Sunday, September 28, 2008

How To Write A Book Report

Do you recall, way back when you're a kid, writing your first book report? It was more than likely a cute little piece of paper and some big words scribbled on it. These were the good old days. Back when book reports were easy and writing was simple. You probably had no idea how to write a book report, which of course is understandable. While those effortless days flew by fast, soon followed some rather decidedly more challenging assignments.

Suddenly you're in high school, and everyone expects you to know what you're doing. This is the time we really need to knuckle down and know how to write a book report. No more callow mistakes and grammatical errors. You have to really learn and grow and leave the childish things behind.

Can you even recall your last book report? Was it well received by her teacher, or did you get one of those "See me after class" scribbles at the top of your paper in ominous red ink? Nobody, and I mean nobody liked seeing that. Well, I have certainly wrestled with my fair share of book reports in my time. In fact, I even had a more difficult time with it in college. Then the whole book report concept is basically squelched, and the term "essay" comes into play. Oh no, not that.

Countless professors had me write essays and papers regarding specific motifs or themes in stories. I even recall taking quite a few essay tests for final exams. Whatever happened to multiple choice anyway? This is when you really have to put on your thinking cap and get to work. No more broad topics. It's all about being able to communicate intelligently about mindful subject. I know, it sounds intriguing, right? Yeah, right.

Anyway, if you're still at the book report stage in high school, then consider yourself lucky. No I actually mean it. Learning how to write a book report is not a difficult task at all. In fact, I can give you a general formula that will serve you quite well. First of all, and this is important, read the book in its entirety. Don't stoop to cliff notes! I've done it, but it doesn't mean you should.

This is a complete and utter cop-out. You need to read the book if you have any aspirations at all to put quality work on the paper.

Now, once the text is written you can design an outline. Write up a fast and dirty framework for your book report. What is it about the book that you would like to discuss? Is it going to be a general summary of the book, or were you asked to focus on a particular aspect? Once you've got your outline ready, it's time to roll up your sleeves and really get to work. Write from your heart, but keep in mind the book's major themes, and remember to always write with your own voice.

If you don't know how to write a book report, or are striving to improve your craft, go on the Internet and look for some examples. These days there are a number of great websites that can aid you in writing a great book report. You just have to put the work in.


Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning writing. Get the information you are seeking now by visiting
Book Report
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How To Write A Book

Want to write a book? You can. You start writing, and you keep going. At around 80,000 words, you’ve got yourself a book. Now what? You sell the book to a major publisher, hit the bestseller lists, and order your new cherry-red Ferrari.

That’s how writing a book and getting published works. But if you try to follow that process - just sit down and start typing - the chances that you’ll sell the book are slim. To sell your book you need to know the kind of book you’re writing before you start, and also whether there’s an audience for that kind of book. It sounds unfair, but in order to sell your book, you have to prove to the publisher that people will want to read it.

What Kind of Book are You Writing?

Most new authors start on their book writing and publishing adventure by reading a book and getting inspired. They don’t think about the kind of book they’re writing, or who would want to read it.

There are basically two kinds of books: truth and lies, otherwise known as nonfiction and fiction (novels). Some hundred thousand books are published in English each year, both nonfiction and novels. You must know what kind of book you’re writing before you start.

Let’s imagine that you’ve read a Harry Potter novel, and you’re so enthusiastic that you’re inspired to write your own children’s novel. The words pour out of you; you’re on fire. You write and write and write, and the pages pile up on your computer’s hard drive.

This is great. While you’re writing, ask yourself: “In a bookstore, where would this book of mine be shelved?”

If you’re not sure, go to a bookstore and wander around the shelves. Is your book in the nonfiction section? In the children’s section? In the romance novel or mystery section?

If you’re inspired by Harry Potter, you know you’re writing a children’s novel. Imagine your book on the shelves, right beside the rows of Harry Potters.

This isn’t an idle exercise, or a fantasy. You must know what you’re writing, so please visit that bookstore. “What is it?” is the first thing an agent will want to know when you contact her to represent your book. It’s also the first thing an editor at a publishing house will want to know.

So, what are you writing? If you don’t know, or aren’t sure, think about it and visit a bookstore if you need to. You can write a book and get published if you know what you’re writing, and who will want to read it. You CAN learn how to write a book, its not as hard as you DINK!

Discover how YOU can write a book and sell it with Angela Booth’s Just Write a Book Blog at
http://www.justwriteabook.com/blog/ Angela helps you with the writing process, and demystifies the publishing trade. Read Angela’s blog, and subscribe to her popular freelance writing ezine, Fab Freelance Writing Ezine at http://fabfreelancewriting.com/ezine/fab-freelance-writing-ezine.html Yes, you can become a published author: imagine YOUR book stacked on the shelves in bookstores. If you want to write a book, you can.