Hi, Neera. I am Jay Dee Gresham, I usually go by Jay or JD. I live in Texas in the USA. I am 60 years old and am taking care of my parents. Dad is 90 and suffering from a rare form of leukemia which is treatable and he is in remission no for 6-7 years. He also has Neuropathy that has robbed him of his balance, so he is on a walker or in a wheelchair if we are going anywhere. He is also legally blind. Mom is 85 and in the early stages of Dementia/Alzheimer, and her balance is not that good either, so she use a walker most times. So, now they are my life and my job. This is my way to pay them back for all they have done for me, and to make up for all the trouble I have caused.
I have had the writing bug since middle school, but I was never a good student. Because of that even though I can write pretty well, which I attribute to my love of reading, my grammar skills are not great. I did not get serious about writing until I was in my mid to late thirties to early forties. Unfortunately my writing has been more of a hit or miss process because the inspiration had to hit me, or else I would sit there writing nothing because nothing was in my mind. This still affects me today, but I am learning, I think, ton how to trigger the inspiration somewhat.
My main storyline is Science Fiction and will deal with mankind returning to earth after evacuating several hundred years prior due to the increasing intensity and frequency of ecological disasters. Basically Mother Earth was spanking her unruly children. It begins with three stories, The Trade, The Stowaway, and The Holographic Girl, each with its own main character and own perspective within the story. This will definitely be a series, if not a saga because there at least thirty stories in my head for it that span hundreds of years and several generations.
My second storyline is Fantasy That pulls together the story of my poem A Dragon's Love, the story The Wolf Curse, the story The Last Sunrise, and an unnamed story I will call The Bard for now. A Dragon's Love is about a knight on the hun of a fierce dragon that stole his bride to be from the altar as they were being married. The Wolf Curse is about a man who as a boy no older than 13 having to kill his father who had been turned into a werewolf. In that confrontation the boy was wounded and cursed with Lycanthropy. This is his quest to find a cure. The Last Sunrise starts out similar to The Wolf Curse in that the main character has to kill his father who was turned into a vampire. But that is where it gets different. The main character, Miquloren, takes his mother into town and gets her a job for room and board and a little money at an inn. He then goes hunting for the vampire(s) that turned his father.
The latest inspiration that has hit me is might be called a political allegory. Using US history starting back in 2016 when Donald Trump won his first election up to the present to set the political atmosphere of the story. A group of people who are fed up with the crooked politicians and the way things are done, are planning and staging a means to correct what they see as wrong with the system. To do this they are setting up a school (K-12)/academy (Extended education) to train future politicians. This school/academy is going to use the Good Morals and Ethics, The Code of Honor, Honesty and Integrity, The Declaration of Independence, The Constitution, The Amendments to the Constitution, and The Bill of Rights.
These are my writing projects I have going at this time. Thanks for being here.
Wow, Jay! I loved reading your story and hearing about the ones you’re writing.
First, about your story—I completely understand what you’re going through while caring for your parents. For about eight years, my husband and I were deeply involved in looking after both our parents. They suffered from various chronic illnesses and, one by one, we lost them. During that time, our lives revolved entirely around caregiving. My husband’s parents lived with us, while my parents stayed with my brother.
My father-in-law, now 96, is still with us and doing well, though he requires a lot of attention. Back then, writing a weekly diary was all I could manage amid the caregiving.
As for your stories—you’ve got so much happening! Let them come to you in whatever shape and form they do. Over time, they will start to make sense and find their direction.
Welcome to ‘Author Circle.’ Share both your author journey and your life journey with us, and you’ll discover another source of support. During the toughest years of my life, my writer friends were my biggest source of strength—they understood me like no one else could.
Thank you, Neera. This is much appreciated. BTW I am posting the first story of the Sci-Fi one on my Substack. It is called The Trade. Feel free to take a look. JD
Hi Neera, Minaz Ansari, writing in from Bombay, India. I write a weekly newsletter 'Spread Love Only Love,' a mission to spread love, kindness and compassion through experiences about everyday life, people, places, books, architecture, travel and art.
I am working on a book titled 'People Called Bandra' which is a anthology about the neighbourhood of Bandra (in Bombay) through the stories of people residing here. I also have written several children's stories that can be made into picture story books, though I never got down to publishing them. I am a published author but find distribution and marketing of books challenging. Looking at learning more about that in this circle.
