How to write a book

So here's a question for discussion ... I seriously need your feedback and ideas, please!

A friend of mine is trying to put together a small book -- I gather it's non-fiction, probably some memoir involved -- and asked me to help her jumpstart the process. That request of a few weeks ago has since morphed into her idea of having a workshop on how to write a book, and she's asked me to lead it.

I said I would do it, but I haven't had time to think much about the topic since this new idea of a day or two ago. It's a rather broad and open-ended subject! So what do y'all think? How do you write a book?!?

Many thanks for your help! If this how-to workshop ever truly develops, I'll be sure to credit you all!

Oh God Genie, it is a different process for everyone. I would have her start with an outline.

Exactly! I know it's different for everyone. It's even different with each book by the same author! Well, unless you're Dick Francis and go with formulaic plots ...

That's why I'm looking for input. It may be just too broad a topic as it is now. My friend is an entrepreneur and a retailer, with no experience in writing, so I suspect she has no idea how complex a process it is.

Well have her write a synopsis of what she wants the book to be. Then outline. Have her write a chapter so she gets a 'feel' for what the writing process is for her.

Wow, this one is a big one. I agree, I think every writer has a different approach. I've used outlines (which I personally really don't like because I feel confined), but I have also used index cards. I write ideas on individual index cards and then arrange them as I see the story overall, unfolding. Sometimes I throw stuff out as I am working, many times I add new cards to deepen the scene or a new twist popped into my head and I need to make note to bring it back into the story in future sections. Beginnings are tough for me, but like Jim said, she's gotta start writing so she can feel what works for her.

Well usually I don't use an outline, but I do like to take sporadic notes as I'm writing. Generally when writing a book, I force myself to a certain number of words per day (1500-2000) until the first draft is done, and then I take my time expanding on the second approach.

I listen to a lot of music as I write. It helps inspire me.

I often like to begin with the end in mind and work my way to that point, but not always. Characters sometimes surprise me by doing unexpected things, but that's what I love most about novels. Your characters have enough time to unfold and come to life before you. I guess that's not as important to writing a non-fiction book, however.

The main thing, I think, is discipline. As long as you're writing something every day, eventually the novel will shine forth from all the other crud that gets thrown onto your pages. As I've recently learned, a good bulk of writing a novel is editing anyway.

So to me, writing a novel is about discipline, a proper environment in which to write, and having a nearby source of inspiration. Mine is music and brisk jogs through nature, but I'm sure something different works for everyone.