I've got a solid idea for a historical fiction series, I've got scraps of paper with notes, notes on my phone, hours of daydreams on the topic but, irritatingly, also a job that takes most of my time and headspace.
Any tips on how to actually get the writing process underway would be fantastic.
Also, do you write solely on a computer or by hand in the first instance?
I'd be interested to know more about your emotional response to your own writing/publishing process. Having been lucky enough to publish a book last year, I am constantly surprised by my own emotions - writing the last words, seeing the cover, etc., all those moments were expected emotional triggers. But the bigger picture is the fact that you have revealed something of yourself, that even when hiding behind historical facts and writing non-fiction, you are exposed. There is something of you in that book that you have given away. And your readers are free to have their own emotional response to your writing that you can't control. I have developed a whole new respect for writers, especially writers of fiction. Writers are brave. How has your emotional response to your own writing changed, and has it taken more courage to write fiction?
I am researching and writing my MA Dissertation just now and would like to know when to stop researching? I never seem to know when I have done enough. Even though I have enough evidence to support my argument, I am always wondering if I have missed something, something which perhaps could disprove my argument completely.
I'd also like to know how to deal with lack of motivation when you have a deadline looming.
This is so awesome! Ok so as an amateur starting from scratch what are the "free" best places for primary sources on Tudor era events and characters? I'm digging with no direction so I'm starting to use the BHO letters, google books, but how do I get to open archives? The good stuff, the insider stuff, the "tourists aren't allowed" only serious historian goodies??! That's what I want for my research - this would be so helpful!! If you have time also your favorite primary sources/ chroniclers ; I noticed you use Bacon, Hall, Vergil in wars of roses. Who/ what else can a greedy American get their hands on? You're the best!
Say I had written a little something, but I feel too vulnerable to put it out into the world. How do you overcome that? You must’ve had some of that with your foray into novels.
Going back for my Ancient History masters so I’m going have to start a lot of academic writing. Any good sources out there for research when you’re not in Europe? Any one line catalogs? Not that I’d mind a trip out to Europe but can’t afford to do that every time I have a paper due… maybe for the thesis lol.
I'm never going to write a book, but I love hearing about the process. I've learned a number of things from you, including the importance of Pre Sales. I just interviewed a best selling author whose won a couple of Pulitzers and the first thing he told me was that he had to be obsessed by the subject/topic. Is that true for you?
How do you start the process? Written notes while sitting in your favorite Thinking Chair?
Do you just start scribbling while your driving and idea hits you? Audio Notes?
Do you start writing at the same time everyday?
At what point do you turn from Thinking about it to writing it?
Do you have a group of friends/colleagues/strangers (us) who you bounce ideas off?
What has been the biggest difference in Fiction from Non fiction?
In Non Fiction do your subjects talk to you? Invade your dreams?
Dan... Very considerate of you to do this. I like your willingness to help others which, to me, is a sign of good character. You are a very generous person and a heck of a good storyteller. I've enjoyed your videos as you appear to enjoy passing along interesting information and are a natural educator and presenter.
I very much look forward to your posts and have a stack of your books beside my bed that will keep me busy for months.
In short, I'm glad I stumbled into your world, for my own has been enhanced by the experience. Keep safe and do the things you love.
Thanks for posting part one despite an obvious impending medical crisis. Since the thread is still open I am guessing we can ask more questions. I would like to know more about your referencing style/s. Having recently transitioned from academic to trade (I didn't know I had done that until I read this thread btw), I kept with a reasonably academic referencing style as it is familiar and also my way of keeping track of source material. I don't completely understand the referencing used by writers of narrative non-fiction like yourself. Also your position on footnotes, endnotes, etc would be interesting.
My daughter has written about 4 books now and would love to be able to get the chance to publish them. How do we start that process? Sending them to publishers in hope they will be at least read? Seems sketchy and unprofessional to me. I have no idea of the process. Could you enlighten us please?
With non-fiction books, how do you manage the research and writing processes? Do you do all the research first and then write, or research and write as you go? Any tips on managing the research process, so it doesn’t become a never-ending process (and, I fear, in my case, a great excuse for procastination too!).
Why you are not reading for the Essex Dogs audiobook 😢? I was hoping for that to be my consolation prize after the now not so regular of the not podcast First Draft
1.- How do you deal with writer's block on the one hand, and editors' neuroses about deadlines on the other? My first publication was my Phd dissertation, as a historian. Something very academic, aimed at a very specific audience. My next two publications were historical research, in simpler language, under a pseudonym, and with a commercial success I did not expect. I have other work commitments to attend to, two daughters to raise, and a six-month twins pregnancy. I need finish my third book now, and I'm stuck and exhausted.
2. How do you deal with proofreaders? I hate them.
3. Translate the book into other languages, yes or no? I feel that often lost much of the richness of the original language.
Any tips and tricks for staying motivated? I am well known for starting a project with an astonishing amount of gusto, only to lose steam just before I hit the end. Also any suggestions for creating some sort of schedule or list of deadlines to hit in order to stay on track so that you don't have to scramble at the end to hit the final deadline?
How the hell do you get started?
I've got a solid idea for a historical fiction series, I've got scraps of paper with notes, notes on my phone, hours of daydreams on the topic but, irritatingly, also a job that takes most of my time and headspace.
