Writing can be an excellent pursuit, and anyone can do it, regardless of their ability. One thing that certainly makes it easier is writing about your passion. There are plenty of poker books on the market, both fictional and factual, but how have the writers written about the game so successfully?
9 Things to Help You Get Started
Plan Ahead. Will you meet the deadline? Make sure you can before actually accepting the assignment. Many writers don’t write full time. Instead, they do a day job, then perhaps write in the evening as well. Make sure that you can dedicate at least some time to writing amongst your other commitments.
- Don’t Waste Time. One way to waste too much time is by researching, planning, or outlining. Admittedly, preparation is essential, but you need to draw a line. Hours and hours can pass by without actually writing a single word.
- Set Realistic Deadlines. Set a realistic timeframe to complete research, dedicating the right amount of time for the topic. Try not to get trapped in a vicious cycle of reading or learning about characters. Get stuck into writing, and don’t divert.
- Be Logical. For some, writing a book may take a mere couple of months, while the process can last a lifetime for others. Set a realistic deadline, then divide the number of words you wish to write by how long you have for writing. Then you’ll know how many words to write every day to meet your eventual goal.
- Separate Your Work. Divide your primary deadline into several smaller ones to make the critical deadline easier. Some sub-deadlines you might want to consider include storyline creation, characters, and an outline from beginning to end. Also, set a deadline for when your first draft will be complete.
- Reward Yourself. If you dislike working towards deadlines, then reward yourself with something like a chocolate bar. This motivates you to reach your goal on time.
- Consider a Writing Partner. Work alongside someone else that is also in the process of writing a book. It provides both comfort and motivation and can encourage you to meet your deadline better.
- Give Yourself Time. While you might have a natural talent for writing, you might not feel motivated to write some days. Try and push on, regardless of how you feel, and the inspiration is bound to flow eventually. Before you know it, you’ll be in the editing phase, making your work truly compelling and engaging.
- Clear Distractions. The internet and social media can be highly distracting. So, if you want to make real progress, consider turning off the internet and blocking notifications on your phone. You could even put your phone in a draw—the temptation to do housework while writing is another common distraction. So, consider doing your chores before sitting down and writing.
Writing About Poker
Although writing is usually a stress-free pursuit that virtually anybody can do, it needs to be approached correctly. Otherwise, problems are inevitable. Effective planning and time management are perhaps the most critical things to master. As well as a logical approach to your work, writing in a distraction-free environment, and collaborating with other writers.
When learning how to write about high-pressure situations, fictional poker literature can offer great insight. Specifically, the book ‘The Poker Chip’ is one of the most highly reviewed fictional poker books on Amazon, so it could be well worth a read.
Using poker as an example of how to better engage with your audience
Use the Third Person. By not writing in the third person, the reader will not feel the tension as they will have some idea of the storyline outcome. Instead, write from the character’s point of view. The readers will more likely have to piece together the story by interpreting actions and cues from other characters.
Include More Poker Rounds. Poker is usually a tension-filled game that can last for hours or endless rounds. To instill tension in your storyline, describe the first couple of rounds, outlining some of the most gripping hands, or best poker wins along the way. Doing this makes the storyline much more believable.
Focus on People. Simply describing things like bets, checks, reveals, and card draws can create something of a gimmicky atmosphere. Instead, describe the people immersed in the game and their reactions as each card is revealed. The best poker players are all different, they’ll react differently to the various events within the game, being able to describe these emotions and reactions will stand you in good stead.
Create Tension. This can be achieved in poker games, even online by describing things like opening hands, bluffing, and fellow players sussing each other out. Not to mention high bets and players getting eliminated. You could also include a big climax.
For further inspiration to better engage your audience, consider reading the popular fiction book ‘The Poker Chip,’ one of the most highly rated fictional poker books on Amazon. It encapsulates all of the themes mentioned above. This classic Western has elements of romance, kidnapping, paying off debt, rescue, and even murder!