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

[itsokayokay]

So I’ve been talking to some colleagues today, just general chit chat but it ended up going down the route of my life and how crazy it’s been.

I’m only young but ive been through a lot in my life 🫠 and recently managed to escape a very narcissistic ex and horrendous marriage, full of control, emotional issues etc.

my colleague very seriously suggested that I think about writing and publishing a book - and it really did get me thinking…

Ive always loved reading, I have an English lit & lang degree, and I adore writing (copywriter by trade)

I guess my question is, where and how would I start?! Is it really feesable and is there a market for actually making money from all the work you put into writing?

Also, is someone’s literal life story something you would want to read? Granted it’s pretty full on and dramatic 🤣

I would love to hear opinions please!

This has been pointed out already..

God for it somebody makes a typo!

People have told me that I should write a book about my life but in all honesty my life has just been one tragedy after another and it’s got to the stage where I find my life an embarrassment.

Agree with @LookingAtMyBhunas about the writing style.

Jesus honestly I didn’t realise my ‘writing style’ would cause so much offence!!

clearly I wouldn’t write a book or copy in the way in which I’ve written this post.

this post was a quick brain dump of an idea I’d had. Mumsnet never fails to amaze me in how shit it can make you feel in a matter of seconds.

I think it can mean different things when people say it. But they never a really mean you should write a book I agree! It’s conversational fluff.

Are you prepared to open your life story to the public for scrutiny?
Advertising on media, podcasts, discussing it at length. Is there any chance your ex could sue you for defamation?

That’s a trauma response, perhaps spend some time working through that?

Well no one can make you feel anything that’s not possible. What I would say is have a think about self worth and how to improve that. I think you’ve perhaps latched on to someone saying something nice and why wouldn’t you when you’ve had a traumatic life and you’ve consequently made more of it than others would.

id work on not being affected by people’s comments whether positive or negative if I was 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.

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.

Oops 😁

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

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

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.

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?

Thank you all.

Yes, I wouldn’t be looking to write in first person. I’d want to use my own experiences to build a character and a plot

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

Ok then

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

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.

Can't imagine it's worth it

No-one is buying books these days

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.

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 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

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.