Can anyone "write" a book?

[T&D2005]

I have a few GREAT ideas but I'm not very good at writing and using all the correct grammar, punctuation ect.. I'm also not great at describing things (I read MANY books and I'm amazed at how well some authors can paint a picture). I know my story lines would be a big hit but I have no idea who would bother with a "wanna" be english major. Suggestions? Isn't it expensive to get a book published?

[Smokering]

I'm not quite sure what you're asking. Anyone can write a book, in the sense that you don't need a licence to do it! Every author has strengths and weaknesses; with spell-checkers and so on, you should be able to catch some technical errors (and you can always ask a friend to proofread, or even hire someone to help with the grammar/punctuation side of things). Of course, spell-checkers can't help you be a better writer. But not all writers can paid vivid word pictures; some of them excel at fascinating plots, intriguing concepts, subtle characterisation or whatever.

Getting a book published by a regular publisher shouldn't cost you anything. Some self-publishers charge an upfront fee; others, like Lulu, only take a percentage of the sale price of each book.

[zinemama]

I would suggest just sitting down and writing it.

If you would like a really easy, quick (interesting!) read full of very practical suggestions, you cannot possibly do better than the book This Year You Write Your Novel by Walter Moseley.

Worry about who would publish you later. Write the book now.

[TypingMarie]

Originally Posted by T&D2005

Isn't it expensive to get a book published?

If you go the traditional route (get an agent, have the agent sell your book to a publishing house), publishing won't cost you anything and, in fact, you'll be the one getting paid.

Self-publishing can be costly, but like Smokering said, there are some places that will print your book for a percentage of the sales.

A whole bunch of MDC moms participate in National Novel Writing Month, a challenge to write a 50k word novel in 30 days during November. It's a great way to kickstart your writing. Give it a try and see how you like the noveling life!

[aikigypsy]

Every writer has strengths and weaknesses. Poor grammar, punctuation, and spelling make a book hard to read, but fortunately these are things you can learn to do better. You can probably get better at writing descriptions, too.

There are dozens of books out there about how to write, and most of them will help you get started. My favorite is probably Bird by Bird, by Anne Lamott. You could read a few of those and some novels in your chosen genre, then join up with NaNoWriMo in November.

Two important things I've learned about writing fiction, which you should keep in mind:
1. Writing any book is hard work, and writing a good book is even harder.
2. Perseverance is more important than talent.

[MommyHawk]

The only way to write a book is to write a book. You can't tell if you'd be good at it until you do it, from start to finish. If you have a great plot, it'll take you to the places you need to go to write a good book. Anyone can write a book that goes nowhere. Writing a book that takes the reader on a journey is what makes the book marketable and readable.

Just start writing!

[mommacanary]

I write just for the fun of it. My writing style needs work but you cant learn if you dont practice. That is what I think anyway. Dont worry about the grammar. Just get your ideas down on paper. The grammar can always be fixed on a second draft. If you are writing for yourself,it doesnt matter what anyone else thinks anyway. If someday you get published,yipee! If not then you had fun writing anyway. Just get started.

[frontierpsych]

I'm kind of in your situation. I've got a great storyline in my head (though I haven't worked out the details of it) but as far as actually sitting down and writing it, I lack motivation and research (it's one of those subjects I'd really have to research thoroughly before writing.)

As for grammar, every writer has their own writing style anyway, so I don't think it's particularly important to be technical about it in most cases. It's more important that you find your "voice". Punctuation can always be double-checked and edited by someone more knowledgeable in that area.

Also, my story has a lot to do with black history, and I'm not sure how receptive folks would be to such a subject as the topic of a book written by a white woman (although IMO it has just as much to do with being a young woman, it's just not quite as obvious). I've thought a few times about collaborating with someone interested in writing, but it's pretty far on the back burner now as I'm concentrating on my family and my art.

[cagnew]

If you have the money you could hire a ghostwriter. They write the book but basically take "back-seat" when it's finished. Different writers will charge different amounts and expect different rights. If you are really serious there are several freelance sites that allow you to post jobs and you could see if anyone bites. Someone just starting out might do it just for the experience.... PM me if you want to know more about it.