Welcome, Minaz! I’m thrilled to have you in the Author Circle! Writing and publishing are the fun parts for most of us writers—it’s the marketing that takes real learning and effort. Over the coming months, we’ll be focusing on marketing and branding, an area that’s key for all of us. Thanks for sharing this here; it will be valuable for everyone!
Hola Neera, Judith Kipp Norris writing to provide my information. An American citizen living offshore on the beautiful island of Puerto Rico. "Judigail Jabbers Laughter | Life | Love" is my Substack just getting started publication. The outline I'm working on and will write in the November challenge has a working title of "Play Piano Now!" My degree in music, twenty years teaching piano at Mountainview Music Piano Studio and experience of teaching over five hundred all-aged students to play the piano with a strong emphasis on music theory provides the reasons that qualify me to write this book.
Welcome, Judith! It’s wonderful to have you here in the Author Circle. Your background in music and rich experience in piano teaching sounds incredible! With over 500 students and a strong foundation in music theory, Play Piano Now! is bound to be an inspiring and authoritative guide. Your Substack, Judigail Jabbers: Laughter | Life | Love, sounds like a delightful project—I’m excited to see where it takes you. We’re all here to support you on this journey, especially with the November writing challenge. Welcome aboard!
November is my favorite month of the year. November Notables: my birthday on the sixth, Election Day on the second Tuesday, Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday, it's next to December, holding Christmas, everybody's favorite, my book will be published in November, and now Neera's Nanonimo Book-writing Challenge! WOW! Be still, my heart! 2024 will surpass them all!
Dear Neera, Anshul here. Connected with you yesterday on Veronica's webinar. Publication title: Revitalize your Productivity Mojo. https://anshulkumar.substack.com/
I have a presence on Medium and YouTube as well.
Yes, I do aspire to write a book - not yet thought of the topic - would love to share my personal experiences on managing our daily productivity and leading a stress-free life.
Nothing concrete at this time. But, would love to get some advice/ideas/tips.
Welcome onboard Anshul. You can join the NaNoWriMo challenge and explore some of your ideas. The beauty of this challenge is that it focuses purely on quantity, without worrying about quality. If you want to discover the stories or concepts in your head, use this challenge as an opportunity to get them down on paper.
Neera, I have a problem. Notebooks are one of the symptoms. Yesterday I collected all the notebooks on and around my desk. I have five, including Moleskines and similar. I have an idea, I buy a notebook when I’m out on the road, jot down thoughts, and rarely follow up.
Fear of finishing, maybe. I have two long stories, both published serially on Medium, both running out before the end. One on Gallipoli that is kind of sweet.
I start something fresh and let it be after a while. Repeat. And repeat.
I stopped teaching at U3A because of Covid. Post Covid I started travelling, so time constraints. Regarding your inability to finish your stories, it’s the skill level. Just like you learned to start a story and take it to a certain level you will learn to finish it. There are a few techniques you can use. We can talk about them. Either in a thread or I should write a series of posts on storytelling.
I have a podcast at Sacred Gyre Substack, in fact my Substack contains two podcasts. I have thought about turning a series of episodes on one of them, Butterfly Arose, into a book, and even as I write this coment I am thinking the other one, Sacred Gyre, could become a book or two as well. I am already a published author with two books of poetry, Butterfly A Rose and Signs, and a memoir, Turning Inside Out. I am looking forward to learning from you and from this whole community.
Welcome to the community Emily. Podcast into books is a great idea. I would love to listen to them and see what’s in there. Also we can have a zoom chat to find out what your thoughts are and how you want to go about them.
Hi from Texas! I've been a writer for most of my life (at least 40 years) and I love your suggestion to write from the scribbles and notes in our journals.
Only a few days ago I created another Substack publication (unpublished for now) for that reason. My plan is to share my journal entries during one of the most difficult time of my life as a grandparent raising my twin grandsons with multiple special needs.
Welcome, Dawn-Renee! It’s wonderful to have you here, and I’m so moved by the purpose behind your new Substack project. Sharing journal entries from such a profound time in your life—raising twin grandsons with special needs—will be a powerful and deeply meaningful endeavor. You’re offering a voice and strength that so many will find relatable and inspiring. I can’t wait to see your journey unfold in this space, and we’re all here to cheer you on! I am sorry, I missed responding to your introduction earlier. I am sorry, I missed responding to your introduction earlier. So glad you’re with us!
