Writing a book about myself

by Manjinder Chatha
21st December 2014

Hi Folks

I am thinking of getting someone (ghost writer) to write a book about myself. I am just an ordinary guy - not famous in any way, but I just want to write my experiences and difficulties that I had growing up. My parents are both immigrants and came to England in the 1960s. I had a very restrictive and harsh upbringing, got bullied at school etc. I hated my childhood.

Do you think it would be a good idea to write my experiences? I will of course change all names and places. The book would be ideally intended for readers whose parents were immigrants or who had a sad/difficult childhood. How would I know that my book will sell or do you think I would be wasting my time?

Thanks in advance for your responses.

Replies

Hi Majinder,

What's the main purpose of this entreprise of writing ?

First you're talking about a ghost writer, so I guess it's not the writing itself, and then your question is willl it sell or not and, on this specific point, I think that it never should be like that : writing is an urge, you have to feel the necessity of telling your story, not depending on how successful it will be !

If it's the case, it will never be a waste of time, at lesat for you (catharsis) !

Now, if it's just a matter of selling books (and nothing else), then you should rethink that...

Anyway, it's up to you !

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Mehdi Kasbel
24/12/2014

My honest opinion is writing is NEVER a waste of time. as to whether or not the reading public will buy it who knows? A lot of people write about themselves autobiographies, your story maybe something that hasn't been said before. If you don't do it you will never know, and you might just be depriving readers of something interesting.

As an after thought, I discussed much the same idea with my mother not long before she died. Her words of wisdom to me were, and here I quote... "I don't think it a very good idea Paul, everyone you will mention is still very much alive, and so are some of your ex's fathers who may not want to be reminded of you!" I left that idea. your story might be less guilt ridden though.

write it.... Regards and good luck. Paul G

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22/12/2014