13 January 2018
By Ruxyn Tang
Since we're still in the new year mood, I figured that it might be good that I start the first post of the year with this entry. If it is one of your resolutions this year to read more books, or even write more, then perhaps this is quite fitting.
Lydia Teh's 'How I Wrote Ten Books' (HIWTB) is a lot about her own journey as an author. I think in many aspects, the books is a memoir on its own as Teh breaks down systematically the processes involved. From identifying her readers to marketing campaigns, she goes step-by-step into her concerns and her triumphs; all in relation to her writing and getting her books published.
It's very easy to read - I finished in just a couple of hours. To a certain extent, the book can be a little disjointed but I like that it's organised this way because that means I could read it in parts.
As always, Teh is true to herself and I've liked her books because they're always very witty and honest. Teh's not afraid to disclose her past mistakes and she'd even go into details on things like why some books work and some don't - things perhaps most of us would find embarrassing to admit.
Some may pick up such a book expecting to finish it knowing what to do and how to do it - there are plenty of examples from Teh here. Teh has a lot of insights on her journey, like what worked for her and what didn't, so pick up those that might be relevant to you. One of the things that stood out for me is that Teh's story reminded me a lot about the power of networking.
I personally don't find HIWTB as a cheerleader-style kind of writing to inspire you to write and get published. It's a lot more than Teh sharing what is the art of good writing, or the craft. Rather, there are little nuggets waiting to be found within the book, like what was going on behind the scenes in the industry and the various aspects of book promotion, especially in local context. I think these are extremely valuable advice, given that Teh is of one of the most famous Malaysian authors in the 21st century.
My favourite line from the book: "Here's another universal truth: writing is recycling." As someone who writes almost everyday, I can resonate. Of course, there's a full context to this, go grab the book and read it. ;)
You can purchase How I Wrote Ten Books online here from MPH.
PS: Huge thanks to Lydia Teh for sending a copy for the review. I enjoyed it thoroughly!
Source : www.ruxyn.com
Showing posts with label How I Wrote Ten Books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label How I Wrote Ten Books. Show all posts
Saturday, January 13, 2018
Friday, October 27, 2017
Scoring a Perfect Ten
The Sun, 27 October 2017
MOTHER, writer and columnist Lydia Teh is one of the more prolific authors in this country.
To date, she has written 10 books, including the recently– published How I Wrote Ten Books (now available at MPH and all major bookstores at RM29.90).
Her latest book, which revisits all her past nine efforts, contains many interesting ancedotes and tips for those interested in writing and getting published.
During an interview at the book launch, which also doubled as Teh’s birthday party (she turned 55 on Oct 5), we talked about her new book and her literary journey.
On why she wrote 10 books, Teh explained: “Actually, MPH has this series called How I Did It [where] the editor gets a few authors to write about how they started their business.
“In my case, I was asked to write about how I wrote my first book. I felt I did not have enough material for that. Since I had written so many books, I decided I should write about all my books for an in–depth journey about my writing.”
Teh wrote her very first book at the age of 39, when she was pregnant with her fourth child.
“I was a homemaker for 17 years. When I was in school, my teachers used to read out my English essays. English was my favourite and best subject. I did not have to study and I would score in it.”
Teh, who also runs a franchised English–language centre and has ventured into language training as well, shared that she always harboured a desire to write.
“When I [was working] as a secretary and then stayed home to take care of the children, I decided to take up a correspondence course.
“I told myself that I must write a book before I reach 40. I set my deadline.”
So when she was pregnant with her daughter at 39, she decided to write her first book.
“I had won many writing competitions and my first book was on how to win competitions.”
The book, Congratulations! You Have Won!: A Guidebook on How to Maximise your Chances of Winning Competitions, was published in 2001. It did not sell well, but it was a start.
It was her Honk! If You’re Malaysian book, published in 2007, that put her on the best–selling list.
When asked if she ever wanted to try her hand at fiction, Teh said she would have loved to but it was not her cup of tea.
