I’m writing a book. I’ve never done this before, so I am figuring it out as I go along. Sooo, here is what the book writing process is like in case you are wondering, well my book writing process I should say. Because the blog takes up so much of my time, I haven’t had a lot of time to write. My initial approach was to take photos first, then write. That is the approach I take for my blog, but a book is different. Here is how it has been ‘going down.’ I take a photo for the book, and edit it.
Then I critique the photos, and decide it isn’t good enough, so I change things up and take another photo.
No, still not right, so I re-arrange, and take another one.
No, let’s try this again.
Palm to forehead. Okay, then I decided that maybe I should write and then do the photos. Well I am learning. I’m learning ‘HOW NOT TO DO THINGS’. If you ever plan to write a book, stick around. I’m sure I’ll have lots of lessons learned. Maybe you can learn from my mistakes.UP
Update July 2015. The book is now available for pre-sale FRENCH ACCENTS. It will ship in Septemeber 2015.
While I was not writing the book today, I was over at Bali blinds talking about vintage items and how they add appeal to your home. Come on over.
Sounds like the photos are a good ‘writing prompt’ and should work. If the photo is keyed to a place in your book’s outline, then just start writing that small section instead of re-shooting. Tell yourself you will not re-shoot until you write something, anything! Then give yourself permission to write a crappy first draft-it’s for your own eyes at this stage. (BTW-all this is easier said than done!)
Hi….I’ve just been reading your blog for a month or so…must say I do enjoy it…I like the second photo myself..I like the the simplicity with that blue pitcher for a pop of color an how it catches part of the hallway…just my 2 cents…I’m sure once you get on a roll it’ll be a fantastic book in the end……Wende
Anita, This make me have a good giggle!!! LOVE all the ways you arranged your sofa! I should write a post about How not to make a no-sew project.
Anita,
Just be YOU!!!
If you’re anything like me. . .I over analyize!!!
Walk through your home, focus on the things you love. . .
and talk into a tape recorder (old school, I know).
In no time at all. . .You’ll have Chapters galore.
YOU have amazing VOICE in your writings. . .YOU’re going to do fine!!!
Fondly,
Pat
I admire your determination and your method. Can’t wait to see the new work!
Wishing you a beautiful day of flowing inspiration,
Linda at Beautiful Ideas
Hi Anita, being a degrees graphic artist who opened a publishing house in Northern Ca. In the 80’s and published 4 glossy stock discover magazines a year and a 150,000 circular news paper on Electra bright paper with 36 pages that went out monthly I am some what familiar with setting up pages, typesetting and color separations doing all this while finishing up my degree in S.F for interior Designs where then I became a high end designer for the Bay Area, selling my publishing business was a perfect move in the direction of living out my passion for the art of salvage. Eco green living using our resources in recycling furniture this including vintage and antiques, and of course still designing custom model homes.
As for how I would write, and set up a layout, I would shoot all the photos, well not me personally but my photographer would shoot, then I would write after page layout and publishing house photo choices were made and the amount of pages needed. This will most likely take place with you first. They will select photos of interest and demand. Also it’s the publishing houses that put their good name on this book so they want a successful book for you. Losing out on a bad contracted book deal is not there goal, they want to assure their investment and choice with what appears in the book is first and formost the most important choice, then you will sit and write a layout for the format of the book.
After hearing about your book offer, it really set a fire under me to get creative and challenge myself in this direction? Perhaps, or maybe not. You will want to work closely with a team on a project like this, and talk with your publisher in what they are looking for, and set up a unique layout and hook to why your book will be that much more special then the next. This is what is holding me up on making this leap back into a world into publishing I so lived for.
Good luck! Anita, you will no doubt be successful, your design style will flow over into many areas of writing, tips, resources, and much much more. I am sure about right now you are stressing out over choices, perhaps you could team up with someone who has published a design books and their tips will nudge in in the direction of moving forward in all your creative ideas? I find your site most inspiring with the many different inspiring blogs you feature.
Enjoy your journey, and can not wait to see your beautiful book in print.
Blessings
Xx
Dore
I can’t wait for the book! I love the couch every way you had it! As for writing, everyone does it differently. I basically “throw up” on the page and then go back and edit…My book CHOSEN: One Family’s Journey With Autism took me a year to write. Keep pressing on! Also…a good publisher helps!
I actually like the third image, it looks more relaxed, not contrived although the light may be a little dull. I started writing a play with a friend some years ago, we still haven’t finished it. She lives in the UK now and I am in New Zealand so really not sure if it will ever come to fruition. Writing without images is even harder as it was a drama.
Taking photographs for a blog is hard enough but a book…eeeek! Although I would like to write a design book at some point but not until my photography skills drastically improve.
Going back to those photos, seriously the third one is really nice just needs to be overall a little lighter and maybe the tray and flowers not perched on the top of the books, maybe separate from them. I think that image tells a story to me of a relaxed, country French style, its gorgeous, nothing not to like about the furniture arrangement. Can’t wait to see more!
Lee 🙂
I think you could have fun using “the room done three ways”…giving options. I know it’s going to turn out great!
Oh you are too funny!!…I am sure you will soon be on a roll with writing your book….just do what comes naturally to you and you will have a book written in no time….you have a gift for the written word and a great gift of photography…so with those combined it equals a great book!!!