Thinking

Thanks for the great thoughts on my first book. I haven't had a chance to read more than the first 20 or so, but will tonight. I wanted to clarify a few things, so it helps you come up with ideas. For readers comments, I'd put up posts asking people to post things specifically that they gave permission to be used, along with the way they wanted to be attributed. Trying to get permission in retrospect is a hot mess.

Also, hedra's right that I can't do this right now. I technically have the time (subscribing to the "write your dissertation in 15 minutes a day" theory--I could be writing a book instead of watching that sweet David Cook sing. Yes, I feel like Mrs. Robinson). But until this process is through I just have a big psychic weight on me that's kind of keeping me in first gear.

So I'm not making any moves for a few months. Keep walking through this with me. I'm not expecting a perfect solution, just a workable one.

Comments

[pnuts mama]

what's wrong with "writing your dissertation in 15 minutes a day"???? (puts face in hands and slowly shakes head side to side)- sigh.

i think your instincts are right on, moxie...and good for you for listening to your heart and trusting it. we'll keep walking with you!

[hedra]

Walking it through is a fine fine fine idea, and I'm sure everyone here will be happy to help keep you moving when you feel stuck. Or at least keep you company while you rest and recoup.

Check with a legal resource for the permissions, I think you have to have full name and address plus statement of approval to use content. Emailed statements are permissible, though - I've done that several times. Even though the 'comment here if you want it to be used' thing is a workable start, you still have to cover the other end of it.

[sammy]

Moxie,

I JUST finished a book that I co-authored with another writer. This book also involved getting permission to quote people, and we did do it retroactively--it was antics. Smart idea to obtain permission in advance!

While I can't speak for the New York demographic, I think that the type of book you want to write would do really well where I live in Canada (Greater Toronto Area).

I'd be interested to help out in any way that I can!

[jessica star]

Maybe we could all do a "15 minute a day" project. Nothing like getting things accomplished en masse, right?

[Bella]

Sammy: This is TOO weird. Are you me? I too live in Toronto and JUST finished co-writing a book (with issues around permissions)... Weird. Just weird. Is there a Moxie-friendly mom group you hang around with in the city?

(sorry to hijack thread, just couldn't help responding to this coincidence).

Also, Moxie, the book I am in the process of getting published is one that I asked you for a quote or two about a year ago. I've been waiting for our editor's comments on the manuscript before contacting you with the details, but it's coming soon. I'd be happy to talk / email with you more about the more "traditional" big-house publishing route we took and the pros and cons therein (our book is also a parenting one, so very relevant).

[Sam]

I think that asking your readers to advertise your book on their blogs, their friends' blogs, etc. would go a long way to promoting your book. I know I'd be willing to help.

[caramama]

I think you'll have no objections from people here about walking through it with you! :-)

[nayma]

moxie, i have to admit, i feel a bit hesitant about the book writing. of course, i initially thought it was the world's greatest idea, and still wholeheartedly believe there is a real market out there for what you're proposing. that said, i agree that in writing a book, i think there's a chance you'll have to forfeit this site as you know it. what i mean is that i think once your daily comments go from, say, 50 daily to 250 daily, it will be impossible to read them all, respond to them, have a cohesiveness. that doesn't mean the site won't go on, but it means it will likely be quite different. different does not necessarily mean bad.... it's just not something i'd want to happen to you if you weren't ready for that. and, hell yeah, from a selfish prespective, i wish i could hide this site away from this point forward. it's like that fantastic restaurant you want to tell everyone about, but then feel sad when it's packed every time you go. :). maybe you could do a my space type of thing, where only "friends" could leave comments, etc!
ultimately, i agree that this is a huge undertaking that requires great thought. (as a single mom, i often have huge ideas, but then realize i'd rather save my free time to spend it with my kid). that said, a good friend just signed on with a large publishing house and a very well-regarded agent. if you're ever in the place where you need a contact person, please write me. good luck. honestly, you could poop on a cracker, and we'd all think it was pure magic!! (hope that's not too crass for you).

[sammy]

Bella,

Interesting! I actually live in Stoney Creek, but spend most of my time in Burlington/Oakville due to family and work. No, I don't belong to any mom group unfortunately. Would be nice though!

[Kate]

Moxie, I'm a copy editor, I love your work, I'd be thrilled to help in any way. I do freelance now for a book publishing and magazine co, and by the time you're ready to gear up on your project, I'd have time too to spend to help. (Right now I have a an almost-5-year-old w autism and a 16-mo-old - in a few months, life will be different!).