Your Qualifications for Writing This Book

And why are you the right person for the job?

Whether you're planning to write an article, a report or author a book, it's important to look at your qualifications for doing so. 

Why did you pick that topic? What makes you uniquely qualified to write about some aspect of the topic? 

Consider one or more of the following or add your own reasons:

Professional experience

A lifelong passion for the topic

Scholastic studies

Varied research

A compelling curiosity

A current news story or trend

Eventually you'll need to include such information in your author's bio or article credit. But for now, focus on it as your personal validation. You don't have to have a doctorate or presidential award. Although it's OK if you do ~

Think about the what drew you to your subject to begin with, and your audience will happily follow your lead.

Lin

The Nonfiction Books I've Written, Part 2

The Nonfiction Books I've Written: Turn of the Century Tidbits

Outside Book Research

Research is no stranger to nonfiction writers. Whether you're on a quest for fresh information, want to double check old notes or find yourself following a trail of irresistible hot links, Google is at your fingertips. But 25 years ago it was the library or live experts.

The Health section of the book produced more questions than insights! Luckily, the pharmacist at the local Glaser drug store not only answered all my questions, but also mixed 8 ounces of Rose Water for me to try in the cookie recipe.

When I questioned the use of mustard plasters, he explained the principle of counter-irritants. If you put one of those on the angry bruise, the nerve endings will be too busy feeling fried to notice the pain from the wound.

That good man also translated for me: by "sweet oil" the author meant olive oil. "Limewater" is a solution of calcium hydroxide & water. Paregoric and laudanum, both opium derivatives, were freely recommended. (The Food & Drug Administration wasn't created until 1938.)

About that time, the neighborhood Book House owner received the collections from a couple of old estates, and I bought more books from that era. The research then was into the what's and how-to's of social entertaining, from an elegant, 12-course dinner to a children's Halloween party. One had directions for clever ways to fold the napkins. (They were fun!)

The research needed for each of my books has been different, sometimes involving more interviews than books or computers. But, honestly, it may be my very favorite part of the process!

I'll never outgrow being the little kid who's full of questions ~

The Nonfiction Books I've Written, Part 1

The Nonfiction Books that I've Written: Turn of the Century Tidbits

Because I enjoy learning from other authors' experiences, I'm going to share the writing of my first 4 books. Since that was the late '80s, I'll just cover (remember!) the high spots.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

When I began writing Turn of the Century Tidbits, I was a stay-at-home mom of 2 with 7 years corporate work behind me. I'd enjoyed and aced teacher-assigned research papers, so it was natural that I'd turn to nonfiction.  

My grandmother's Twentieth Century Cookbook and Practical House-keeping (published in 1900) fascinated me from the first page. I devoured it! First the recipes, which were written for use with a wood burning stove. Then it went on to provide "timely information" on Health remedies, Household cleaning, and other wifely skills.

That peek into a bygone era was exciting, and I had a powerful urge to share it with somebody -- or lots of somebodies. Since I'd already begun selling articles, I started making notes. Maybe I could build an article or two out of it.

I also began translating a few of the recipes into modern terms with my cooking times and temps. One or more turn-of-the-century delights appeared at dinner almost every night, and I was thankful my husband and offspring were so patient with mom's experiments.

The fun facts kept building from one page to the next, and I kept learning

more! My typed pages began piling up. 

Each paragraph was labeled with the topic, like "soup." I converted my dining room table to an editing room, and with my good sewing shears, I cut off each paragraph of marked text, then arranged those in reader-pleasing order. Very carefully, I taped them together, and -- walla! -- I held the first chapter of my first book in my hand!

(continued next week)

______________________________________

* Hi, Friends ~ In the next few weeks and months, I'll share my author's journey. I'd enjoy hearing your comments and questions! Writing is very personal. 

Write Your Book with Passion

What happens when you don't write your book with passion?

YOU PRODUCE A BORING BOOK!

Absolutely, let your passion energize your writing! 

Whether the topic is counseling or carborators, you want to bring life to the pages. You feel passionate about sharing your fascinating information with the reader!

After you make the "which book" decision, make notes from research, observations and experience, and have at least a working Table of Contents (primary chapters), you'll feel a powerful itch to start writing.

But wait. where should I begin?

At the beginning? No. That would either read like a term paper or
wander off topic. Why should you write the pages in order anyway?

Start with the chapter that stirs your enthusiasm!

You picked this topics because you truly want to share it -- that gives you the passion to write. There! That's the energy you want to bring! Let that excitement spark your first sentences, and it'll energize your whole book.

Write from the joy of sharing~

Lin