If you're asking yourself how you might learn to write a book, then you have already made a sensible first thought towards a goal of becoming a published author. Why is this? Well, some potentially successful novelists choose to plunge in head first without learning the sensible steps they should be taking to make their writing interesting and marketable.
The budding author will need to take a structured approach to the art of 'wordcraft'. So often, a well-intentioned plan and plot is thwarted because the author doesn't map out the project from the outset. This results in multiple rewrites; regenerated characters, loss of a flowing storyline, and at worst; a wastebasket full of crumpled paper or a full shredder.
So how do you start writing your new literary masterpiece? Remember the old adage: "Quality is better than quantity". If you are going to write a book and not a booklet, flyer or pamphlet, your missive ought to comprise a minimum of 50 pages (without the front cover). Not only that but, depending on your topic, you can use photographs; charts, images/illustrations, bullet points and worksheets, etc. Use them interspersed with your main text. If it's relevant to your main subject matter, use illustrative quotations throughout the book, and maybe even give them a page of their own, even if they only comprise a few lines. Forget the idea that you have to have a minimum number of lines on every page.
Start using your voice! Invest in a digital voice recorder and make copious verbal notes of your inspiration as it comes to you. This isn't always as easy as it appears, but if you're coherent and comprehensible, and you are reasonable able to map out your thoughts and ideas, it's quite practical. Don't move too fast!. Break down your tome into chapters. Then prepare a concise outline for each of the chapters. If you're writing fiction, be sure to carefully outline the plot. For nonfiction, make sure you have all the suitable reference material to hand that you need.
Lastly, remember that for basic research, internet search engines can be your best friend!
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