Hello from West Michigan. I am a traditional and self published author writing inany genres. I believe I'm at the end of my writing career but I can't seem to let go and quit writing! I believe your site will inspire me to keep going. Looking forward to meeting everyone and participating in the events here. Thank you for the opportunity! BTW, I must admit I thought Sydney was your capitol! ☺️ I try to learn something every day and this filled the bill!
Welcome JQ or should I call you Rose. I just woke up and saw your note. Today I’ll go to your Substack and learn more about you. But in the meantime welcome to my community. I wonder why do you say your w
Hi, I'm Rachel and I finally started again on my passion for writing with my Substack. Your goal of 100 books in a decade is really admirable! I was thinking I might just publish one book by the time the next decade role around for me. Your reasons for publishing is very motivating for me, especially with the thought that there's more books out there that anyone can read in their lifetime, so who would want to read mine?
Welcome to the community of book writers. I am glad you stopped by and took time to introduce yourself. If you keep reading I am hoping to get that book out of you before the year is over.
Books are no big deal, if you don't make them such a big deal. I wasted a whole decade thinking that authors are someone special, to who the gods have been very kind to bless them with the talent to write books. But as soon as I wrote my first book, I shattered my own limiting belief.
Today, after 6 books, my first book is still my bestselling book. It's called 'How To Write And Publish An Ebook In One Week.' Tons of authors have written books on the topic. Authors who know more than me and who are much more established writers than me. Then why people are buying my books. For two reasons - 1) people don't just buy one book on the topic, they buy several 2) I told the story my way. It has my stuggles and my solutions. My unique style of inspiring and making things simpler is what people like about it. And that's why they are reading my book.
I hope this inspires you to start thinking about your book. You first write your book in your mind first than on paper.
Hi, I'm Lisa. It's great to be here. I'm from the UK but love living in different countries. I'm in Slovenia these days. I love to write and draw about change, culture, creativity and sustainability. My Substack is called The Metamorphosis Map.
I would love to compile my sketches and thoughts into a book. But keep changing my mind about how and what the title could be!
Welcome, Lisa! I would love to live in different countries too, but can't at the moment because my father-in-law, who is 96 lives with us. Are you a digital nomad? It's a life I envy a lot but know it may not be for me. I need my friends and family around me. That's why I travel but come back after a few months.
A book of sketches and thoughts is great idea. Don't worry about title and other things at this stage. Just start compiling what you have at the moment. The theme will appear once you have collected a few. I would say 100 is a good number. Even less will do.
Thanks, Neera. I would call myself a Citizen of the World rather than a digital nomad. I guess I am an expat without a safety net as my husband and I are both freelance. And a temporary immigrant. There are pros and cons of this lifestyle of course - and missing family and friends is a big one!
I have about 75 sketches and commentaries collected as I publish one a week on LinkedIn. I will read your ideas with interest.
I am John. I live in the USA. I retired from corporate work a few years ago. At this time, I only publish on LinkedIn. I love writing stories of my interactions with the many wonderful people from my life.
John, as a Founding Member, you have a 30-minute video call with me to discuss your book project and receive personalised advice. You can take it any time you like. No rush. Just let me know. And thanks a heap for your support. I really appreciate it.
Welcome to ‘Everything Is A Book’ community, John. I have been reading your stories and insights on LinkedIn and can see there is a lot more in you waiting to come out. I would suggest save everything you write on LinkedIn (as it will disappear after 12 months or so) and one day you will be able to turn it into a book. Do that please, not just for yourself but for others who can benefit from your insights.
My name is Nonye, I live in Lagos, Nigeria. I have been trying to write a book since forever...........all in my head :) .I actually did start but I stopped..... so much going on in my life, all competing for attention.
I used to write a blog....frequently, but again, I have not written for a long time. My life is such that I feel I NEED to write books about........... a single woman, adopted a child who at 5 months was diagnosed with CP. And in my effort to find help and support in a country where none existed, I started the first center to create awareness of the condition CP and provide much needed services for them. It's been a journey. With 6 decades behind me, I was feeling too old to start the journey of book writing, but reading Sally, I am thinking maybe, just maybe.... fingers crossed.... you maybe the prompt and guide I need.
