Maybe it’s because I watched a webinar on tips for indie authors yesterday, but I think you have a book in you.
Lots of people talk about writing a book. Fewer actually do it
Recently, we talked about writing with some friends over a BBQ dinner at their home. They used to run a retail store in a tourist town and joked that they could, “write a book.” After hearing a couple of their stories, we agreed! I’d read that book.
In fact, recently, I read a book titled, Weird Things Customers Say in Bookshops. I’ve worked retail and I’ve seen a lot but this collection still surprised me. The nuts and bolts of other people’s work lives are mostly mysteries and it’s fun to get immersed in one for a while.
Sing, Sing a Song
It doesn’t matter whether other people have told their stories. They haven’t told yours. Only you can do that.
The caveat is, writing a manuscript is a commitment. You have to really want to do it. And if you do, for goodness sake, time marches on. Just do it.
Derek is an excellent writer and in my heart of hearts I wish he’d write a book. My brother is very clever with words and a book about his solo motorcycle trip to South America would be terrific. Friends have threatened to write books for years but haven’t put in the work yet. It’s their choice whether or not to go ahead but I would pull out my debit card for their books.
It’s More Than the Book, Though
Many authors hope that their excellent book will find its audience. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work like that. Amazon alone has almost four million books, including all formats. It’s a grind to try to cut through the noise. So you need to work at that. BUT if you have the passion and desire to wade into the marketplace, you won’t mind the rest of the work. And there are plenty of people around who can help and guide you.
So, what’s your book going to be about? Give me your elevator pitch!
Yes, Lisa. I have a friend who constantly finds herself in the strangest situations. Without fail, every time she shares one of her wild stories, I tell her she really should write a book.
During COVID, I did Storyworth with my dad (highly recommend it). I knew he had stories we’d never heard, and since he was in his mid-80s, it felt like the perfect time to get them written down.
In May 2022, just as Storyworth was finishing and publishing his book, my brother was diagnosed with terminal esophageal cancer. I was incredibly grateful I had done the book—my brother was able to read our dad’s stories before he passed away that August.
Then, in November 2023, my dad passed too. Looking back, I’m so thankful I used that time during COVID for something meaningful. Capturing his stories turned out to be one of the most important things I’ve ever done.
How wonderful, Jennifer. I’m not familiar with Storyworth. Does it give you prompts or a template – how does it work, if you don’t mind
I first heard about Storyworth on a podcast back in 2020 and immediately thought it was a brilliant idea. They offer a wide range of thoughtful questions that can be emailed weekly to the person whose stories you want to preserve. As the subscriber, I had the freedom to choose which questions felt most meaningful for my dad—some that touched on things he rarely talked about, and a few that I came up with myself. Since my dad didn’t use a computer, I printed the questions for him to write out by hand, then typed up his responses and submitted them. I also added photos that matched his stories to bring the book to life. The finished book is something I deeply treasure. My only regret is not being able to do one with my mom and my brother.
P.S. Just received Book #2, Threads of Love, yesterday—I’m trying to pace myself, but it’s so hard to put down
I love the idea of this book and I LOVE that you’re enjoying mine! Thank you, Jennifer.
I think it is the word “book” which is the barrier to why more people don’t write them, it seems so daunting. It could also be the individuals perception of a book, for if you have a single perception you may not see the possible options, short stories, poems, musings whatever works.
The book in me is on back order.
You may be right but it’s just like anything else. It’s done a little at a time. I also find that other people dismiss the effort it takes and assume it’s easy and all flows out in its perfect final form!!
My book is about my early twenties, when all I was looking for was the next bottle of beer. Me and my drinking buddies went to a lot of bars, played a lot of pool, and struck out with a lot of young women.
But really, it’s a love letter to Canada and Canadiana.
It’s written as if the book was a movie and takes place over three days at a provincial park much like the Pinery. It’s called The Long Weekend.
I have about 10 pages of it written and I would love to show them to you.
Thoughts?
I’d love to see them!!