Any tips on how to actually get the writing process underway would be fantastic.
Also, do you write solely on a computer or by hand in the first instance?
I'd be interested to know more about your emotional response to your own writing/publishing process. Having been lucky enough to publish a book last year, I am constantly surprised by my own emotions - writing the last words, seeing the cover, etc., all those moments were expected emotional triggers. But the bigger picture is the fact that you have revealed something of yourself, that even when hiding behind historical facts and writing non-fiction, you are exposed. There is something of you in that book that you have given away. And your readers are free to have their own emotional response to your writing that you can't control. I have developed a whole new respect for writers, especially writers of fiction. Writers are brave. How has your emotional response to your own writing changed, and has it taken more courage to write fiction?
I am researching and writing my MA Dissertation just now and would like to know when to stop researching? I never seem to know when I have done enough. Even though I have enough evidence to support my argument, I am always wondering if I have missed something, something which perhaps could disprove my argument completely.
I'd also like to know how to deal with lack of motivation when you have a deadline looming.
Thanks x
This is so awesome! Ok so as an amateur starting from scratch what are the "free" best places for primary sources on Tudor era events and characters? I'm digging with no direction so I'm starting to use the BHO letters, google books, but how do I get to open archives? The good stuff, the insider stuff, the "tourists aren't allowed" only serious historian goodies??! That's what I want for my research - this would be so helpful!! If you have time also your favorite primary sources/ chroniclers ; I noticed you use Bacon, Hall, Vergil in wars of roses. Who/ what else can a greedy American get their hands on? You're the best!
Say I had written a little something, but I feel too vulnerable to put it out into the world. How do you overcome that? You must’ve had some of that with your foray into novels.
Going back for my Ancient History masters so I’m going have to start a lot of academic writing. Any good sources out there for research when you’re not in Europe? Any one line catalogs? Not that I’d mind a trip out to Europe but can’t afford to do that every time I have a paper due… maybe for the thesis lol.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of using a publisher vs independent publishing? How much do you typically make off of a single book sale?
I'm never going to write a book, but I love hearing about the process. I've learned a number of things from you, including the importance of Pre Sales. I just interviewed a best selling author whose won a couple of Pulitzers and the first thing he told me was that he had to be obsessed by the subject/topic. Is that true for you?
How do you start the process? Written notes while sitting in your favorite Thinking Chair?
Do you just start scribbling while your driving and idea hits you? Audio Notes?
Do you start writing at the same time everyday?
At what point do you turn from Thinking about it to writing it?
Do you have a group of friends/colleagues/strangers (us) who you bounce ideas off?
What has been the biggest difference in Fiction from Non fiction?
In Non Fiction do your subjects talk to you? Invade your dreams?
Same question with the Novels?
Have I hit my allotment of questions?
Dan... Very considerate of you to do this. I like your willingness to help others which, to me, is a sign of good character. You are a very generous person and a heck of a good storyteller. I've enjoyed your videos as you appear to enjoy passing along interesting information and are a natural educator and presenter.
I very much look forward to your posts and have a stack of your books beside my bed that will keep me busy for months.
In short, I'm glad I stumbled into your world, for my own has been enhanced by the experience. Keep safe and do the things you love.
Thanks for posting part one despite an obvious impending medical crisis. Since the thread is still open I am guessing we can ask more questions. I would like to know more about your referencing style/s. Having recently transitioned from academic to trade (I didn't know I had done that until I read this thread btw), I kept with a reasonably academic referencing style as it is familiar and also my way of keeping track of source material. I don't completely understand the referencing used by writers of narrative non-fiction like yourself. Also your position on footnotes, endnotes, etc would be interesting.
Hi Dan!
My daughter has written about 4 books now and would love to be able to get the chance to publish them. How do we start that process? Sending them to publishers in hope they will be at least read? Seems sketchy and unprofessional to me. I have no idea of the process. Could you enlighten us please?
Hi Dan
Thanks so much for doing this!
With non-fiction books, how do you manage the research and writing processes? Do you do all the research first and then write, or research and write as you go? Any tips on managing the research process, so it doesn’t become a never-ending process (and, I fear, in my case, a great excuse for procastination too!).
Why you are not reading for the Essex Dogs audiobook 😢? I was hoping for that to be my consolation prize after the now not so regular of the not podcast First Draft
Who can sue you for telling true thungs whivh both you and they have lived through ,
1.- How do you deal with writer's block on the one hand, and editors' neuroses about deadlines on the other? My first publication was my Phd dissertation, as a historian. Something very academic, aimed at a very specific audience. My next two publications were historical research, in simpler language, under a pseudonym, and with a commercial success I did not expect. I have other work commitments to attend to, two daughters to raise, and a six-month twins pregnancy. I need finish my third book now, and I'm stuck and exhausted.
2. How do you deal with proofreaders? I hate them.
3. Translate the book into other languages, yes or no? I feel that often lost much of the richness of the original language.
Any tips and tricks for staying motivated? I am well known for starting a project with an astonishing amount of gusto, only to lose steam just before I hit the end. Also any suggestions for creating some sort of schedule or list of deadlines to hit in order to stay on track so that you don't have to scramble at the end to hit the final deadline?