Guide to writing Non-fiction

1. Pick something you know, or want to know. Your non-fiction book could be information about a place where the reader might be vacationing, or information on a place in general. It could be about today's society, or a contemporary or historical leader or person of interest. The only caveat for true non-fiction is that it be factual.

2. Research. You can never know too much about a subject. If you are having trouble or reach a stumbling block, try these things:

* Go online. Sometimes it will take a bit of digging to narrow things down, but let the search engines of the world help you in your knowledge quest. Follow not just the main articles, but the referenced articles as well.

* Read another non-fiction book about, or related to your subject. The author may see things from a different perspective, and may have some information you were not aware of.

* Ask an expert. There is likely an expert in the field who has made it their life's work to know everything about the topic you are writing on. Seek them out, and ask them if there is something that might be unique and interesting about your subject.

* Read an encyclopedia. Yes, it's a boring job, but somebody's got to do it. It might as well be you, as you gather all the information you need for your book.

3. Add copious descriptive details. No one wants to read a boring book! Good books are enriched with details and colour.

Also read the article how to write a book.

Taken from: News Straits Times - 17 September 2012 (article), Google (images).