Monday, May 7, 2012

Musing Monday...The Secret Life of Caite

Another week is under way...so let's head over to see what  Miz B at  Should Be Reading is asking...

This week’s musing asks…
If you were going to write a book, what would you write about? Would it be fiction, or nonfiction?

I think every avid reader has thought, at one time or another, that it would be great to write a book. Can't you just see yourself with a book at the top of the NY Times best seller list...Can't you see yourself being interviewed by Oprah (yes, I know she is off the air)...Can't you see people stopping you on the street telling you how they loved your book..they laughed, they cried, it changed their life...Can't you see yourself, with your agent, as the bidders fight over how much they will offer for the movie rights?

But then reality intrudes.
Non-fiction is not really an option.
I know a little bit about a great many topics. My knowledge is very wide and very shallow. Maybe enough to right a nice little pamphlet.But not a book unless I did a great deal of research and work. But where is the fun in that?

The thing I probably know the most about, natural gas, clean, plentiful natural gas, the industry I have spent the last 25+ years in..well, I actually don't know that much ever about even that. And what I do know would make one incredibly boring book. A past president of our company actually wrote a book about the history of our company. Every employee was given a copy when they were hired and I am sure many even read it. But I never got my copy..so I have not. I bet it is a page turner!

So it would have to be fiction.
They say, "Write what you know". Again, here is the problem. What life lessons have I learned in my half century that I am just bursting to share? Hmmmmm.....Can I get back to you on that?
And then there is another problem. Say you write this book and there it is, out there. And of course, all you friends and family and everyone who went to high school with you reads it..well, the ones who can read. Especially if you give then a free copy. Now they are wondering, how much of this book is based on real things in your life. Did she really steal that money from the PTA? Wow, that character is a lot like Cousin Joe..do you think he really has another family in St. Louis? He is out of town on "business" a lot?

I think writing these Musing Monday posts are revealing enough.
I'm not sure I want you all knowing more about me and my secret, fascinating hidden life.
But I do love to travel and a world wide book tour would be great fun!


18 comments:

  1. Nicely said! Oh and I LOVE your beautiful light houses!
    here is mine
    Musing Mondays

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  2. your answer reminds me of the short-lived (but good) TV show "october road". the guy wrote a novel about his hometown and when he came back everyone was mad about how he portrayed them!

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  3. I would always support you Caite, but I'm not sure how excited I could get about natural gas, unless there was a worldwide crisis that plunged us into Armageddon or something. On the fiction side, I would love to see a story about the secret life of your animals.

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    1. I appreciate it Sandy, but really, natural gas is the the stuff of great stories.

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  4. You could always do a coffee table book on lighthouses ...

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    1. see, I have no imagination! that is actually a good idea.of course I will have to quit to do the research..like travel!! woo hoo!!

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  5. Yes, writing what we know can lead to uncomfortable questions from friends and those who knew us when!

    Here's MY MUSING MONDAYS POST

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  6. Yeah I completely agree, it would be hard to write but these meme's are great for letting out some creativity. Or at least opinions. Here's my Musing

    If you hae a chance stop by my Giveaway

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  7. While writing is fun, reading is more fun so that is what I do. Thanks for visiting

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  8. Your answer made me laugh. I love the part about "if they can read". I always wonder how much of real life situations authors use in their stories. When I write I usually base characters on my people I know, but give them completely different names to be stealth. Here's My MM Post

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  9. I suspect your family "who can read" might take umbrage with this post! : )
    I could see a travel/photography book in your future actually.

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    1. well, the ones who can read should be happy..and the ones who can't won't know.

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  10. I especially like the end of your answer--a world-wide book tour would be awesome!

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  11. I think I'd do a coloring book! bwahahahaha!

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  12. I'd use a pen name, and only tell friends and family I know will understand!

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  13. Interesting Meme, I will check it out. Getting a headstart this week. :-)
    Blogger Broadcast WW LINKY Looking for a blog challenge? Post your questions on Thursday Two Questions Meme, linky is up until Saturday AM. Click the link for more details TTQ Details.

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  14. I think Jenners is on to something a travel book with lots of photos would be perfect for you to write.

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