Yes, I will certainly cover that. Good luck with your story. Keep writing and believe in yourself 🙂
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Whoop whoop! Yes please. As you know, I need all the help and advice I can get. 😳😳
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I can only advise if you send me chapters
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Oh fiddle de dee!!
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Hmmmmmm 🤔
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I like that you have the word idiot in the title. Only idiots like you and I and so many others would write a novel
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So very true 😂
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What a brillant series idea! I feel like a lot of these articles tend to be by people who have the process multiple times and have forgotten what it was like the first time for book writing or publishing.
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I’m glad you like the idea 💡
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I love this idea! I need all the help I can get. I am particularly interested in your thoughts on the usefulness of outlining ahead of time or not.
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I tend to have a rough outline in my head but a lot of the dialogue comes to me as I write it.
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