I Do

Over the years, I have had several people tell me I should write a book. They mention my unassuming voice and passion for the craft as reason enough to just do it. The suggestions have increased over the years, and tonight I got a very interesting proposal from a Twitter associate:

I’ve been mulling over starting my own lit agency and I like yr work. If you have a book project in mind, let me know. I am also thinking of getting a group of teacher-writers to contribute to anthology... i used to work for an agent way back when and I have yrs of exp in book publishing...anyway, my own agency is something I've had in mind... I have an agent, myself, but she handles kids/YA. I have many academic publishing connections, and would like to help other writers publish. An anthology could come together well, I think, but there's no money in that, really. Just publishing laurels. Otherwise, think of yr own bk

Whether this offer is legit, or even possible is moot. It has only ever been a dream of mine to write a book let alone make any money form it. I am not so naïve to think that it only takes a bit of luck and a whim to make a living writing. I have always written due to an unsaitable desire to be heard and connect with the small flock of people who may be reading at any given time.

I have, however, always wanted to write a book. My problem has always been that I do not know what this book should be about. This distracted path is the reason why I have spent over two years stalling here at Intrepid Flame. I write out of habit and necessity, but there is very little focus or driving force to my ideas. I think a book can bring a lot of themes together for me. Despite my lack of confidence, people seem to look past the typos, the grammatical embarrassments and attach themselves to the kernel of sincerity that my writing provides. This should be enough. Right?

image by melanieburger

I want to write a book. Whether this woman can get it published or not is irrelevant. I want to spend the next year writing a book. I want to put in the hours. I want to make the commitment. I am ready to sell my pound of flesh. I want to make it happen. I do.

Here is where I need your help. As a regular reader of this blog, friend, family member or co-worker who knows my style, my topics, and my strengths I need you to answer a few questions. In your opinion:

1. What should this book be about?
2. What themes do you see repeated in my prose?
3. What are my strengths?
4. What should I stay away from?

Any ideas will be appreciated. Take a look around. Read some old posts and please leave a comment below.