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Infinite Words:
A Comprehensive Guide to Writing and Publishing
by Zane
c.2015, Atria
$16.00 / $18.99 Canada
198 pages
By Terri Schlichenmeyer
The Truth Contributor
Sometimes, you feel like a boiling pot.
That’s because you’ve been cooking a story up and it bubbles
and rolls just below the surface of your mind, waiting to
burst forth into a bestseller for an eager audience. It’s
always been your dream to be a famous author – and that
could happen, but there’s work to do first.
Infinite Words by Zane can get you started.
You’re witty. You’re hip. You’ve had an interesting life and
friends have said that you should write a book, although
“Not everyone who thinks they want to will be able to write
a book or become a published author,” says Zane. Even so, if
you decide to walk the walk, there are lots of steps to
consider.
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First of all, she says, you’ll need discipline to set your
writing habits, to find the right people to help you create
a good product, and to finish your manuscript. Determine
your writing style, and “make a PIE” (Persuasion,
Information, Entertainment) to hold your readers’ interest.
Mixing the “six basic human needs” into your story is also
important, and while you’re writing, read, read, read; you
will learn from other writers.
As for characters in a novel, know what to do and what not
to do. Zane warns against adding too much “fluff” in your
story; it only serves as padding and might turn readers
away. For a nonfiction book, remember that anything libelous
or slanderous won’t be published by a reputable company.
“Publishers,” says Zane, “are not going to risk a lawsuit,
no matter how amazing the book may be.”
Understand that the editing process requires patience (and
yes, even if you’re self-publishing, you’ll need
proofreaders and an editor). Don’t ever send a sloppy
manuscript out. Know the realities of being an author, keep
in mind that “The literary industry is a very small,
close-knit community,” and maintain professionalism at all
times.
Says Zane, remember that “A successful writing career is not
going to fall into your lap.”
Oh, how I wish I could wave a magic wand and put Infinite
Words into the hands of every new and budding writer!
With blunt truthfulness that’s like a breath of fresh air,
author-publisher Zane tells it like it is as she coaches
writing readers with tough-love and advice that regretfully
still might not bring success (which she explains).
Be aware that that may squash your dreams; in fact, there
are many pages where her words could be hard to accept.
Nevertheless, readers brave enough to be in it for the
long-haul (and that includes erotica writers) will find info
to instruct, becalm, and enlighten, from opening sentence to
finished product.
If you’ve been told that you “should write a book,” this is
the place to start it. This book can keep you on-track and
avoiding mistakes, and it can help you determine if you’ve
got it in you to continue. If you’ve always dreamed of being
an author, Infinite Words is perfect, whether you’re
planning history, memoir, erotica, romance, or… potboiler.
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