28 Comments
author

Some people have said I should write a book but I never know what it should be about and I currently lack the patience required. But many people on substack have said they have written books in the form of posts they’ve then cobbled together.

The idea of writing parts of my story in shorter posts rather than one big book appeals to me, not so overwhelming, although I have to go with mood so they won’t be in chronological order. Certainly, writing about things I have personally lived through comes easier to me than attempting someone else’s story. So I guess posts like this, are my ‘baby steps’ to that kind of thing.

It’s therapeutic too. Writing down memories is like allowing yourself to jangle the keys of locked doors, which so long as they’re not too painful is an interesting experience.

Expand full comment

Take no 'advice'.

Listen to nobody'.

Listen to your heart.

The book will come in good time.

You are an incredible writer.

And an amazing lady.

Expand full comment
author

Much appreciated, Mark.

There’s a difference between listening and taking on board everything people say. Some opinions I respect more than others and some suggestions are valuable.

I listen to my own voice louder than the rest, though. I’m no people pleaser. I’m my own worst critic. I know my strengths and weaknesses, where I can improve.

Expand full comment

That's a good idea - we all write several books a year with our social media posts

I'm going for one on #DefeatTheNWO rather a comprehensive + tricky subject! And another on personal development in business + social life. Watch this space, but not like a pot! The first will be a free viral ebook pdf + the other possibly a book or folder of worksheets as I challenge you to sort yourself out (lols Ms Perfect works on herself first) - also @thandust wants a book on How To Write Funny Poetry

Expand full comment
founding

This is a workable method. I wouldn’t have had the patience (or, indeed, the faith in myself) to write a novel, but I started doing episodic chapters purely for the amusement of my colleagues on night shifts (before social media). Their validation and encouragement to know what happened next (even when I had no idea myself) did become enough to weave into a coherent whole eventually.

Expand full comment
author

My life right now - for many years in fact - has been very dull and as soon as my son is of age, I will be buggering off having some well missed and well deserved adventures.

But I do feel that I’m lucky to have lived many lives. Experienced many different things, good and bad and when done without pressure, it’s an enjoyable outlet to relay these stories.

Lots of luck with your endeavours. Are they on substack?

Expand full comment
founding

Nope. I read a lot on Substack but I haven’t seen myself as a writer for years. My novels came from a period of my life where I had more time and less responsibilities. I was starting to enjoy becoming a 280 character warrior on Twitter during the Covid nonsense until they kicked me into permanent exile.

Expand full comment
author

Keep faith, hey? If you enjoy it perhaps it’s something you can re-establish.

Expand full comment
founding

Maybe. Or perhaps I’ll also bugger off and have real adventures instead of fictional ones!

Expand full comment

I wanted this chapter to never end. When I read, I visualise in my head the scene, the sights, smells etc.

Julie, thankyou 👏👏👏⭐️⭐️⭐️💖

Expand full comment
author

Aww thanks Trudi. That means a lot. There’s plenty more of that nature I will write about in due time. My misspent youth eh?😂 x

Expand full comment

I was totally absorbed in that, I want to know what became of the others? 💖

Expand full comment
author

I honestly have no bloody idea!😂 I did see Pete about ten years ago wandering around Haworth which suited his arty sensibilities. He recognised me and we politely said ‘hello’. No idea as to the others, whatsoever.

Expand full comment
founding

You bring the world to life. I can imagine this as a short film by Ken Loach or Shane Meadows.

Expand full comment
author

Yes my teenage years were exactly that. So many characters. So many stark settings.

Expand full comment

I felt like I was there. You made the visualisation easy. Wrote my own story from toddler to final escape at 21 recently. Writing memories down can feel so cathartic.

Expand full comment
author

Do you have a substack, Janette? Maybe that would work for you too. I bet you have some interesting tales to tell.

Expand full comment

I don’t. I’d have to think about sharing, I’ve always internalised it all. The early 70s were an interesting time for sure! 😂

Expand full comment
author

I bet. You could always do an anonymous one “The secret diary of Janette…..”😉😊

Expand full comment

fkn 'ell, Ms Dee.

This is incredible.

Expand full comment

I hadn’t thought of that but I will now. Thank you my friend.

Expand full comment

Read this again.

It's fkn incredible.

Expand full comment

Read this again.

It's fkn incredible.

Expand full comment
Comment deleted
October 9, 2022
Comment deleted
Expand full comment
author

Thanks for the feedback, Viv. Yeah What I’ve done in a couple of things is written 1st person which flows in my head to me if it’s about me, and then gone through and changed to third. I’ll find my way.

You’ll have to get your substack started. Look forward to reading it, mate.

Expand full comment
Comment deleted
October 9, 2022
Comment deleted
Expand full comment
author

Yes, i suppose many of us have similar coming of age memories. Character building

I’m so pleased you are cracking on with all your creative pursuits. This has potential to be a very creative time for you. YOUR time!

Expand full comment
Comment deleted
October 9, 2022
Comment deleted
Expand full comment
author

I seem to remember being disappointed with it. That he didn’t make me look like the goddess I clearly was and that instead

I looked a bit like, y’know….a teenager 😂😂

Expand full comment
Comment deleted
October 9, 2022
Comment deleted
Expand full comment
author

Yes. I would have gone as far away as I could to Uni. Couldn’t wait to move out.

I bet it feels like a big adjustment for you, esp her being the youngest.

Such is life, hey?

I would totally miss the cats 😂😂

I’ve been enjoying getting back into my routine, the gym, Spanish and seeing my friends.

I’m trying to sort out a school for son and have finally found one that fingers crossed, seems a decent fit. The next stage is to fight for it which I’ll have to do as it’s independent and the council won’t want to pay for it. You know I’m always up for a fight though. I will give it my best shot 🔥💪🏼

Expand full comment
Comment deleted
October 9, 2022
Comment deleted
Expand full comment
author

I was wondering that yesterday as I wrote this. I wonder if it’s in my attic somewhere folded up.

If I have, I haven’t seen it in years.

Expand full comment