Could you write a non-fiction book?
Could you write a non-fiction book?
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Discussion

singlecoil

Original Poster:

35,792 posts

270 months

Sunday 7th March 2010
quotequote all
I used to make and fit kitchens, and while doing so I came up with a way in which an enthusiastic amateur could make and fit their own, and did think about writing a book about it (you might have seen the Haynes books on how to make your own sportscars etc). Problem is that in order to do so I would need to do at least one kitchen so I could take publishing-suitable pictures, and I no longer have the time or the inclination.

I do think about it from time to time, though, and I thought about it this evening and I then wondered if there were people here who could also write books on their own specialist subjects, and if so, what those subjects might be.


Stands back and waits to here from a number of would-be sex-manual writers smile


But seriously though, could you? and if so, about what?

nipperS2K

84 posts

206 months

Sunday 7th March 2010
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Definitely, one on how to survive the highs and lows of unemployment in this economic climate, including rejection.

williamp

20,132 posts

297 months

Sunday 7th March 2010
quotequote all
Already done it!

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Aston-Martin-v-Crowood-Aut...


PM me if you want some advice

Pesty

42,655 posts

280 months

Sunday 7th March 2010
quotequote all
I couldn't because too stupid and not good with words and stuff innit.

However if I were to write a non fiction book it would be the story of my grandmother. remarkable woman who had a horrible story but interesting. Her life would probably make a good film.

singlecoil

Original Poster:

35,792 posts

270 months

Sunday 7th March 2010
quotequote all
williamp said:
Already done it!

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Aston-Martin-v-Crowood-Aut...


PM me if you want some advice
Excellent. Now if you had written a book about the DBS 6 I would definitely have bought it (I love the one in OHMSS)

Famous Graham

26,553 posts

249 months

Sunday 7th March 2010
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Yup - ITIL. If you don't know what that is, you really don't want to know, it's far too boring.

paul.deitch

2,290 posts

281 months

Sunday 7th March 2010
quotequote all
Thought about it since I started doing family history research, as several people have suggested I should. Found a few black sheep and been told a few juicy stories. Some of the family history is fascinating and I wish I had started it 20 years ago when a lot more of the older generation were still alive to tell their stories.

Simpo Two

91,583 posts

289 months

Sunday 7th March 2010
quotequote all
I'd find non-fiction (ie reality) much easier to write than some imaginary story about imaginary people doing imaginary things (fiction).

In fact they should be called Fact and Fiction, or Factual and Non-Factual. I see little point in reading fiction - how are you ever going to learn anything?

Lord of the Rings - trolls in a forest - bah.

ShadownINja

79,507 posts

306 months

Sunday 7th March 2010
quotequote all
How to win £1k for 1 minute's work playing trading competitions. With example.

ShadownINja

79,507 posts

306 months

Sunday 7th March 2010
quotequote all
Simpo Two said:
I'd find non-fiction (ie reality) much easier to write than some imaginary story about imaginary people doing imaginary things (fiction).

In fact they should be called Fact and Fiction, or Factual and Non-Factual. I see little point in reading fiction - how are you ever going to learn anything?

Lord of the Rings - trolls in a forest - bah.
Simpo Two - troll in a forum. thumbup

I know what you mean. I read 15 non-fiction books for every fiction book (or possibly more non-fiction books).

Shay HTFC

3,588 posts

213 months

Sunday 7th March 2010
quotequote all
Simpo Two said:
I'd find non-fiction (ie reality) much easier to write than some imaginary story about imaginary people doing imaginary things (fiction).

In fact they should be called Fact and Fiction, or Factual and Non-Factual. I see little point in reading fiction - how are you ever going to learn anything?

Lord of the Rings - trolls in a forest - bah.
Please make your way to the autism thread hehe

Nolar Dog

8,786 posts

219 months

Sunday 7th March 2010
quotequote all
Yes, currently writing my autobiography. How I went from a top mechanic to a model and businesswoman.

Title will be "Matt to Gloss".
I have about 250 pages written so far.

ShadownINja

79,507 posts

306 months

Sunday 7th March 2010
quotequote all
Nolar Dog said:
Yes, currently writing my autobiography. How I went from a top mechanic to a model and businesswoman.

Title will be "Matt to Gloss".
I have about 250 pages written so far.
Great title. biggrin

Nolar Dog

8,786 posts

219 months

Sunday 7th March 2010
quotequote all
Thank you. smile

trooperiziz

9,457 posts

276 months

Sunday 7th March 2010
quotequote all
Nolar Dog said:
Yes, currently writing my autobiography. How I went from a top mechanic to a model and businesswoman.

Title will be "Matt to Gloss".
I have about 250 pages written so far.
Gosh, Nolar is writing a book about herself, how surprising... wink

parapaul

2,828 posts

222 months

Monday 8th March 2010
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Nolar Dog said:
Yes, currently writing my autobiography. How I went from a top mechanic to a model and businesswoman.

Title will be "Matt to Gloss".
I have about 250 pages written so far.
Do you know... From the posts of yours I've read on here, and the details you've already shared, that would be a book I'd really want to read.

Good luck smile

branflakes

2,039 posts

262 months

Monday 8th March 2010
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I'm currently writing (and testing, which is taking most of the time) an idiot's guide to profitable low stakes poker that basically tells you exactly what hands to play and what positions to play them in, although it's more likely to be a booklet than a book - I reckon with plenty of screenshots and padding I might be able to get 30 pages out of it.

Edited by branflakes on Monday 8th March 06:38

ShadownINja

79,507 posts

306 months

Monday 8th March 2010
quotequote all
branflakes said:
I'm currently writing (and testing, which is taking most of the time) an idiot's guide to profitable low stakes poker that basically tells you exactly what hands to play and what positions to play them in, although it's more likely to be a booklet than a book - I reckon with plenty of screenshots and padding I might be able to get 30 pages out of it.

Edited by branflakes on Monday 8th March 06:38
You could pad it out further by making it a complete newbie guide (eg define a hand, explain what river means, explain how your position in relation to the button is important), which is what many trading booklets do for which people charge hundreds...

Mazda Baiter

37,069 posts

212 months

Monday 8th March 2010
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OP, if you want to fit a kitchen, you can fit me a new one. I'm more than happy for you to take pictures of it. My fee for this service would probably be exactly the same as your fee for fitting the kitchen. wink

andy_s

19,818 posts

283 months

Monday 8th March 2010
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Lulu or Blurb or any other print on demand service has made the process of seeing your works in print easier I'd imagine.