...but, I don't WANT to write the book!

[Lady_V]

About a year ago I was approached to write a book. It was something I was interested in and would have complete control over. I have not given them an answer because I wanted to actually take my time and see where things bring me because it would take a considerable amount of travel that I would have to squeeze in to the weekends for research.

Since that first approach, they have come back a second time, with a topic I had no experience or interest in - saying no thank-you was easy.

NOW -- a friend of mine wants to co-write a book with me, Co is used rather loosely since she would be the one traveling, taking pics, etc... and I would be sitting at home writing it. I had given her a solid maybe based on the first version, of 2 specific events - now they want it spread out to cover more events, I am no longer interested in writing it. I told her since she was the one traveling, the one taking the pics and gathering the research, she should write it. If I am not there, I wouldn't feel connected and it would show in my writing.

I am ready to go live in a cave because I don't WANT to do it!

... and yes, same friend from the birthday dilemma

[mauimagic]

And your fairy godmother is giving you total permission to not write the book. Just not the right timing - so sorry. And BTW - why should friend have all the fun.

[Maine Girl]

Lady V,

If you don't want to write the book then tell your friend since she is doing the leg work she should write it.

[Lady_V]

Lady V,

If you don't want to write the book then tell your friend since she is doing the leg work she should write it.

I did - and she's just not listening to me when I say no.

I just needed to vent. I am pretty sure when I don't write anything that she'll know I was serious.

[bunnys]

Would this book happen to be on the topic of paranormal investigating?

You shouldn't ever do something you don't want to do is my motto.

It puts you in a foul mood to do it, the result is slip-shod and uninspired and it's a drag for others to be around you while you're doing it bc of your lack of enthusiam.

The way I see it, you're doing that friend a favor by not doing it--she doesn't realize it.

[Contrary Housewife]

You should not be writing it. Writing is tough work and it's not fair of your friend to throw ideas at you and expect you to produce something. It's something of a joke among authors, people are always approaching them saying they have a good idea for a book, and if the author will write it, they can split the profits. Ideas are a dime a dozen. You are completely justified in saying No.

[cashcow]

Contrary Housewife is right! Writing is hard work, especially writing a book. I have had numerous people approach me with "brilliant ideas," asking me to co-author books about their ideas. Of course, I was expected to do the major writing and research, since all of these individuals are "BIG PICTURE PEOPLE," and are too important to worry about details such as writing. Fortunately, I had enough sense to say no to each of these projects.

I have only written one book, and the subject is something I care about deeply. I truly believe that brilliant ideas are like a$$holes - everybody has one, and most of them stink!

[dancemommy]

I publish books and have read excellent work as well as junk that others have written. Don't take the time to write a book unless you WANT to do it. It is too time consuming and difficult to write if you are not inspired to do so. Good luck!!

[Libby]

Have a phone call or skype or however you two talk and just re-iterate why you feel you shouldn't be the one to write it. You just don't feel right about putting your name on something that isn't your work that you experienced etc. If she's truly a friend, she'll actually *hear* you on this subject matter.

[dcompton]

Been there, done that. I was asked to write a book at a time and by a person to whom I could not and would not say no. When I think of the person for whom I did it, I am glad I agreed, but when I think of the book, it was a miserable job and I hated every minute of it. I wouldn't wish the experience on anyone. Stick to your guns and keep saying NO unless there is an extremely compelling personal reason, as in my case, for doing it.

[Uniwolf]

Lady V -- there is a very old song verse that applies here. "To thyn own heart be true" you have to be true to yourself, before you can be true to the rest of your world.