Please don't assume that I came to this decision lightly. It's still just an idea, but ideas can become thoughts, and thoughts become actions, and actions turn into realities. Now I don't need any praise or compliments (or censure for that matter) on my writing skills (isn't that what editors are for anyway? Marie? Katie?). I just wondered if any of you, yourselves, have ever considered writing a novel, short-story, autobiography, children's book, etc.? Don't be shy! Speak up. I have overheard several of my friends mention this fact to me in passing: Eric, Kiersten and Emily all come to mind. My dad is currently working on a book right now with his father. My mother was writing some young adult fiction several years ago, which she never had published. (Still on the back-burner, mom?) If you wrote a book, what would it be about? Would it be dramatic, or comedic? Would it be autobiographical? Would you write a feel-good story, or a thriller?
My darling husband has encouraged me several times to write, to which I always pooh-pooh him and say, "I have my blogs. I have my journal. What more do I need?" But lately, I've been feeling a little...constricted. I feel trapped and confined to the same mediocre blog entries; and let's face it, there is only so much you can do with a journal. I've tried scrapbooking, which yields some artistic results, but it isn't quite the same thing. I have already made several attempts at literature, but I keep going back to the idea of romance novels. It's more my speed, something I know I could be good at, but I worry it is a waste of time and talent. And lastly, if I were to write a romance novel, do you think I could be ex-communicated? (Yes, I am talking about a trashy romance novel. See Cupcake Chowder for details).
*Sigh* The conundrums of being me. So for now, I just putter away at the keyboard, my thesaurus in one hand, and a cup of something cold in the other, and I wonder? How did Jane Austen ever manage without a computer?
15 comments:
If it is on your mind to write a novel, you better let that little voice have its way. Otherwise, I darewsay you will go mad. I have started a young adult novel and am about 60,000 words into it. Time? Yes. Writer's block. Constantly. Errors? Oh my. But it's a great outlet and I feel like there's a world unfolding in my head. You should give it a try. Writing is one of your many fortes. :)
YES...Yes...Yes!!
For sure you should write! I have always told you that!! I think once you start, you won't want to finish! You'll write more and more!!
We had Deseret Book authors come to an Enrichment of ours not long ago, and I was surprised to see that most of them were young, with young children. They said they spend like 1/2 hr at the computer, and then think about it all day, and then spend another 1/2 hr later in the night etc... I know you could do it!!
If I had any sort of writing skills, I would have done some childrens books on Jacob Hamblins adventure stories. It hasn't been done, and he has sooo many neat stories, and descendants, it's a sure money maker. How would that be to read your kids bedtime stories that Grandpa used to tell from a book? Oh, I only wish I could write!!
Go for it girl!!!
You definitely should. Everyone needs a creative outlet (mine are cooking, music, scrapbooking/making cards, blogging/journaling).
I used to think I wanted to be an author. When I was little, I made up all sorts of situations and characters and scenes. However, I was never able to make them cohere into stories . . . I started focusing on nonfiction and found that my strengths mostly lie in organization and analysis (hence my ability to edit much better than I write).
I've toyed with the idea of writing some of my family stories, just for other members of the family, and I think I might be able to do a decent job at a children's book. But I don't think I could do a novel . . . I always find myself amazed at the fact that authors can put together storylines or be insightful about other people because I'm just not.
But you have such a way with words and a love of language that even if no one else ever saw it, it would be a great experience.
Yup, do it, I've told you all along you (and your sisters all) have a talent for writing. And the "trash" level is certainly adjustable! Keep it at a nice PG-13 level, or else write under a pseudonym! ;^)
STRONG FEMALE PROTAGONIST PLEEZ!
Megan, I say go for it!! Write whatever you want and get it all out on paper, then you can decide what you want to do with it. And honestly, what could be more fun to write than romance novels? :)
I've been thinking about writing a lot too. Lately, I've been addicted to the radio show "This American Life" and I want to write a short something about my miscarriages and the feelings that go along with trying and failing to get pregnant.Anyway, that's the thought I've been kicking around. I also have a children's book idea that Tim keeps saying I should write.
My question for you is what is stopping us?
It's so funny because I have never had any desire to write a book. I just don't have the talent for writing, and will leave it up to you to write me something good! You know I have told you for years to write a book! Just do it!
p.s. The kid barn only let kids 2 and up play on the stuff so that is why Peter didn't get an invite. we just let Preston sit on the bottom of the slide(illegally)and he loved it!:)
Please write...I'm WAITING...I love the way you work my thoughts around in my head when I read your stuff...your Dad's writing does the same thing. Anyone who can keep me reading contigously without my own dear thoughts interupting incessantly should WRITE. Do it for ME.
