To think about writing a book around my crazy life?!

I'm afraid I agree, the term 'you should write a book' is often code for 'bugger off and bore someone else with your tale of woe' 😮

Write it. Contact a publisher like this one. https://ahstockwell.com/

I haven't RTFT but nobody is as interesting as they think they are.

The listener Op was desperate to wrap up the conversation and was essentially saying

“don’t tell me anymore, please, tell someone (anyone) else”

Are you imagining a memoir OP?
if not, don’t even consider it for one more nano second

It definitely strikes me as a phrase to end an awkward work conversation.

If it's something you'd enjoy doing, you could self publish.

I've had to listen to adults traumas since I was a kid, and have plenty of my own, so I'm definitely not the target market.

This! I do think it could indeed be a cathartic process so there’s the main benefit.

I have dabbled in the past and won a few short story competitions. However, it’s important that you write primarily for yourself. To make you happy.

Thereafter it’s a bonus if it’s good enough (and a timely subject) to be published.

Also re subject matter, @Parmaviollets is very correct in that many stories have the same subject matter, but what sets them apart is the way the story is written and the feelings it evokes. Eg I’ve read many a story of someone reminiscing about their past, nothing overly shocking or remarkable, but the way they recount those tales and bring the relevant characters to life, the evocative details, poetic descriptions of how they felt in that moment has honestly bought me to tears! And yet if someone asked what the book was about I could only say just an old gentleman recalling his youth and past life - but oh my goodness it’s the way that it’s written and how it touches you which is where the magic is.

You’ve got nothing to lose, you could self publish it. I would say many people think they are great writers but this generally isn’t the case.

I write novels, it is NOT a money spinner in any way shape or form. Publishing is shitshow in fact (unless you are Richard Osman, you need a full time job as well as writing full time).

Side note, I honestly think too many people think the end goal of writing should be publishing. It's the equivalent of taking a watercolour class for the mental health benefits and thinking you ought to be aiming to exhibit your work in a London Gallery.

Write, by all means, everyone should, it sorts out your brain. But don't try to publish, it will destroy you. For a start, people will read it and feel they can tell you if they thought it was any good, which I can tell you from experience is not fun AT ALL

OP, I'm an author and I think you should go for it. However - don't do something autobiographical - just go for a straight novel.

The issue with autobiographies is that you're too close to the story - you will find it fascinating because it happened to you, but it's unlikely anyone else will find it as interesting when they read it. However, if you go for fiction you can be a bit more objective when it comes to the edit and "killing your darlings".

There's not much money if you do get published, even by a major publisher - most books sell for around £5k and then don't sell out their advance. Some books sell for as little as £1k to small publishers. Unless you are a celeb author or big name there's not a huge amount of money in it.

I've sold each of my books for £15k to major publishers, and then got some money for international publication deals - I used that money to pay down my mortgage but I wouldn't quit my day job, as the money is unreliable. Most professional authors support their writing by some other means. Hope that helps

I’m an author and have ongoing contracts with a publisher. I cannot stress enough how little money a majority of authors make! I made a loss on my first book thanks to needing to pay for image copyright permissions. I write because I love it and I’m lucky enough to not need the money right now. Also, be aware that once it’s out there you can’t change your mind or take it back. It will be out there and up for public scrutiny for all to see. Negative reviews can hurt at the best of times, it would be even more hurtful if this was about a story of your own life. The market for people writing about their own lives is saturated.

Can't imagine it's worth it

No-one is buying books these days

Don't we all have a relative with a self published book on Amazon?

Honestly, I am sure there have been some huge success stories but the vast majority of self published stuff is utter dross, or very niche interest non-fiction stuff that is never going to make the writer any money because even if it's well written and well researched it will sell about 46 copies.

That makes much more sense. Write a novel but base if heavily on your personal experiences.

Ok then

If you want to do it, do it. Don't listen to the Debbie downers on here. It could be cathartic for you.

Why not write a couple of chapters and then pop over the the creative writing board and ask if anyone is up for giving you some feedback?

I wouldn't have any interest in reading a whole book on an abusive or difficult relationship. However you could use your personal experience to create a character, or your story could be a sub plot or a backstory. It really depends on your writing ability.

If it's helpful to let you process what you went through then write it anyway, who cares if no one else reads it.

If you love writing then write and see where it takes you. Take a creative writing course, establish a routine of writing regularly, just do it.

I think OP wants to do a fiction book but based on her experiences.

Oops 😁

Why don’t you just self publish and see what happens? I have a relative who did (it’s on Amazon).

This. Sadly 100% this. People are assholes and no matter what you are going through and I know from experience some people go through much more than others the term 'you should write a book' is almost a goady type platitude. If you want to write about your life then you do it. If you want it published and it is possible then you do it. Just do it for you.

But, you do need to be prepared for your friends to feel that way, and accept that many of the people who’ve said “wow, sounds like you should write a book!” Don’t actually mean that you should literally write a book, nor will they read it. And take that without feeling offended or upset or having it dent your self esteem when they don't want to read your manuscript and give pointers etc.