Welcome aboard Nonye! I am so glad you decided to join the clan. You are precisely the kind of writers I started this newsletter for. Someone with a story to tell, starting and stopping and then getting intimidated with the whole process and most importantly not finding time to write. You will find the inspiration as well as information and with weekly homework and daily writing encouragement hopefully we will get 6 decades of wisdom out-of-you, on to the paper.
Hi Neera, I am not actually writing a book but a series of blogs on the travels my husband and I have done over many years. They have been taken from the many journals I have written and sort of edited to fit the profile and try and engage with my reader. Not so sure I am doing it all that well, although when I stopped for awhile I had people asking when I was coming back. Anyway, I figured I couldn’t go wrong if I trusted in you to give me a better idea of what I should be doing to benefit my writing. I am a bit older than you, married, have four children, 8 grandchildren, live in Melbourne, love to paint and write
Welcome aboard young Sally! Age is just a number for us travelers and I am just a few grandchildren short than yours. Blogging is a great idea to write your travel stories. This way, you finish the story and put it up there. And they get read while you write them. I used to run a Life Story Blogging class through Canberra U3A and one on my students (who now lives in Melbourne) started blogging her life stories - 400 blogposts later she is still going strong. You might beat her, since you have traveled so much.
I would love to know a bit more about you. Please share your name, where you are from, title of your publication, and the book you aspire to write.
It’s at 6 pm central time. I have sent you the link in a direct message.
I love near Shreveport, Louisiana USA.
I aspire to write a fiction novel concerning US Veterans
I am writing fiction too this November. Come to the meeting today and tell us about your story idea.
What time is the meeting (USA) time? I may come if it happens after 4 today. That's what time I get off my regular school job
Hi, Neera. I am Jay Dee Gresham, I usually go by Jay or JD. I live in Texas in the USA. I am 60 years old and am taking care of my parents. Dad is 90 and suffering from a rare form of leukemia which is treatable and he is in remission no for 6-7 years. He also has Neuropathy that has robbed him of his balance, so he is on a walker or in a wheelchair if we are going anywhere. He is also legally blind. Mom is 85 and in the early stages of Dementia/Alzheimer, and her balance is not that good either, so she use a walker most times. So, now they are my life and my job. This is my way to pay them back for all they have done for me, and to make up for all the trouble I have caused.
I have had the writing bug since middle school, but I was never a good student. Because of that even though I can write pretty well, which I attribute to my love of reading, my grammar skills are not great. I did not get serious about writing until I was in my mid to late thirties to early forties. Unfortunately my writing has been more of a hit or miss process because the inspiration had to hit me, or else I would sit there writing nothing because nothing was in my mind. This still affects me today, but I am learning, I think, ton how to trigger the inspiration somewhat.
My main storyline is Science Fiction and will deal with mankind returning to earth after evacuating several hundred years prior due to the increasing intensity and frequency of ecological disasters. Basically Mother Earth was spanking her unruly children. It begins with three stories, The Trade, The Stowaway, and The Holographic Girl, each with its own main character and own perspective within the story. This will definitely be a series, if not a saga because there at least thirty stories in my head for it that span hundreds of years and several generations.
My second storyline is Fantasy That pulls together the story of my poem A Dragon's Love, the story The Wolf Curse, the story The Last Sunrise, and an unnamed story I will call The Bard for now. A Dragon's Love is about a knight on the hun of a fierce dragon that stole his bride to be from the altar as they were being married. The Wolf Curse is about a man who as a boy no older than 13 having to kill his father who had been turned into a werewolf. In that confrontation the boy was wounded and cursed with Lycanthropy. This is his quest to find a cure. The Last Sunrise starts out similar to The Wolf Curse in that the main character has to kill his father who was turned into a vampire. But that is where it gets different. The main character, Miquloren, takes his mother into town and gets her a job for room and board and a little money at an inn. He then goes hunting for the vampire(s) that turned his father.