Actually, I've often thought a book should be written entitled ITS ALL ABOUT ME and then just let the author randomly intersperse the WHY's and HOW come's of what they had put on the page.
I have to admit when I get serious self analysis going that ultimately it is ALL ABOUT ME.
May everyone forgive me.
WRITE MEGAN.
It is amazing to me that I can read my wife's email to a writer who she thoroughly enjoys, and I can't help but think that I was more engaged by her words than the professional writer's. Megan has such a way with words. I am instantly wherever she is as I read. I have been telling her to do this for years. It is good to get some backup.
I have multiple projects started up but never finished on my puter. Many business ideas and books. My cousin is actually an amazing artist(see her myspace page under my friends:shauna) and has started to write and illustrate a children's book. My Mom and I have a few ideas brewing and starting on a childrens series. When moving here with stephanie and kevin(who both have their own business's started) it really got my wheels turning. Also, when reading the brief rough draft of chapter 1 of steph meyer's new book(from edwards point of view) it really got me thinking....all I have to do is start typing on my puter....and also to write down my dreams...they could be a novel all in their own! I plan on really going full speed with my ideas when dan is deployed.
I say DO IT MEG! It's funny you write this...before going to your blog I just was thinking about how talented you are...artistic..creative....educated....I think you would really excel at it! Follow your dreams...make them realities....you can do it...it just takes the start of typing.....DO IT!
I would love to read your book, so hurry up and start writing. You would be fabulous!!
Megan, Megan.
You and I both know that you already have the trashy romance novel written (atleast in your head.) And you have plenty of other great ideas ready to explode out of those fingertips! I have never really wanted to write a book, but I always thought it would be fun to illustrate one!
Yes you should write.
To answer your question on what I would write, I've been writing a novel for about five years now. It's a kind of romantic/comedy/drama/Elvis book that only I could write.
I also have been working on a book of short stories that have been in my head for some time. One of them is a dark story about the corruption in Hollywood. Another is a sad story about a child dying and yet another is about the ultimate battle between good & evil.
Whether any of them will ever be published is not the point. The thing is, I want something my kids can have and tell their kids, "Your grandpa wrote this book."
The point is, if you feel like you need to write, then you better sit down and start writing.
But be warned, once you start, it'll drive you mad until it's finished.
Yep, five years of madness for me.
Em: I can't wait to read your book! Thanks for the encouragement on those not-so-good-writing-days. I don't know why, but I just figured books magically appear completed in your head? Silly me!
Ann: It was interesting to hear how those young authors divide their time between writing and family. A book actually seems do-able after all. So, when am I going to see a rough draft of "The Many Adventures of Jacob Hamblin"?
Marie: I think you would make a great author...you don't give yourself enough credit. You have a brilliant mind, with so many great thoughts and ideas. Now, if you could only find the time...
Dad: I think PG-13 is do-able. Thanks for the encouragement. I love you. P.S. Any ideas for a pseudonym?
Katie: Yes, what exactly is stopping us? For my part: fear, failure, writer's block, and mediocrity all spring to mind! I love reading everything on your blog, so I have a feeling I would love a short story or a novel from the delightful Mrs. Richey. Go for it!
Heather: Your vast array of talents lie in many different areas. You are what I would call a "literary appreciator". Of course, I think I am too. Thanks again for introducing me to "Twilight." Muuaaaah!!!
Natalie: It's funny that all of those things you said about me, are pretty much how I feel about YOU. I feel so blessed to have such great role-models in my life. Women of character, intelligence and beauty that I can shape myself after. I will never stop singing your praises! Love you!
Honey: We'll chat later...
Leah: Thanks for the encouragement. I definitely think one of the things that is on your side right now will be time. You have endless possibilities ahead of you with Dan deploying. Don't waste it! P.S. Have fun finishing up the "Twilight" series! We need to have a discussion soon...
Mel: You're the best. Thanks a million!
Kelly: Thanks for the chat at dinner the other night. I feel so blessed to have family who is so supportive of me in whatever I choose to do. You are the one who really got me thinking about all of this book-writing in the first place. Now I just need to get the ball rolling. If I ever do write a book you HAVE to be my illustrator! I love you sis.
Tayster: I cannot wait to read this romantic-comedy-dramatic-Elvis book. You are hilarious! Thanks for the encouragement and good luck with your own literary endeavors!
Thank you everyone for your comments and support. Love, Meg.
I think your pseudonym should be "Amanda Kiss".
(Stolen directly from "The Simpsons")
Don't settle for trashy romantic (unless that's what you love, of course). I think you're good enough to write anything you want. Go for it!
(P.S. I've always wanted to write the next great American novel...)
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