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! 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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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' 😮

I’m not saying I’m interesting. I don’t think I am..
I wouldn’t ever write about myself in the style of an autobiography or anything of the sorts. I was exploring the idea of writing a fiction book based on my experiences.

I cannot stand Mysery LIT. I read PJ Gallagher s book "Mad House", (he is an Irish comedian), Let's just say, it was neither funny or interesting.

What he deemed to be an extraordinary life, would be better described as the impacts of societal trauma in an addiction addled community. He did note his sister managed to accept the circumstances of their upbringing and thrive regardless, without the need of a tell all, cathartic book.

If you want to write a book, maybe use your experiences as general material to work from. The days of Mysery lit are over.

Look at the impact of (Duke) Harry's book. It's all bollox, we all have a story.

Or write it and self-publish as a ebook. It will probably cost you money rather than make you money just like most hobbies.

That really isn't how it's done! Nothing about that is right.

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

OP - by all means write a book, and all credit to you for escaping a controlling marriage. But if you are going to write an e-book and self-publish, please invest in a spelling and grammar checker! I know you state in your opening post that you have an English language degree, but the spelling and grammar mistakes in all your posts does not bode well for an easily readable book.

Relative’s is niche so I haven’t read it. 😁

Yep. The response will be nothing.

If you want to write a novel you should absolutely write a novel!
It is unusual to sell a novel that has not been completed. Not unheard of, but very rare. So perhaps start with writing the novel (most people who start novels do not finish them.)
Once you have finished it (a major achievement in and of itself) then that’s the time to look at finding an agent and selling it.

It’s long game. If you’re passionate, do it!

I think the book sounds dull and it wouldn’t be one l’d pick up but you sound excited and living free and up for trying your hand at writing as something you enjoy. Thats the bit I’d focus on - the sense of energy and enjoyment you’d get out of writing rather than getting published. How about looking for a not too expensive writing course @itsokayokay I did city lit novel writing years ago loved it - no novel published but made amazing friends with likeminded people and have enjoyed seeing a few pursue and get published (after 20 years of writing!) There are memoirs / autobiography courses as well - but I’d say don’t bother with online courses try and find something face to face to hone your skills get constructive feedback and meet other wannabe writers. People who read a lot and want to write are invariably good fun. I think I’m saying lean into the process enjoy the journey don’t fixate on getting published (yet).

Op do you enjoy your current job or is it very dull? And no prospects?

I have said exactly those words once to a babysitter. I was desperate to get her out the door but she was going on and on and on about her tumultuous past.

i said “you should write a book, I’d definitely read it!” And gently nudged her to the front door.

I’d have sooner eaten her toe nails than read a book written by her

This makes me really sad. Poor girl!
Maybe she just wanted somebody to listen.

I love my job

The person paying her to babysit is not that person.

I understand that, but you never know how much somebody might just need a listening ear.

And at 11.30pm
as someone she’d met twice before
that person was not me

Pay a therapist.

Write a few chapters to see if youre any good at it before thinking about publishers. I think jumping straight to the idea of a publisher shows you haven't really got a writer in you, sorry to say. Based on the posts you have written here I am not seeing a compelling style of prose either. Write something, take a creative writing course, see how you feel about it and then send it to a few people who will tell you the honest truth.