Tips on Writing a Book

DISCLAIMER: You do not need to be a writer to answer these questions. I would actually appreciate some reader-only advice, to see what readers would want to read. It will likely aid in my ability to write a decent first book.

I have always been connected to reading, especially when it is done in nature. How do I go about writing a book? Well, I could definitely use some advice from all of you. I will be sure to put each question at the end of the article to make it easier to answer everything if you choose to do so.

I know that having a storyline in mind is essential. However, not everyone can come up with a decent storyline. For example, I could never get a good storyline. I write poetry but want to expand my horizons to some other genre. What type of book should I try to write?

How important are details surrounding the characters? I mean the looks of each character. Most books are pretty specific about what the character looks like, but a few leave it up to the readers. Which is better? Does the genre of the book change the amount of detail that should be given?

How do I avoid recreating someone else's book on accident? One of my biggest fears is that I will rewrite someone else's book and not even realize that I have done that. I think the biggest reason for that fear is that I know I have not read every genre. In fact, I have only read a select few types of books.

What is the easiest genre, in your opinion, for a beginner writer? I have done poetry and educational pieces. I do not recall any other types being written by me, so I still consider myself a beginner. What might be the easiest to transition to, from my experiences that are written in the form of poetry?

Which is easier: non-fiction or fiction? I have done everything as non-fiction, even my poetry. There are hyperboles in some poems but it is primarily exactly how I felt in the moment in which I wrote the poems.

If I were to do non-fiction, what would be the best to write about? There are several struggles, including epilepsy, conversion disorder, bipolar, anxiety, and psychosis. All of the struggles would include turning lemons into lemonade, so to speak. They would also have common myths and misconceptions, along with the truth surrounding these misconceptions. There's the option of trying to change my thinking, which could be incorporated into each of the struggles. There is also the dealing with loss and grief, which would include how I personally handled, and still deal with, the loss of my grandmother.

Questions only (This is the same order as in the article, the number is the paragraph they are in. The numbers start with the section after the disclaimer.):

1. How do I go about writing a book?

2. What type of book should I try to write?

3. How important are details surrounding the characters?

4. Does the genre of the book change the amount of detail that should be given?

5. How do I avoid recreating someone else's book on accident?

6. What is the easiest genre, in your opinion, for a beginner writer?

7. What might be the easiest to transition to, from my experiences that are written in the form of poetry?

8. Which is easier: non-fiction or fiction?

9. If I were to do non-fiction, what would be the best to write about?

Thank you all in advance. I'm excited to see what advice you all have for me.

*I will do a follow-up to this piece after I have sufficient advice and have an idea of what may be best.*