“If there’s a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.”
― Toni Morrison
Since starting this blog two and a half months ago it has taken many turns.
At first is was intended to plot, plan and implement what I want my home, life and family to experience. It is still that, but I have covered subject matters I never expected or even thought about. It was supposed to be more of a personal organizer. I would post my intentions for a project and that would give me momentum to post it’s completion. I am happy to report it worked.
But this blog did more than just work. Blogging is something, in which, I truly enjoy participating. I’ve learned so much from researching and especially from my fellow bloggers. I had no idea that knowledge and support could be found in such a way.
I would have done this years ago had I known.
Greater than all these things…..it’s a release. A random thought will enter my brain and instead of pushing it aside like I have so many times in my life, I am able to explore and analyze that thought using writing. I am someone who wants to learn and experience everything that elicits my curiosity. Writing a book has been a calling for some time and largely ignored, which leads me to what feels like a natural conclusion.
I’m going to write a book.
There are many reasons why one should not write a book and just as many people willing to share those reasons.
There are even more of those deprecating thoughts in my own head.
I think I am the least likely person to be considered a writer of books. I am opinionated, over analytical and a daydreamer. All things that speak to blogging, but I question if that would translate to a novel. Not to mention, poor grammar abounds. But I’m going to do it anyway.
It likely will never be published and my Husband it’s only reader, well maybe Shelly and Virginia. But still, I want to do it.
I couldn’t even come up with a title for this post, my sleep deprived Husband thought this one was funny. But, I’m not daunted.
“So why are you telling me this?” you ask.
Two Fold
First, it seems the best way to start a book, is to write a blog post about wanting to write a book.
Secondly, I don’t know what to write about.
Let me clarify, I don’t know which of my ideas and story lines to put down. I doubt they will all end up on paper, so the first I choose may be the only. If I’m going to check this off as something I’ve accomplished, I want what I pick to be something I feel strongly about. Which leads to my next issue, there are very few things I do not feel strongly about. As my Husband puts it “you are the antithesis of apathetic”.
I also do not believe in putting anything dark or negative in the world.
Options I’ve Considered:
Memoir ~ I have past experiences that might be the nightmares of some, but they are mine and mine alone to learn from. I do not wish to taint the world with it anymore than it already has. Although, it would be a doozy folks, as I have LIVED.
Murder Mystery ~ If I write just one thing, shouldn’t it be something that helps, inspires and generally creates something positive. Murder is not any of those things.
Romance ~ That is right up my alley, especially period pieces full of innocence. But aren’t there enough of those?
NonFiction ~ Perhaps a how to? Do I pick a subject matter I know only a little of? Which will of course require a great deal of research, something I enjoy immensely, thereby feeding two loves at once.
If this book never sees the light of day all these questions are moot, but what if. What if it does get published? I believe we answer to what we create and I want to create beauty.
So I thought I would pose the question to you, the reader.
What would you like to read?
Your husband sounds like a wackadoodle….
love you, I’m going to bed…
He is! Love you too, see you there.
Me being nosy again…:) Is “joe” your hubster? Anyways, I happen to REALLY like the title of this post…in all its wackadoodleness. 🙂
No, why do you ask? Just joshin, yup that’s my hubster.
You’re right. Virginia and I will definitely read it. You could write about the adventures of a spool of thread as it unraveled over a thousand miles, and I would read it. Seriously, though, I love memoirs and a good non-fiction, but no matter what you decide, I would love to read something that just exudes your personality. It’s these strong opinions that make you the Deidre we “know” and love.
Hmmm, a spool of thread and a 1000 miles. That actually sounds like an interesting children’s book. What happens to that spool along the way, who does it meet, what fun and educational predicaments does it encounter, does it become ENTWINED with the wrong crowd.? Not a bad idea. You should write that!
I too like the idea of non fiction. I truly love to learn knew things and share them so it speaks to me on many levels.
Thank you Shelly, you really are such a supportive person.
Heck yeah!!..I would read it!! I am so flattered that I was included in this post…and also that you KNOW I would read it! I am such a bookworm. But…I can’t read all the books I want to. But, like Shelly said, “I would love to read something that just exudes your personality. It’s these strong opinions that make you the Deidre we ‘know’ and love.” Agree, agree. You really are fun to read. You also have some awesome decorating skills…so maybe a book about that? 😉
But honestly? Good for you! If all the reasons in the world are against you..write anyway. That is IF YOU want to. Whatever it is, just flavor it with “you” and it will be great 🙂 Now I am excited with anticipation!
Actually, no. I do have an opinion. I want to read this story of yours. That is probably one of my favorite kinds of books..people’s stories. I find them medicinal.
When my husband read this post he said, “you know they are all going to say memoir”. To be honest, I faced some things I would like to keep buried. May not be the emotionally healthy choice, but perhaps when I’m old and gray. Ahem, older and grayer. Anyhoo, thank you! I have actually started a book, but I swear it’s a blog. I keeping thinking of all the pieces of art or pictures that would go well with the writing. Maybe an adult picture book, lol.
“Adult picture book.” Now I am REALLY excited. Sooo kidding. 😉
You crack me up..
I think you should go for it. You have a good a chance as anyone to get published but one thing is for sure…. you can’t get published if you don’t write. At the very least it will be an incredible learning experience. I just started my blog recently and oddly all my random thoughts I used to think I just had to write have seemed to disappear! Im hoping its just a creative lull.
That is truly what I thought as well. It would be oh so lovely to be published, but it would also be gratifying to know I wrote a book. I also have 2 little ones and teaching them to create without the want of recognition or compensation feels incredibly important.
