How to Turn your Green Thoughts into a Book
Here’s the thing, writing a book about gardening may seem daunting, but you very well may have already been garden writing. Many serious gardeners keep a journal from year to year itemizing plantings and their results. A garden journal in any form can turn into some serious fodder for a book. Not only that, but if you have been ardent about gardens for some time, it’s likely that you have read your share of books and articles, not to mention attending the occasional symposium or discussion on the subject. First, you need to decide what topic you will be writing about. There are probably hundreds of garden book ideas you could come up with. Stick to what you know. It’s no good to write a book about permaculture if you have never utilized the practice or on xeriscaping if all of your landscape relies on sprinkler systems.
How to Write a Garden Book
Once you know what type of garden book you will be writing, it’s a good idea (although not necessary) to get a working title. This doesn’t work for some people. They would rather get their thoughts on paper and end with a title for the book. That’s okay too, but a working title will give you a focal point for what you wish to convey. Next, you need some writing accessories. While a legal pad and pen are fine, most folks use a computer, either a desktop or laptop. To that add a printer and ink, scanner, and a digital camera. Outline the bones of the book. Basically, divide the book into chapters that will encompass what you wish to communicate. Set aside a dedicated time to work on garden writing. If you don’t set a specified time aside and stick to it, your garden book idea may just be that: an idea. For the perfectionists out there, get it down on paper. Spontaneity in writing is a good thing. Don’t overthink things and don’t keep going back and redoing passages. There will be time for that when the book is finished. After all, it doesn’t write itself, and also reworking the text is a good editor’s gift.
