Ask the Author: Ed Barks
Answered Questions (4)
Ed Barks
There are probably as many answers as there are authors. I can explain my own experiences.
For me, the writing is the easy part, and one of the least time consuming aspects. That’s not to say writing a book is a walk in the park. It’s just a much more intricate task to sort the materials into cohesive chapters, go through several rounds of self-edits, adopt suggestions from beta readers, and factor in my copy editor’s changes.
Other authors I’ve talked with struggle more with the writing than those other assorted duties. I suppose it depends on what you do best and what you like most.
For me, the writing is the easy part, and one of the least time consuming aspects. That’s not to say writing a book is a walk in the park. It’s just a much more intricate task to sort the materials into cohesive chapters, go through several rounds of self-edits, adopt suggestions from beta readers, and factor in my copy editor’s changes.
Other authors I’ve talked with struggle more with the writing than those other assorted duties. I suppose it depends on what you do best and what you like most.
Ed Barks
I have no idea, really. Writing has always been a part of my professional life, both while working as a radio reporter (those deadlines were a wonderful motivation!) and as a communications consultant.
Ed Barks
I'm a pretty literal-minded fellow, so most of my ideas come from the work I do with my clients. When I hear a need and fail to find anything relevant and worthwhile on the topic, I write it myself. The Truth About Public Speaking is a manifestation of that, as will be the case with my forthcoming book, too.
Ed Barks
Set aside some time to actually write. No email, no phone calls, no other interruptions allowed. For me, that means waking early while the rest of the house is still quiet, and dedicating an hour or so to writing. I'm a morning person, so your regimen may vary. Some like to write in the evening and others on weekends. And we've all heard the tales of the writer who holes up in a cabin in the woods for a few weeks to complete a manuscript (honestly, have you ever met someone like that)? Bottom line: As with most things in life, consistent long-term dedication is likely to get you where you want to get.
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more