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What does it take to write a book?
I'm Ms. Balint at the International Community School. My 2nd graders have a few questions and I'd like to share your advice with them. Thanks in advance!
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Igal’s Answer
There are many kinds of books. Two main types are fiction (made-up stories), and non-fiction (factual books about something real). In each of these two types are many other types. For example, fiction can be historical (a made-up story about something that really happened), or completely imaginary (like fantasy or science fiction). Also, books are written for different age groups. You probably read mostly children's books. Non-fiction includes school-books that you use, like books on science and English.
So what does it take to write one of these books? First, you've got to be really good at English. You've got to have a large vocabulary, and understand grammar and style. That helps you write in a way that people can understand.
Second, you've got to have a good sense of how people write, especially the kind of book you want to write. That often means reading a lot. Good writers are also good readers. This will help you write a book that people will want to read.
Third, you've got to know the subject of what you're writing about. If it's historical fiction, you'll need to study the history of what you're writing about. If it's non-fiction, you have to understand the topic you're writing about really well. For example, if you're writing a book about computers and computer programming, you've got to know a lot by working with and studying those things. This will help you write a book that people think is good.
Fourth, you have to write a lot. Good writing takes practice. And even once you've done a lot of writing, you've got to rewrite what you've written, sometimes over and over again, each time making it better. This will help you write a high-quality book that will be liked and respected.
Finally, books get published, which is the process of creating the book so that people can read it. The author of the book does this by finding a publisher, which is a company that does the publishing work. This will help get your book to bookstores or online where readers can get a copy.
So what does it take to write one of these books? First, you've got to be really good at English. You've got to have a large vocabulary, and understand grammar and style. That helps you write in a way that people can understand.
Second, you've got to have a good sense of how people write, especially the kind of book you want to write. That often means reading a lot. Good writers are also good readers. This will help you write a book that people will want to read.
Third, you've got to know the subject of what you're writing about. If it's historical fiction, you'll need to study the history of what you're writing about. If it's non-fiction, you have to understand the topic you're writing about really well. For example, if you're writing a book about computers and computer programming, you've got to know a lot by working with and studying those things. This will help you write a book that people think is good.
Fourth, you have to write a lot. Good writing takes practice. And even once you've done a lot of writing, you've got to rewrite what you've written, sometimes over and over again, each time making it better. This will help you write a high-quality book that will be liked and respected.
Finally, books get published, which is the process of creating the book so that people can read it. The author of the book does this by finding a publisher, which is a company that does the publishing work. This will help get your book to bookstores or online where readers can get a copy.
Updated
Greg’s Answer
That's a great, interesting question. There probably isn't one answer, but I think most people who write books love words, love writing, or have something that they really want to share with the world. For many people, the answer is all three of those things. Keep learning more words to increase your vocabulary. Read a lot. Practice writing. All of those things will help you get better at writing. That way, you'll be ready to write an essay, a short story, a poem or even a book when the ideas come into your head.
Updated
Joshua’s Answer
Time and patience. The most important thing to remember is that there is no time clock.
Make an outline. Plan everything out but realize that you may end up changing things even though, right now, you may have your mind made up as to how the plot will play out.
Write EVERY day, even if it’s 50, 30 or 10 words. Write EVERY day.
Make an outline. Plan everything out but realize that you may end up changing things even though, right now, you may have your mind made up as to how the plot will play out.
Write EVERY day, even if it’s 50, 30 or 10 words. Write EVERY day.
Updated
Simeon’s Answer
It's best to have a central idea of what the book is wanting to say and who the intended audience is. Get an outline of chapters that cleanly expresses the main idea. Work on getting a rough draft of the book as soon as possible and then work on editing the book and constantly improving it. Get feedback from people about the book and see if they clearly understand the message of the book.