Some Thoughts on Writing a Book by Stuart Z. Goldstein
Today, Stuart Z. Goldstein reflects on what writing a book really looks like behind the scenes. From structure and revision to staying true to your vision, he offers grounded insights shaped by years of writing across multiple disciplines.
At the beginning, it’s important to underscore this disclaimer: I don’t own the truth. The process writers use by definition will be as diverse as the folks who become authors. There is no “right or wrong”. We all come with our own insights, perspective – and experience. And let’s not forget some of the best written works were not always successful immediately after publication.
Finding the Motivation to Write
If good writing is a passion often unrewarded or unrealized, don’t be deterred. I went to college as a math major…lol. My motivation to write came as I realized words could be a powerful tool in helping change the world. Reading the NY Times editorial/op-ed page became a daily ritual. Circling words to expand my vocabulary, and reading Safire, Wicker, Reston and Rosenthal, world class writers to improve the phrasing of words and techniques of persuasive writing.
Lessons That Shaped My Writing
The best book on writing was not a grammar guide. I cherished the foundation gained from S.I. Hayakawa’s book on linguistics and semantics, Language in Thought and Action. Learning about symbolism, inference, the context of words, the ladder of abstraction and, most importantly, how we know what we know. Hayakawa provided a core understanding of the gray (multi-valued orientation) that empowers professional writers and book authors in creating complex characters and telling a compelling story.
Hayakawa also helped me gain a value for simplicity and clarity in writing. These insights fueled my success writing for the corporate C-suite – in shaping perceptions and communicating messages. And now they guide my attempts at writing books, both non-fiction and fiction.
Story Structure Matters
Whether writing professionally or as a book author, choosing the storyline and creating interesting characters is only half the challenge.
There’s a wonderful scene in the movie, “A Beautiful Mind” where the famous mathematician John Nash in his mania sees numbers jumping off the page or chalk board to help explain his theories. We all struggle with how best to structure a story we’re writing.
Learning Structure from Journalism
At the most coveted job in my career, as a part-time reporter for the Trenton Times, I learned to write in the Inverted Pyramid. I’d type up my ten paragraphs and spread the five double spaced pages on the desk. In time, looking at the copy reminded me of the Nash movie where the order of paragraphs started to leap off the page.
Today, most corporate writing follows the Inverted Pyramid. CEOs have little patience waiting until page 25 to find the conclusion of your analysis.
Techniques I Still Use as an Author
If I gained a strength in writing over decades, it was in creating work that had clarity, accessibility and impact. I still use the exercise of taking my book chapters and laying the pages out on my desk or the kitchen table. This technique helps me look at the structure of writing; paragraphs and character dialogue before tackling how words were chosen and used.
Yes, writing a book is very different from journalism or corporate writing. But some writing techniques learned along the way can still be helpful to the author.
Writing Is a Process, Not a Proof of Talent
Some authors are great original writers, but they have trouble editing their own work. Some authors struggle to get the words down on paper so they’re even less comfortable looking at whether the construction of characters, plot and storylines are in the right order. And there are writers uniquely gifted at both constructing a story and editing their own work. However, an author’s job is not proving their writing skills, it’s managing a process that leads to a compelling and successful result.
Using Beta Readers Effectively
As an author, I’ve looked to leverage two circles of folks who I used to review and edit my book drafts. I informally set up two groups (maybe 10 in each). The “beta-test” readers included professional writers and folks who are just gluttons for punishment (i.e., average readers who were willing to re-read multiple drafts).
Having average readers or members of book clubs read the draft is a sure-fire way to reality test the storyline, whether the plot seems plausible and if my characters have traits others will recognize. If I’m writing about a Latino woman, I’ll spend time researching the history and culture. I’m not after a caricature; I’m after a character this community will recognize and embrace.
Managing Feedback Without Losing Your Vision
Usually, I’ll have multiple readers reviewing book chapters at the same time or reading complete versions of the book. If I’m wearing out my welcome with these volunteers, I will expand the beta-test group. But wait!! Please don’t get discouraged if this sounds too cumbersome to manage. Not everyone who promises to read your book will do so or do so in a timely manner. You can start with a smaller circle of readers.
There are two concepts I’m suggesting that are critical. And at times, they can seem in conflict with one another. First, you must have a willingness to have folks critique your book with honest feedback on both the story content, flow, and relatability. Secondly, you must be determined as the author to carefully consider and make critical decisions on the changes that seem most appropriate and add value.
Staying True to the Story You Want to Tell
Last point: In the end, not everyone may be happy with your story. One literary agent loved my writing style in The Vault, my new financial thriller about employees who attempt to steal $100 million in bearer bonds from the largest securities vault in the world. And as the action is underway as Hurricane Sandy slams New York and floods this vault, potentially exposing the crime. But the agent thought chapter 19 should be chapter 2, so you essentially know about the heist before you meet and embrace the characters. At some point an author needs to make a decision and stay true to their own vision.
Final Thoughts on the Writing Journey
The Vault published in February was version seven of the book. Each version had gone through ten significant rewrites over 2.5 years. Most professional book reviewers praised the “rich characters” in the story; several claimed they were “rooting for these employees.” What one review cited was a Robin Hood like intro of a “merry band” became a roller-coaster ride of unpredictable plot twists no one could have guessed until the end.
I hope you find something here to encourage you on our writing journey!!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Stuart Z. Goldstein was one of the longest-serving PR spokespersons on Wall Street, having spent over two decades as Managing Director of Corporate Communications & Public Affairs at The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (DTCC) in New York.
Prior to that, he also served as a spokesperson for American Express and Citicorp/Citibank. His communications journey began in college, where he wrote for the Trenton Times and played a key role in efforts to lower the voting age to 18, contributing to the ratification of the 26th Amendment.
Goldstein has continued his passion for writing through various projects, including the award-winning memoir Moe Fields: The Special Bond Between Fathers and Sons, and co-authoring two important works: Guide to Clearance & Settlement 2009 and Lifecycle of a Security 2010, which detail the inner workings of U.S. capital markets. His bylined articles on public policy have appeared in prestigious publications such as USA Today, the Washington Times, the New York Times, the Star Ledger, and Global Financial Markets magazine, among others.
Residing near Princeton, New Jersey, with his family, Goldstein has been recognized as a prominent figure in corporate communications within the securities services industry. As noted by Global Custodian magazine, “Goldstein surely was the highest-profile corporate communications executive in the securities services industry.” In a field where most executives serve less than five years, Goldstein notably managed to exceed the average tenure, serving under three successive CEOs.
Website: https://stuartzgoldsteinbooks.com/
THE VAULT
Three levels below a street in New York City lies the world’s largest securities vault. For 40 years, Andy Russo has been its devoted steward. But after decades of mistreatment, Andy reaches a breaking point. Leading his disgruntled team of employees, he devises an audacious plan to steal $100 million in bearer bonds—an inside job no one ever expected.
As the heist unfolds, Hurricane Sandy barrels toward the city, threatening to flood the vault and expose their crime. With security closing in and chaos erupting, Andy must navigate a treacherous web of loyalty and desperation. In a world where white employees work above street level and immigrants and minorities toil below, can they outsmart a system designed to keep them down, or will their dreams drown in rising waters?
The Vault is a heart-pounding thriller filled with shocking twists and moral dilemmas that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Will Andy and his team succeed in their quest for justice, or will their ambition lead to disaster?
Join them in this electrifying journey where the stakes are high and nothing is as it seems.