The latest inspiration that has hit me is might be called a political allegory. Using US history starting back in 2016 when Donald Trump won his first election up to the present to set the political atmosphere of the story. A group of people who are fed up with the crooked politicians and the way things are done, are planning and staging a means to correct what they see as wrong with the system. To do this they are setting up a school (K-12)/academy (Extended education) to train future politicians. This school/academy is going to use the Good Morals and Ethics, The Code of Honor, Honesty and Integrity, The Declaration of Independence, The Constitution, The Amendments to the Constitution, and The Bill of Rights.
These are my writing projects I have going at this time. Thanks for being here.
Wow, Jay! I loved reading your story and hearing about the ones you’re writing.
First, about your story—I completely understand what you’re going through while caring for your parents. For about eight years, my husband and I were deeply involved in looking after both our parents. They suffered from various chronic illnesses and, one by one, we lost them. During that time, our lives revolved entirely around caregiving. My husband’s parents lived with us, while my parents stayed with my brother.
My father-in-law, now 96, is still with us and doing well, though he requires a lot of attention. Back then, writing a weekly diary was all I could manage amid the caregiving.
As for your stories—you’ve got so much happening! Let them come to you in whatever shape and form they do. Over time, they will start to make sense and find their direction.
Welcome to ‘Author Circle.’ Share both your author journey and your life journey with us, and you’ll discover another source of support. During the toughest years of my life, my writer friends were my biggest source of strength—they understood me like no one else could.
Thank you, Neera. This is much appreciated. BTW I am posting the first story of the Sci-Fi one on my Substack. It is called The Trade. Feel free to take a look. JD
Hi Neera, Minaz Ansari, writing in from Bombay, India. I write a weekly newsletter 'Spread Love Only Love,' a mission to spread love, kindness and compassion through experiences about everyday life, people, places, books, architecture, travel and art.
I am working on a book titled 'People Called Bandra' which is a anthology about the neighbourhood of Bandra (in Bombay) through the stories of people residing here. I also have written several children's stories that can be made into picture story books, though I never got down to publishing them. I am a published author but find distribution and marketing of books challenging. Looking at learning more about that in this circle.
Welcome, Minaz! I’m thrilled to have you in the Author Circle! Writing and publishing are the fun parts for most of us writers—it’s the marketing that takes real learning and effort. Over the coming months, we’ll be focusing on marketing and branding, an area that’s key for all of us. Thanks for sharing this here; it will be valuable for everyone!
Hola Neera, Judith Kipp Norris writing to provide my information. An American citizen living offshore on the beautiful island of Puerto Rico. "Judigail Jabbers Laughter | Life | Love" is my Substack just getting started publication. The outline I'm working on and will write in the November challenge has a working title of "Play Piano Now!" My degree in music, twenty years teaching piano at Mountainview Music Piano Studio and experience of teaching over five hundred all-aged students to play the piano with a strong emphasis on music theory provides the reasons that qualify me to write this book.
Welcome, Judith! It’s wonderful to have you here in the Author Circle. Your background in music and rich experience in piano teaching sounds incredible! With over 500 students and a strong foundation in music theory, Play Piano Now! is bound to be an inspiring and authoritative guide. Your Substack, Judigail Jabbers: Laughter | Life | Love, sounds like a delightful project—I’m excited to see where it takes you. We’re all here to support you on this journey, especially with the November writing challenge. Welcome aboard!
November is my favorite month of the year. November Notables: my birthday on the sixth, Election Day on the second Tuesday, Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday, it's next to December, holding Christmas, everybody's favorite, my book will be published in November, and now Neera's Nanonimo Book-writing Challenge! WOW! Be still, my heart! 2024 will surpass them all!
Dear Neera, Anshul here. Connected with you yesterday on Veronica's webinar. Publication title: Revitalize your Productivity Mojo. https://anshulkumar.substack.com/
I have a presence on Medium and YouTube as well.
Yes, I do aspire to write a book - not yet thought of the topic - would love to share my personal experiences on managing our daily productivity and leading a stress-free life.
Nothing concrete at this time. But, would love to get some advice/ideas/tips.
Welcome onboard Anshul. You can join the NaNoWriMo challenge and explore some of your ideas. The beauty of this challenge is that it focuses purely on quantity, without worrying about quality. If you want to discover the stories or concepts in your head, use this challenge as an opportunity to get them down on paper.
