I'm thinking of writing a book....

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Lawgirl
Lawgirl Member Posts: 23

so today on the radiation table an idea hit me- with some help from the three female radiologists in the room- about what not to say to a woman with breast cancer. Yes I know there is a book about what to say or not to people with cancer, but what generated this idea was that I was telling a humorous story about someone who put their foot in their mouth without even realizing it-- then radiotherapist one by one each told their own funny ( and not so funny experiences)... Then started telling me I should write a book about it. since breast cancer is so very misunderstood in it's infinite varieties. And it sparked an idea.... why me I'm not sure, lol but I'm looking for something to do to keep my mind occupied and I thought I'd ask the lovely sisters on this board their thoughts. Would anyone even read it? can I make it humorous and not preachy? Sensitive, but without losing the sense of funloving sarcasm? Or should I just pass on my idea as an ill-conceived flash of chemo brain

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  • barbe1958
    barbe1958 Member Posts: 19,757
    edited August 2011

    Be very, very careful that you don't take anyone's "lines" from bco here!!! There are an awful lot of threads here that have our comments on them - with the dates we posted them which would predate your book. You would have to get permission to copy.

    Some of the threads here have your ideas already in them....

  • Lawgirl
    Lawgirl Member Posts: 23
    edited August 2011

    oh absolutely not! Im a lawyer myself and wouldn't go that route of taking ideas from sisters facing the same journey which is difficult enough having things taken from us, let alone the idea of words taken too. however, I might eventually ask for stories/submissions ( complete with the usual credits and permissions, changes of name if requested) the same way ill be taking input from my Drs/ therapists:p. just looking for a way to put my mind to use since practicing isn't an option at the moment. I haven't thought too far ahead yet on how exactly I'll approach it, if i even do so, im jjust musing out loud:p

  • barbe1958
    barbe1958 Member Posts: 19,757
    edited August 2011

    Submissions are a great idea. You can get approval from the mods to do a post asking for them.

  • dogeyed
    dogeyed Member Posts: 884
    edited August 2011

    LAWGIRL, I am a writer, too, and I always think if someone wants to write a book, by golly go and write it!  I understand books take on their own life, go where they will, and so could be it'll encompass even more than you may have imagined.  Then again, a focused smallish book about the funny side of cancer, the nutsy things people will say (foot in mouth disease), it would help women who are going thru cancer and need amusement, and would tip off friends and relatives what might sound ridiculous and thus help them too.

    I am to write a book of short stories and keep putting it off.  I used to work as writer and editor on newspapers and with graphics companies, loved it, altho it was hard work sometimes.  Also wandered over into dogs, wanted to be a groomer for a while there.  My disability from a car accident where my busted-up back got worse as I got older, well, that ended work, and I had always thought when I quit working, I'd do the book of short stories.  Problem is, I'm both physically AND mentally challenged by my disability, so it is hard for me to write as well as I used to.  But I KNOW if I have these ten stories to do, I MUST do them.  This is why I say go ahead and write if you dream to, especially since you CAN. 

    I have all ten stories mostly worked out in my head, some I've really gone deep into with character studies, rough drafts of parts of stories, one completed but needs a rewrite, research on two of the stories, so it's READY to go.  But first disability, then cancer, so I have to wait, but I worry I will set it aside too long and never do it.  Reminds me, one more thing, on TV they did a too-long documentary on the making of "Dances With Wolves," and the genesis of the thing was a good friend to Kevin Costner took a liking to Native American stories, so Costner told him to write a book.  He wrote two, spent a year on "Dances," and eventually a screenplay was worked out and bingo came the award-winning movie.  So, again, if you wanna get into it and tell people some stuff, the cliche holds true, JUST DO IT, and I wish you the best in your endeavor.  And your editor will make sure your book is perfectly legal (just don't use James Frey's editor ("Million Little Pieces").  Fellow sister, GG 

  • Lawgirl
    Lawgirl Member Posts: 23
    edited August 2011

    Dogeyed:) thanks for your story:) with regard to your book- have you thought of using dragon's naturally speaking program- it gets the thoughts from head to paper- mind you training the voice recognition can be fun:p it's actually how I get letters and things written nowadays so much easier with fingertip neuropathy to just speak and/or use touchscreens.

  • dogeyed
    dogeyed Member Posts: 884
    edited August 2011

    Cool.  When I finally get a netbook thing, i'll see about getting it as an app.  You take care, girl.  GG

  • BeckySharp
    BeckySharp Member Posts: 935
    edited August 2011

    Lawgirl--Go for it.  Writing is good for the soul even if no one else reads it.  I have many writings that no one else has seen.  But I would certainly read yours as  it would be relevant to me!  Becky

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