Thinking of writing a book...

[ProdigalJunkMail]

and was wondering what some of you would think. The book would be centered as a biographical novel spanning the life of my great-grandfather, William, and from his point of view. I have had the opportunity to read many of his papers and journals that he kept over the year and in looking over the amazing times he lived in and the people he knew I cannot in good conscience not start putting SOMETHING together.

For those of you who remember William as alljunkmail I would love to hear what you think...

Hope all is well!
TheProdigal

[commander bunnypants]

1. Go for it

I remeber the posts. Why not it sounds like a good read

DDQM

[supernova]

2. Sure,

I loved William's threads. :D

If you have his journals and other writings he left you a rare gift. I can't help but think he'd be flattered if you put them together in some way.

[mikehiggins]

3. Writing a book

ain't easy.

You've already made one mistake: asking.

Just write the thing for your own sake, to tell the story you want to tell. Then see if anyone else wants to see it.

Write it first.

A good rule of thumb: write a specific amount each day. If you write one page a day, in a year (and yes, it does take that long) you have a book of 365 pages. Three pages would be preferable. Write more if the inspiration takes you but NEVER write less than the amount you have set for yourself. Each day. Every day.

Publishing? I self published mine. (http://www.tellnotales.info/)I had my reasons but I most likely wouldn't go that route again. There are small presses out there that are interested in well written books (did I mention you have to rewrite and rewrite and rewrite and then get someone else to proofread/edit it before you submit it? Well you do) and you'd be better looking in that direction first.

Only consider self-publishing after you've been turned down by several publishers, and then only if you've got a few hundred bucks to plunk down on the counter that you'll probably never recoup.

But first, of course, you have to write it.

Once you get that done, come back and we'll discuss the next steps.

If you want to go to email, just drop a note to [e-mail]

Good luck!

[ProdigalJunkMail]

5. thanks for the tips

I have a writer to work with on this and I have a couple of books (not of this nature...more techincal stuff) that I have written so I am a little familiar with the process. The hardest part on this one for me will be changing from his journaling format to a story that is cohesive.

By the way, I am not looking to make anything on this. I think it would be a good way to honor his memory and the things he lived. I just think there may be a couple of people outside of family that might like to read it!

TheProdigal

[VermontDem2004]

4. Why not do it?

[JitterbugPerfume]

6. I think

It would be a wonderful tribute to your grandfather <smile>

[ProdigalJunkMail]

7. it is a DAUNTING task

there are over 21,000 pages of type and handwritten documents in his library. I have read a lot of it, but the organization of such a lot is a little on this side of terrifying. That is the only reason I can think of NOT doing it...and of course the pros to doing it are tremendous. I just wonder if it is something that I can manage without killing my family time.

TheProdigal