I have many questions, yet few answers

[FMD]

First off, Id like to say that I am a young, smart person. After going thruogh not one, but two, of the most difficult times in my life I feel confident that I can achieve just about anything.

Anyways, I am just 'ending' the most stressful down right heart wrenching, hateful yet supremely stressful situations ever. I have been told the divorce doesnt hold a candle to what I have been thruogh the passed 16years of my life.

So, I have been kicking the idea around, about writing a book, about my experience. My experience with my emotions, the legal system in the US (civil) hospice, EMS, police, courts... the works. I was sort of going at it like a fact based story? its not really a story it actually happened. Its also, at this time not over, but almost.

People that 'know' first can not even begin to understand HOW this could happen, and B, cant believe I havent off'd myself/ am still sane after the poop storm I have endured.


So, as a bit of my own 'revenge' I geuss? I dont want it to come acrossed as that, More or less tell the world about my story for anyone who cares to listen... I have learned alot, and found out many myths, and would like to set the record straight sort of speak.

I dont know what you would call that kind of book?

Also, I have absolutely ZERO writing experience. Hell I dont even have a journal, but I have ALOT to say...

right now, though I am in the 'get the thoughts down on paper' mode and I realise that this piece will be YEARS in the making. I understand that as I am in no rush.

but, how does one 'start'? Persoanlly I have always thought starting at the begining to be best but how to start that begining? and also, what do you call a book like mine? Its not fiction. basically i explain my story, my feelings while going thruogh my traumatic events and for conclusion explane how things ended and yadda yadda.

Also, at oje point should I copyright my work?

And what about naming names? like individuals, both positive and negatives - all factual.

is this sort of thing common?

[C.bronco]

If you are passionate about it, learn all that you can about the craft of writing.

BTW, "poop storm" is very clever!

Read a bit of Uncle Jim's thread on writing, and buy Strunk and White's The Elements of Style, under 10 bucks at any bookstore.

[FMD]

Well I have been told, by more than one person that I really do 'think outside the box' (Supreme court Judge)

[scully931]

I think your first order of business is to just start writing. Start anywhere. At the beginning of the 'story', present day looking back, a particularly overwhelming event - it doesn't really matter at this point because if you decide you really want to take the time to write down everything, you will go through countless rewrites.

Don't worry right now about what to call it or what names to use. Just start writing. Come back in six months and you'll probably find you have fifty more, different, questions.

Meanwhile, look around - you'll find some great advice on here.

Good luck! :)

[Red_Dahlia]

What you're talking about sounds like a memoir to me. :)

[scope]

After all you've just been through, it sounds like you need a break before starting anything of a serious nature. It sounds like your desire (idea) to write some sort of book and explain what you've been through stems from your experiences, not necessarily because a book is needed in the marketplace that deals with this subject. I have no idea whether or not it is needed, but should you pursue the mater it's one of many things you have to look into.

I don't think you should even think of taking this on for at least 6 months. During that time you can put things in perspective, look at books on the subject in stores and libraries, begin to read the many things you must do as a writer, make notes of your personal experiences for possible use in your book, start to learn the craft of writing - the publishing industry - and the business side of the industry, and oh so much more.

That may be a beginning, and after reading the stickys here and relavent posts, post again with what may an entirely different set of questions.

[dpaterso]

Welcome to the board.

I'm going to move this thread to Bio, Autobio, and Memoir (http://absolutewrite.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=42) forum, where you might find like-minded writers who can offer their experience. If you find this is a wrong fit, then just shout and we'll find a more suitable forum.

We also have a Memoir/Autobiography SYW (http://absolutewrite.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=163) sub-forum in our Share Your Work critique area (password = vista) if you're looking for feedback on your writing.

Right at the top of the forums list on our main page you'll see Newbie Forum (http://absolutewrite.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=27), should you feel inclined to introduce yourself and say hi to everyone.

-Derek

[jerrywaxler]

Hi FMD,

Yes, the only way any of us get to be writers is to write. This story sounds complex and traumatic, and a huge part of who you are. So by writing it, you will gain two benefits. You'll learn one of the coolest and most useful life skills anywhere - the ability to write your thoughts in a way that other people can understand. And at the same time, you will make more sense of this confusing and mind-altering set of circumstances you have experienced.

Keep in touch and good luck with your writing.

Jerry