As to the most valuable lesson she wishes to impart to her readers in How I Wrote Ten Books, Teh said: “I think my book will appeal to those who want to write. Those people who want to see the actual journey of a writer.”
Teh said when she started to write, she read up on plenty of books and articles on how to write. “I didn’t have any mentor. I learned everything through trial and error.”
Teh is a big fan of author Amy Tan (Joy Luck Club) and local writer Adibah Amin who had a column in a local newspaper Teh used to enjoy reading in her teens.
“In fact, Adibah wrote the foreword for my book, Honk If You’re Malaysian. That is my best–selling book to date.”
Teh had written different types of books throughout her literary career, including her own columns.
“When you write a column, it keeps you on your toes,” she said. “You can’t write unless the inspiration hits you. You really need to have the discipline, sit down and give yourself a deadline.”
Teh applied the same principle to all the books she has written. Even after 10 books, Teh doesn’t see herself as having arrived as a writer. She still wants to write more books as well as try her hand at writing fiction.
“Writing is a passion for me,” says the mother of four.
Her next plan is to compile all the articles that she’s written for theSun’s Family Ties column, as well as the more devotional type of articles she had previously written for her church bulletin.
MOTHER, writer and columnist Lydia Teh is one of the more prolific authors in this country.
To date, she has written 10 books, including the recently– published How I Wrote Ten Books (now available at MPH and all major bookstores at RM29.90).
Her latest book, which revisits all her past nine efforts, contains many interesting ancedotes and tips for those interested in writing and getting published.
During an interview at the book launch, which also doubled as Teh’s birthday party (she turned 55 on Oct 5), we talked about her new book and her literary journey.
On why she wrote 10 books, Teh explained: “Actually, MPH has this series called How I Did It [where] the editor gets a few authors to write about how they started their business.
“In my case, I was asked to write about how I wrote my first book. I felt I did not have enough material for that. Since I had written so many books, I decided I should write about all my books for an in–depth journey about my writing.”
Teh wrote her very first book at the age of 39, when she was pregnant with her fourth child.
“I was a homemaker for 17 years. When I was in school, my teachers used to read out my English essays. English was my favourite and best subject. I did not have to study and I would score in it.”
Teh, who also runs a franchised English–language centre and has ventured into language training as well, shared that she always harboured a desire to write.
“When I [was working] as a secretary and then stayed home to take care of the children, I decided to take up a correspondence course.
“I told myself that I must write a book before I reach 40. I set my deadline.”
So when she was pregnant with her daughter at 39, she decided to write her first book.
“I had won many writing competitions and my first book was on how to win competitions.”
The book, Congratulations! You Have Won!: A Guidebook on How to Maximise your Chances of Winning Competitions, was published in 2001. It did not sell well, but it was a start.
It was her Honk! If You’re Malaysian book, published in 2007, that put her on the best–selling list.
When asked if she ever wanted to try her hand at fiction, Teh said she would have loved to but it was not her cup of tea.
As to the most valuable lesson she wishes to impart to her readers in How I Wrote Ten Books, Teh said: “I think my book will appeal to those who want to write. Those people who want to see the actual journey of a writer.”
Teh said when she started to write, she read up on plenty of books and articles on how to write. “I didn’t have any mentor. I learned everything through trial and error.”
Teh is a big fan of author Amy Tan (Joy Luck Club) and local writer Adibah Amin who had a column in a local newspaper Teh used to enjoy reading in her teens.
“In fact, Adibah wrote the foreword for my book, Honk If You’re Malaysian. That is my best–selling book to date.”
Teh had written different types of books throughout her literary career, including her own columns.
“When you write a column, it keeps you on your toes,” she said. “You can’t write unless the inspiration hits you. You really need to have the discipline, sit down and give yourself a deadline.”
Teh applied the same principle to all the books she has written. Even after 10 books, Teh doesn’t see herself as having arrived as a writer. She still wants to write more books as well as try her hand at writing fiction.
“Writing is a passion for me,” says the mother of four.
Her next plan is to compile all the articles that she’s written for theSun’s Family Ties column, as well as the more devotional type of articles she had previously written for her church bulletin.
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