Monday, December 28, 2009

Killing time

So there is still no end in sight for this layoff, and not a company in the trade hiring. There is little to do at home other than household stuff, so I sit and read a lot, online and in books. Many I have read over and over, which I enjoy doing, but none I have found ever seem to totally fit us, or what we do on this scale. This got me to thinking.
I like to write. I like writing in this blog. I like writing in online forums. So, I figured out what to do with my time. I started writing a book. It will be a story of what we have done here at home on our one acre. It shouldn't be hard, afterall, I have 10 years of home resarch and all my blog posts to fall back on. I just finally thought, no one that i have seen has written anything from their perspective on a "suburban homestead", so it might as well be me.
I'm only in the first chapter, and let me tell ya, it's harder than I thought. Writing things out and forming them to FILL a chapter is difficult. It can't be just-we bought the house, we put in a garden, the garden got bigger, we got some chickens....I need to write out every last detail, discussion, decesion, and outcome. I'm slowly getting the hang of it, but I keep wanting to write in blog form, short and sweet. I'm hoping by the end of the week to get at least this first chapter done.
I haven't looked for a publisher or anything yet. I want to make sure I can do this first and have someone proof read it before I approach anyone. I really don't have any doubts about it's ability to sell, I'm more worried about it looking like it was written in 3 days. I'll post more as it starts to fall together.
I did manage to come up with a title today, somehow while I was doing dishes and listening to Survival Podcast. 'Less to mow-more to eat. The story of a suburban homestead' Let me know what you think of the name, and if you have any other suggestions!

9 comments:

mmpaints said...

Hey Chris! I'd give some material for the book but then, what would I publish? LOL Hang in there with the work, same for us here and it sure is making me nuts. Spring is right around the corner tho, sunny days ahead.....

Anonymous said...

That's a good idea. I like the name. Oh boy, I'd have no idea on how to write a book. Guess the first thing would be an Outline and then divide things into chapters and fill in the middle!! lol. Good luck with your writings!!...debbie

small farm girl said...

Looks like you are embarking on an adventure. I think you can do it. Keep us up to date on how things go.
sfg

Guntard said...

Sounds like a plan. Don't forget to outline... I've been trying to do that for a couple of my stories and sometimes it actually helps! The other idea is that you should look for a grant pertaining to the subject you want to write on--believe it or not there are people out there who will pay you to write your book. Most of them are not much, a few thousand dollars, but every bit will help. You'll need an outline, a couple chapters and a really good pitch.

God luck.

Storm said...

You are probably already familiar with these guys, but if not you may want to check out: http://www.pathtofreedom.com/
They are doing the suburban homesteading, and making quite an impact at the same time.

Anonymous said...

Actually there is a great book you can get at the library called "The Backyard Homestead" by Carleen Madigan which shows you how to really utilize your property if its one-tenth of an acre, a quarter or half an acre. There is alot of great info on vegetables, herbs, chickens, goats, cows, bees and how to info. Theres even a section on candling eggs to make sure they are fresh that might have helped your neighbor save some of his eggs you found. Please check it out.

Barb said...

I really like the name! Sometimes publishers like to come up with a name though (something to keep in mind). We have thought of writing a book too someday. There are a lot of people looking for such a book especially in these times. Look into self-publishing too. I guess it's not that hard. Happy New Year. Here's to a better one!
Barb

The Unusual Farmchick said...

Thats Fantastic Chris! And kinda funny you speak of writing a book on that subject. I am doing a series starting next month on Suburban self sufficiency.May sound odd but I plan to scope out some empty houses on smaller lots to snap pics and fool with in editing to show what can be done.
There are so many sites out there offering help on writing books (there is a blog by a publisher who gives help on the do' and don't but of course I no longer have it bookmarked).
How was the day with your buddy? Did you get anything?
Coffee clutch next week!

Angie said...

I think writing a book is a great idea! That is something I have thought about doing many, many times as I really do love to write. Just seems that life gets in my way of doing it!
Before we know it, your book will be sitting on our reference shelves right next to the Nearing's books!
BTW, the title sounds great!

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