Neera, I have a problem. Notebooks are one of the symptoms. Yesterday I collected all the notebooks on and around my desk. I have five, including Moleskines and similar. I have an idea, I buy a notebook when I’m out on the road, jot down thoughts, and rarely follow up.
Fear of finishing, maybe. I have two long stories, both published serially on Medium, both running out before the end. One on Gallipoli that is kind of sweet.
I start something fresh and let it be after a while. Repeat. And repeat.
Sometimes I finish, if there’s an incentive.
You gave up on the U3A class, why? Pandemic?
Britni
I stopped teaching at U3A because of Covid. Post Covid I started travelling, so time constraints. Regarding your inability to finish your stories, it’s the skill level. Just like you learned to start a story and take it to a certain level you will learn to finish it. There are a few techniques you can use. We can talk about them. Either in a thread or I should write a series of posts on storytelling.
I have a podcast at Sacred Gyre Substack, in fact my Substack contains two podcasts. I have thought about turning a series of episodes on one of them, Butterfly Arose, into a book, and even as I write this coment I am thinking the other one, Sacred Gyre, could become a book or two as well. I am already a published author with two books of poetry, Butterfly A Rose and Signs, and a memoir, Turning Inside Out. I am looking forward to learning from you and from this whole community.
Welcome to the community Emily. Podcast into books is a great idea. I would love to listen to them and see what’s in there. Also we can have a zoom chat to find out what your thoughts are and how you want to go about them.
I would love to find a time for that!
Hi from Texas! I've been a writer for most of my life (at least 40 years) and I love your suggestion to write from the scribbles and notes in our journals.
Only a few days ago I created another Substack publication (unpublished for now) for that reason. My plan is to share my journal entries during one of the most difficult time of my life as a grandparent raising my twin grandsons with multiple special needs.
I'm excited about this new project!
Welcome, Dawn-Renee! It’s wonderful to have you here, and I’m so moved by the purpose behind your new Substack project. Sharing journal entries from such a profound time in your life—raising twin grandsons with special needs—will be a powerful and deeply meaningful endeavor. You’re offering a voice and strength that so many will find relatable and inspiring. I can’t wait to see your journey unfold in this space, and we’re all here to cheer you on! I am sorry, I missed responding to your introduction earlier. I am sorry, I missed responding to your introduction earlier. So glad you’re with us!
Hello from West Michigan. I am a traditional and self published author writing inany genres. I believe I'm at the end of my writing career but I can't seem to let go and quit writing! I believe your site will inspire me to keep going. Looking forward to meeting everyone and participating in the events here. Thank you for the opportunity! BTW, I must admit I thought Sydney was your capitol! ☺️ I try to learn something every day and this filled the bill!
Welcome JQ or should I call you Rose. I just woke up and saw your note. Today I’ll go to your Substack and learn more about you. But in the meantime welcome to my community. I wonder why do you say your w
J Q Rose is my pen name. J is for Janet Q for my maiden name and Rose cause we were in the flower business and Rose is my favorite 🌹
Why do you say you’re at the end of your writing career?
Im tired of marketing.
I meant to add my Substack is JQ's Substack. Not too original but too late to change.
You can change your publication name any time. Even the whole premise. If you need help, let me know.
Hi, I'm Rachel and I finally started again on my passion for writing with my Substack. Your goal of 100 books in a decade is really admirable! I was thinking I might just publish one book by the time the next decade role around for me. Your reasons for publishing is very motivating for me, especially with the thought that there's more books out there that anyone can read in their lifetime, so who would want to read mine?
Welcome to the community of book writers. I am glad you stopped by and took time to introduce yourself. If you keep reading I am hoping to get that book out of you before the year is over.
Books are no big deal, if you don't make them such a big deal. I wasted a whole decade thinking that authors are someone special, to who the gods have been very kind to bless them with the talent to write books. But as soon as I wrote my first book, I shattered my own limiting belief.
Today, after 6 books, my first book is still my bestselling book. It's called 'How To Write And Publish An Ebook In One Week.' Tons of authors have written books on the topic. Authors who know more than me and who are much more established writers than me. Then why people are buying my books. For two reasons - 1) people don't just buy one book on the topic, they buy several 2) I told the story my way. It has my stuggles and my solutions. My unique style of inspiring and making things simpler is what people like about it. And that's why they are reading my book.
I hope this inspires you to start thinking about your book. You first write your book in your mind first than on paper.
