When I was young, I always planned on writing a book... once I figured out what my message was to the world. At long last, I have finally started working on mine. I am writing it with my husband’s ex-wife on how to blend families (Bob and Sally have the most successful divorce I know of, and we really are one big, happy, extended family). We’ve been talking about writing our story for years, and now that my stepdaughters are both in college, we are finally making the time. Every week, we each have a writing assignment, and every Wednesday morning, we get together to talk about what we’ve written, suggestions for improvement, material we’d each like to add, and then agree to the next week’s assignment.
Why am I telling you this? Because I think most people have a book inside of them. And if you do, I think you should share it. I know you can think of a thousand reasons why not to do it, ranging from the challenge of getting a publisher to the lack of time you have for making the commitment. That’s not the point. Getting your message out of your head and into some permanent record is worthwhile. A friend of my father’s wrote his memoirs several years ago and had a small quantity of books printed to share with his children, grandchildren and close friends. To help our company founder (and my father) Martin Edelston develop his book of "Lessons In Life", I asked current team members, former employees and business associates to share their "Marty Stories" of how knowing my father has impacted their lives. The book is practically writing itself.
In this day of speedy communications, the lessons of our time, and memories of our time, will be fleeting unless we capture them and pass them on. Put it on paper. Type on your computer. Talk into a digital recorder or camera. Don’t be stingy with your memories, or with your life lessons. They don’t have to be long... they just have to be remembered.
Nov 16, 2009 at 6:37 AM I am Margie's co-author and wanted to stress the productvity that is yielded by a collaborative effort. If you want to write but just can't get started, try pairing up with a friend who longs to write, too. Meet weekly, as we do, and read each other's work. You will most likely find what I have found to be true: I will not disappoint my fellow writer by not turning in an assignment. I might find 101 excuses not to write if I was writing alone. Knowing that Margie is waiting to read what I write forces me to "just do it." If you are having a hard time getting started, find yourself a Margie. Sorry: Mine is already spoken for.
Nov 18, 2009 at 8:09 AM Margie & Sally,
Well done for you. Even us professional writers can't always just sit down and write. I know, I've been writing since 1979 and wrote about evryone else's issues, stories, and news except my own. I too finally sat down and nto only began a book, but it's now a published work. It's dedicated to my mom who asked me to write my life's story. She said I had a life like no other she knew of, and she was right about that. Please do continue to tell yours. Should you find that you two need a helping hand get in touch. I also write for elance.com clients helping them finish their books as a provider. I am theghoster. Mine is written as a novel vs. bio due to its very subject matter titled,"DANE, A Life and Time Thereof: First Bounty". Again, Good Luck to you.
Nov 20, 2009 at 5:48 AM I have always felt there is a book in me (I even titled it in college); but felt there wasn't the time or emotional fortitude to do this.
I really feel inspired by your collaborative effort.....
I think I might just get started!
Joanne
Nov 20, 2009 at 7:58 AM Margie
I am a big fan of Marty Edelston, you and the Boardroom team. I would love to read a book from Marty called "Lessons in Life." It would be insightful and thought-provoking and, of course, filled with some wonderful stories. I can't wait! It is a lengthy and detailed process, but keep plowing ahead.
I just finished my book Where To Go From Here: Reinventing Your Career, Your Business, Your Working Life
(Success Coach Publishing 2009) so I know it can be done even if there are some twists and turns in the road.
Nov 27, 2009 at 6:22 PM I'm writing a book after all these years of contemplating. The publisher has some it now. Lately I've been dragging it out on things like book design, editing etc.; However, I have a Margie and from reading your blog, I'm going to push the envelope and some finishing task. Thanks and keep on blogging and writing. check out my blog on my email address, it has some of the commentary from my book.
Nov 30, 2009 at 3:23 AM I have thought of writing a book about my life for about the last 15 years. I think I will try to start it soon. I think I have had one of those storry book lives. I was addoped 3 times (the last one took) remember my mother giving me away. and many adventures through out my life. thank you for the insperation to do so,
Bill Miller
Dec 4, 2009 at 1:49 PM I HAVE written my book a novel for young adults. If I had known I cannot connect with an agent I probably would not have. But I am determined to keep pushing until I get my manuscript read and accepted
Dec 9, 2009 at 12:55 PM Margie,
This morning when I realized it was Wednesday I thought about you and your writing assignment! I wondered what you had written this week and how far along you are in the process... the exercise in writing together must be a journey it itself! Keep us informed with insights from your experiences.
Kudos to you for your courage to take the leap and start. It's a wonderful adventure, isn't it? Sounds like you've inspired quite a few other people too. That's fabulous!
- Pam
P.S. I agree with Douglas, I'm also looking forward to reading your Dad's memoir!