I am writing a book

@dee777 (1417)
South Africa
January 2, 2013 7:06am CST
I am plotting down my life-story and trust others will benefit and be encouraged when they choose to read it. What things in particular do you think I should never put in this book? I will do self-publishing.
4 people like this
9 responses
@Mavic123456 (21893)
• Thailand
2 Jan 13
How about quotations from great people who had moved and. Inspired you? That will be so inspiring too for others who will be reading you biography.good luck on your book.
@dee777 (1417)
• South Africa
2 Jan 13
I do not think that I am allowed to use other people's quotations when writing my own? Huh? I think it will have to be original.
@Mavic123456 (21893)
• Thailand
2 Jan 13
No it can be used you w, I'll quote the authors anyway
@ARIES1973 (11426)
• Legaspi, Philippines
4 Jan 13
Do it the way you want it to be friend. And send me a copy. So that I would be able to know more about you. have a nice day!
@dee777 (1417)
• South Africa
4 Jan 13
I am almost done. I cannot afford a publisher so I will ask a couple of people to do the editing... I feel excited! It will now be a matter of weeks.
@jaiho2009 (39142)
• Philippines
2 Jan 13
I don't think you must edit bad things or experience. Since it is your own life story- better write the whole detail to make it real. There is no sense writing your own life story if you edit some part of it.
@dee777 (1417)
• South Africa
3 Jan 13
I agree. I want to tell the truth and how I overcame. People must be able to relate to it and see that I am a real person. Thanx jaiho2009.
@dorannmwin (36392)
• United States
3 Jan 13
I think that when you are writing an autobiographical work that one of the things that is the most important for you to do is that you need to make sure and go into detail with those thing that have happened in your life that have had a significant impact on your life. For example, if you faced the loss of a significant loved one in your life, then that should be an important part of your book.
@dee777 (1417)
• South Africa
4 Jan 13
Thanx dorannmwin. I try to be specific in describing the incidents well. I want the reader to 'feel' what I went through. My aim will be to encourage people, especially women.
• Marikina, Philippines
3 Jan 13
For me, you should never put your real name. You can change all the name so that it will remain hidden. My auntie did her life story book but she changed all the names to keep it hidden. She has now a publishing book and she wanted to sell it. Well, her book is not yet famous and we have one book given by her.
@dee777 (1417)
• South Africa
4 Jan 13
I believe that every individual will do it differently. I am aware of the fact that I am going to make myself very vulnerable in writing everything I think will be useful to the reader to grow and overcome life's obstacles.
@WakeUpKitty (8694)
• Netherlands
2 Jan 13
As long as it is about yourself it's fine. Great thing is that no matter what you think about everything is already written down once. So you surely won't shock anyone anymore. More interesting will be your writing style. The story of 1 person's life can be written in many different styles but still be the same story. The only thing you should do is not copy something someone else did write. So be original and be you. Good luck.
@dee777 (1417)
• South Africa
2 Jan 13
Thanx WakeUpKitty. Yes, I will not copy someone's else's story, but will only use my own life to 'talk'. Thank you so much.
@narthan (325)
• India
2 Jan 13
As long as you are comfortable whatever you want to share, I don't think there is anything that you should be worrying about. Moreover, sharing more of your feelings, thoughts and your past will make more closer to the people who read your book. Sharing the mistakes you made in life will be a lesson to each and everyone who read the book so that they follow the right path in life!!! I wish you all the success in writing the book and do keep me updated. I am sure to buy it when it gets published!!! Regards, Narthan
@dee777 (1417)
• South Africa
2 Jan 13
Thanx narthan! You are talking in the line that I was thinking! I have put enough together now and it's hard work! I cannot afford a publisher, so I will do self-publishing. Will keep you posted!
• India
2 Jan 13
Hi friend, good to hear about this, so you are writing your autobiography. Don't write too much of personal things in the book, just share the interesting experiences and useful things as well as the achievements you did in your life. All the best
@dee777 (1417)
• South Africa
2 Jan 13
Yes, i have my outline now and it is hard work. The thing is, if I want it to be interesting, I will have to tempt people to read it. Thanx vidhyaprakash_2.
• Greece
2 Jan 13
When publishing anything it is important to be be careful in case you write anything bad about other people. You should change names and not leave any clues of who that person might be. You could be sued for libel. Also you should check any quotes you include from others or any written material because that could be plagiarism. Ask for permission first. Bear in mind too that others are going to learn a great deal about you, so do not give away anything that will embarrass you in the future. Remember that if the book is a success one day your children might read it and they may be shocked to read about the person their mother used to be when she was young. I don't mean to imply that these are bad things, just bear in mind that you will have changed over the years and be quite different from how you were before you became a mum.
@dee777 (1417)
• South Africa
2 Jan 13
Thank you so much for sharing. I have sat down with my children already and showed them what I intend putting in the book. After reading, they both gave permission that I could put their real names in. I gave them the three chapters that I felt was 'difficult' and told them that they must ask me any questions and I would explain things to them. We all shed some tears afterwards.... Reading what I wrote brought us closer... You were very helpful in your comment.