Once again welcome to the community.
Thanks for your motivating reply. I'll stick around and see if I can finally write my book! :)
Hi, I'm Lisa. It's great to be here. I'm from the UK but love living in different countries. I'm in Slovenia these days. I love to write and draw about change, culture, creativity and sustainability. My Substack is called The Metamorphosis Map.
I would love to compile my sketches and thoughts into a book. But keep changing my mind about how and what the title could be!
Welcome, Lisa! I would love to live in different countries too, but can't at the moment because my father-in-law, who is 96 lives with us. Are you a digital nomad? It's a life I envy a lot but know it may not be for me. I need my friends and family around me. That's why I travel but come back after a few months.
A book of sketches and thoughts is great idea. Don't worry about title and other things at this stage. Just start compiling what you have at the moment. The theme will appear once you have collected a few. I would say 100 is a good number. Even less will do.
I too have a book in my head which I want to write with sketches. I talkes about it here: https://neera.substack.com/p/a-writers-curse
Thanks, Neera. I would call myself a Citizen of the World rather than a digital nomad. I guess I am an expat without a safety net as my husband and I are both freelance. And a temporary immigrant. There are pros and cons of this lifestyle of course - and missing family and friends is a big one!
I have about 75 sketches and commentaries collected as I publish one a week on LinkedIn. I will read your ideas with interest.
You're on LinkedIn! So am I. I will follow you there. Here is a link to one of my posts for some light reading https://neera.substack.com/p/10-books-every-writer-should-write
I am John. I live in the USA. I retired from corporate work a few years ago. At this time, I only publish on LinkedIn. I love writing stories of my interactions with the many wonderful people from my life.
John, as a Founding Member, you have a 30-minute video call with me to discuss your book project and receive personalised advice. You can take it any time you like. No rush. Just let me know. And thanks a heap for your support. I really appreciate it.
Neera,
Thank you. I will wait until early 2024 to schedule the video call. This provides me with some time to organize my thoughts.
John
Welcome to ‘Everything Is A Book’ community, John. I have been reading your stories and insights on LinkedIn and can see there is a lot more in you waiting to come out. I would suggest save everything you write on LinkedIn (as it will disappear after 12 months or so) and one day you will be able to turn it into a book. Do that please, not just for yourself but for others who can benefit from your insights.
Hello Neera,
My name is Nonye, I live in Lagos, Nigeria. I have been trying to write a book since forever...........all in my head :) .I actually did start but I stopped..... so much going on in my life, all competing for attention.
I used to write a blog....frequently, but again, I have not written for a long time. My life is such that I feel I NEED to write books about........... a single woman, adopted a child who at 5 months was diagnosed with CP. And in my effort to find help and support in a country where none existed, I started the first center to create awareness of the condition CP and provide much needed services for them. It's been a journey. With 6 decades behind me, I was feeling too old to start the journey of book writing, but reading Sally, I am thinking maybe, just maybe.... fingers crossed.... you maybe the prompt and guide I need.
Welcome aboard Nonye! I am so glad you decided to join the clan. You are precisely the kind of writers I started this newsletter for. Someone with a story to tell, starting and stopping and then getting intimidated with the whole process and most importantly not finding time to write. You will find the inspiration as well as information and with weekly homework and daily writing encouragement hopefully we will get 6 decades of wisdom out-of-you, on to the paper.
Hi Neera, I am not actually writing a book but a series of blogs on the travels my husband and I have done over many years. They have been taken from the many journals I have written and sort of edited to fit the profile and try and engage with my reader. Not so sure I am doing it all that well, although when I stopped for awhile I had people asking when I was coming back. Anyway, I figured I couldn’t go wrong if I trusted in you to give me a better idea of what I should be doing to benefit my writing. I am a bit older than you, married, have four children, 8 grandchildren, live in Melbourne, love to paint and write
Welcome aboard young Sally! Age is just a number for us travelers and I am just a few grandchildren short than yours. Blogging is a great idea to write your travel stories. This way, you finish the story and put it up there. And they get read while you write them. I used to run a Life Story Blogging class through Canberra U3A and one on my students (who now lives in Melbourne) started blogging her life stories - 400 blogposts later she is still going strong. You might beat her, since you have traveled so much.