I could write a book...

Canada
December 30, 2006 3:57am CST
Anyone else ever feel like you could write a book about stuff that's on your mind? Like you have enough stuff to rant about that people would actually listen to and possibly take your advice? I've had this thought many times and I'm even contemplating writing down some stuff in an organized, coherent manner. Right now it's just incoherent ramblings that have substance and social importance but I feel so passionately about some of these topics that I need to sit down for days to plan it out. This is a long way off of course, and there's always the risk that people will question you because you're not a so-called "expert." But who is, really? I'm talking about writing a book about all the problems we see every day in the world: racism, sexism, homophobia, careless drivers risking the lives of many to save a few seconds off their travel time, religion, many types of abuse, and other topics. Anyone else ever have these thoughts? Thoughts so passionate and long that you thought if you could just write them down in an organized way that maybe - just maybe - some people might actually stop, think, and consider what you're saying? Maybe it's just me... but hey, help me out here!
2 people like this
8 responses
@peavey (16936)
• United States
31 Dec 06
Do you have a blog? That could actually help you get organized about your various topics. After writing a daily blog for awhile, it will help clarify your thoughts and you should feel ready to put together a book. Do it. If you don't, you'll regret it when you're too old to do it.
• Canada
31 Dec 06
Blogging's great! I was doing freelance writing for other websites and people seemed to my work. They encouraged me to consider writing on my own. So, I started a blog. I love it. I don't write every day (I've always hated being told that you have to write daily to develop your skill). I write when I have something to say! LOL But, like others, I'd love to write a book someday. That would be an amazing feeling... to hold a book in my hand that I'd written myself :D
2 people like this
@peavey (16936)
• United States
1 Jan 07
Nice blog, uvbnskoold. Writing a book is a big commitment, so your hesitation is understandable. Have you made outlines or listed topics and try to fill it in? It's a good exercise for organizing your thoughts. Keep writing, you'll get there.
1 person likes this
• Canada
1 Jan 07
Indeed I do, I started one a while back, and left it for a long while, but recently started it back up. I took writing in high school and a little in university, so that part I've got... just have to organize my thoughts into a whole. You can check out my blog: http://uvbnskoold.blogspot.com
1 person likes this
@tara99 (68)
• India
30 Dec 06
Yes, I feel that way too. And I do write every day. Well, almost everyday in my journal. May be some day my journal will be published as a book. Even if it isn't, writing in it often makes me feel good. I express my happiness, disappointments, pleasure and pain in it. Do try writing regularly, your thoughts will get clearer. I think writing is a good way of knowing yourself and your life. Cheers. A very happy and prosperous writing life for you!
• Canada
30 Dec 06
Thanks! And to you and everyone else as well! I'm pretty organized when it comes to writing and stuff, but right now it's just a jumble of thoughts that are pretty strong but I need time to sort them out into a cohesive whole. A few years down the road, perhaps... :)
1 person likes this
@lauriefnp (5111)
• United States
1 Jan 07
I looked through your blog and I know from reading your posts on MyLot that you have a talent for writing. Don't sell yourself short. In addition to having thoughts and opinions about the topics that you feel passionate about, you also have knowledge of the surrounding issues and the opposing views. All of this makes you a perfect person to organize your thoughts into a book. Why not try to pick one specific issue and try to publish a short e-book for starters? There are sites where you can learn to write e-books, and I have heard of one site that will publish your first one for free, although I can't remember what it was; I'm sure an Internet search would help with that. Good Luck, and go with your ambitions!
1 person likes this
@vivasuzi (4127)
• United States
1 Jan 07
Sounds to me like you could be a stand up comedian :) That's pretty much what my favorite comedians do, they take notes and thoughts about the things going on in society and turn them into jokes! I have thought before that my opinion was so important others might want to read it - no matter what the topic. I never thought of writing a book, I instead came to the internet - found sites like epinions.com and mylot, and started sharing my thoughts on life in these places. That works for me, and people are more likely to read it than if I wrote a book.
2 people like this
• Philippines
1 Jan 07
I also go through that every now and then. Although I don't think my thoughts are as relevant as yours, there are times when I can't get to go to sleep due to the hyper-activity of my brain. I sometimes replay events during the day in my head, with my mind forming opinions on them, on what people said, how things would have been had they acted differently, said things differently, etc. I would often encourage myself to get up and put it down while the thoughts were still fresh, but more often than not, I end up just lying there till I do fall asleep, then the thoughts would stop. The next day, I can't even come up with a single idea to put down on paper. You should write down whatever it is you are thinking of writing, even though it may not be as organized as you want it to be at first. Once you get the ball rolling, you will probably know the direction your book will take without really having to think about organizing it too much. Just get those thoughts donw before they fly out of your head. Oh, and by the way, I'm no expert. I'm just another wannabe writer who wishes she never wasted those brainstorms and hopes nobody does the same wasteful thing she did and still does.
• Canada
1 Jan 07
LOL thanks for your response! I have similar problems when it comes to getting to sleep - my mind races thinking about the days events or even things that I shouldn't be thinking about that will never happen or other things. Of course, I have an anxiety disorder so this is normal... but even with medication it still doesn't fully help me get to sleep. I try to write stuff down as much as possible but sometimes it's hard. I might actually start walking around with a notepad in my pocket or something. That's why I like the idea of using my blog for it, as mentioned before by someone. No matter where I am, I'm usually within arms length of a computer with internet access!
2 Jan 07
I have just started writing about my experiences in moving over to Scotland. The move is not as easy as one would think. I am hoping my book will help expats in relocating here. Dealing with two governments is a total nightmare. I have a lot of things floating around in my head and I plan to get it all written down. I also write poems which is new for me. I used to hate them as a kid, but not now.
1 person likes this
@doctorul (1058)
• Romania
30 Dec 06
I've always felt I could write a book! Maybe one day I'll do it! Good luck to you and the same to me! Thanks!
1 person likes this
• United States
6 Jan 07
Organize your thoughts on paper to find any order to them figure out what you want to say overall and everything else will fall into place as new ideas begin to spring up.