[chileno]

Hello everyone,

I am in the process of putting together an autobiography. Although, I am a young person (36), I have some experiences that I would like to share before I am too old to remember them. I am curious to know if there is such a thing as a "my first 35 years" type book or if such a thing would be advisable. I have spent a long time living in the US and now have moved back to my home country and wish to spend time writing away all those things I have seen and experienced.
I am also curious to know what resources are available to a first time writer. I have been considering doing this for a few years. Each year that passes, I feel it is more logical for me to take the time to write this stuff down.
Thanks for taking the time to read this. Any responses or emails will be appreciated.

El Chileno.

[Sword]

Hi, congratulations on wanting to get started on a project. I do not know of a book off hand that is about writing an autobiography. I do now that it is usually best to start with thinking what kind of format you would like to use. For instance you can tell it like a story with people using dialogue, as you remember it. Another way is to tell it from the outside looking in. It may or may not be chronilogical, if it is in snapshots, thay can be grouped into subjects, etc.
I have a book coming out that is on this forum under 'A new book'. The publisher that I used is Rosedog Books, they and their parent company Dorrance do something called subsidized publishing. You pay a portion of the printing costs and then get a percentage. I have found them to be very professional about my project. My project was a basic package because I did not need such things as proof-reading or editing services. My total was $2,400.
Good luck on getting your baby started.
Talk later,
Angel Eliza (Sword)
_________________
I have published a book that Affirms that God Loves GLBT. Get a free Reconciler Gospel of Thomas.The pot of Gold was the last verse 114.
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[chileno]

Hi:

Thanks for writing a reply.
I will consider your advice. I am now in a work assignment in southern Chile. A beautiful place indeed.

Thanks.

El Chileno

[Robert Mc]

I am now seventy-seven+ years old. Down through the years, I have always yearned to write an autobiographical kind of a book. A book which reveals all my dirty secrets and sets me free and gives something of value to my readers. Often friends will urge me to write a book. My entire career has been in writing in advertising and public relations.

Today, I frequently get political and gay letters in Readers' Viewpoint in THE SAN JUAN (PUERTO RICO) STAR. I had an small article published not too long ago in OUT IN JERSEY. I had a couple articles published in the gay newspaper PUERTO RICO BREEZE. There is a long article about my being entrapped and arrested in the 1950's coming out in a few days in the PUERTO RICO BREEZE. I have no idea of how it will be handled as far as graphic design. I actually submitted a photo of me in the 1950's when I was arrested and today at seventy-seven. These two photo of my youth and my golden years would tell a lot in my story about entrapment by the police.

Recently, I read an outstanding book, "Dry. A Memoir." by Augusten Burroughs. I recommend this book to anyone considering writing an autobiographical book. Burroughs is gay and a recovering alcoholic. He is much younger than I am but we have a lot in common. This is the kind of book I want to write and I think I am capable of writing. I am now reading his earlier book, "Running with Scissors" which is about his life before recovery as an alcoholic. I understand that a movie based on "Running with Scissors" is coming out in October 2005.

Sinclair Lewis was scheduled to teach a class of students on writing. When all his students showed up, he asked how many students really wanted to write a book. Every student raised his or her hand. Sinclair Lewis then said: "If you really want to write... to be a writer, then go home and start writing." He walked out of the classroom. I think Sinclair Lewis taught a great lesson in his class on how to write and how to be a writer.

[brod]

[Robert Mc]

[gennee]