I have more than a dozen posts sitting in cue with nothing more than a single sentence. I may or may not come back to them, but I jot down my thoughts as soon as I have them. I’ve read your blog, you most definitely are not in a creative lull. I have no doubt they will come back or new ones will replace them. Just remember to get them out as soon as you have them, otherwise fussy kids, grocery shopping and laundry will wipe your mind clean quicker than you think.
Thanks so much for the encouragement!
If I do ever start a blog, I fear the same thing happening to me. These “super great” ideas I have will all disappear. They usually come while I shower. So maybe I’ll have to blog in the shower. Hmmmm…
That’s so funny! Mine come in the shower and while washing dishes. Just write them down as soon as you get out. My really good ideas require research and can take hours for me to write. That’s another issue. Good thing I enjoy it. I’m not going to give up.
There’s your blog. Bloggin in the Shower! Hmm..maybe Blog Shower, not as naughty sounding.
Hey Jacquie! Look what I just happened across today!! http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003W09LTQ/ I think I might just get them. I always intend to write stuff down as soon as I am out, but unfortunately, my pea brain forgets way too easily..
BTW, great songs you posted on your blog Monday 😀
Too funny!
You are right about the romance and murder mystery not fitting the bill. Not sure about the memoir option either. I would encourage you to do the non-fiction route, or else a fiction story that goes with some theme of which you feel strongly about, as you can use it as a tool to put forth your ideas and thoughts on the matter, and persuade your audience of your conclusion, and teach them on a matter in a way that is engaging and absorbing. For example, historical fiction is fascinating to read, and allows one to get into the life of a character set in a particular time period, culture, and geographical location, that teaches the audience of that place, period, etc. It takes research and care to be accurate, but gives license to create the character, conversations, goals, etc. I am sure there are otehr genres that you can use a similar approach. There are also biographies of fascinating people that could be written. Good for you for making this a goal for yourself. I’m sure you will enjoy writing once you find a niche for yourself! Good luck.
For lack of a better word, wow! I really, really like this idea of historical fiction! It already forms an outline, because history is history. It allows me to delve into what ever time period I choose, learn and research. It allows me to control how history came about in a behind the scenes kind of way, while also allowing me to teach. It really hits all the points I care about.
THANK YOU! I’m really excited about exploring this idea.
A memoir or book of musings would get my vote for number one. Real-life stories can be dramatic, poignant, hilarious and cathartic. I find the characters of real life are more entertaining. Whichever genre you chose, judging by your blog, I’m sure it will be done well.
I just don’t think I’m ready to bare my soul in a memoir. Maybe later in life, doubtful, but I never rule anything out. Thank you very much for the kind words!
Like some of your other comments, I would read anything by you and I look forward to it. I would mostly look forward to a memoir. I would love to learn what experiences led to your great talent and thought process.
I’m a little speechless or typeless, as it were. I would not have put myself in the category of talent, much less great. Thank you so much. I just can’t bring myself to the mental comfort of a memoir, but I’m starting to wonder if I’m missing the mark by not considering it. Thank you for your response and compliments. I can’t tell you how encouraging it is to read that someone thinks I have “great talent”.
I agree with jorgiekae that a biography of someone who has not been written about yet would be a good choice. Someone that would be important for you to discover and share. You aren’t the least bit namby-pamby, so you wouldn’t be flopping around, but will be able to tell the story of this life with opinion.
Frankly, when I first thought of a biography it sounded to mundane. Just regurgitating information, but I think you may be on to something I didn’t consider. Finding a person who’s story is virtually unknown. I like that idea, very much.
Maybe something YA or kids? Something meaningful and less Bieber-ish than many of the popular options.
That is most definitely needed! I have been shocked at the book jackets that are aimed at teenagers. Some of the pictures are racier than “bodice busters”.
I am going to write a children’s book at some point. Maybe even several, just for my kiddos. I know there are places that will turn your story into a book without being published. My girls would love that.
Anything inspirational without being preachy. Something warm, funny, uplifting. I doubt if I helped you any, but you are right about redundancy of tepid love stories.
It helps, at least I’m not alone in thinking there are enough romance novels. I’ve actually started something that is everything you mentioned. So you actually helped a lot in confirming that my target is women who want something positive. Thank you!
I love that you don’t believe in putting anything dark or negative into the world. I hadn’t quite thought of it in quite those terms before, but you are so right.
L.M. Montgomery felt that her wholesome stories were somewhat out of fashion in her time period. The new, gritty realism was beginning to take hold. “Don’t be led away by those howls about realism. Pine woods are just as real as pigsties and a darn sight pleasanter to be in.” She put that in Mr. Carpenter’s voice in one of her Emily books, but it was her own opinion, changed just slightly from one of her own journal entries. I agree with her — and with you. Our God-given creativity can really be put to much better use than describing or creating pigsties!
That is such a lovely quote! truly I never considered what I watched or read to be of any influence on me until I became pregnant with my first kiddo. In a blink of an eye everything changed. I simply couldn’t handle violence and unnecessary evil. Given that she is such a sensitive child I feel she brought it to me. I actually noticed my uneasiness before I knew I was pregnant.
I don’t read the news. I used to think current events were part of being aware of the world, but it truth very little of it is reality. I keep my reading to positive things and my tv viewing to the very light hearted. I have to steel myself when I start researching food additives or chemicals. I know I will find corruption and unfeeling companies. It will stay with me for a few days and dim my outlook. So in this area I do have to be extremely careful how much I read in a day.
Thank you for noticing that one little sentence, but more so for being the kind of human who not only understands but has an excellent quote to go with it.
I know how I feel when I come across pigsties and I believe that we will answer for what we create in the world, whether it be art or relationships. There is enough darkness in the world, why feed it, even just a little bit?