Comments on: On (Not) Writing a Book

By: Laura

Laura — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 14:53:43 +0000

I’m ambivalent on whether or not everyone has a book in them (certainly, not everyone has the desire to write one). But you have done beautiful writing here in this space that I, for one, really appreciate. That should not be underestimated or dismissed because it’s in a blog format instead of a hard book.

In my humble opinion, a blog seems best suited to handle (my understanding of) your lifestyle and your interests. You’re able to write a little bit about a lot of different ideas and experiences and that’s not inherently less valuable than a book.

By: Pam

Pam — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 15:09:35 +0000

First, yes, we travel and food people, we’re in the same camp. Come on over here and sit by us. We like food, too, and we don’t bite.

For the record, probably the pressure I feel is as much internal as external.

And I actually WROTE a book,but that’s not enough,nope. No sir, now, I have to write ANOTHER one. A literary one. That guidebook? Not enough.

By: Bluegreen Kirk

Bluegreen Kirk — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 12:54:03 +0000

I couldn’t imagine myself writing a book. At this point even trying to keep up with a newsletter would be difficult. I envy those that have it in them to actually start and finish a project. People will always look to push you to write something.

By: Robyn

Robyn — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 09:04:48 +0000

This post hit home.
I have been told (and I know it to be true) that I will never be taken seriously as a food writer until I have a book under my belt. I will never be seen as an expert, or even as particularly knowledgeable, until I have that book credit. I can write thousands of articles for respectable publications but it doesn’t matter. I need a book.
And that’s discouraging, because I’ve met food writers with the book credit who don’t know –excuse me — jacksh*t about their supposed areas of expertise. Or presume to call themselves, and are accepted as, experts on X,Y and Z because they’ve written a BOOK on ABC

It all seems very academia-ish: You’re not a “real” scholar until you’ve turned the dissertation into a book.

‘ve always envied travel writers because it seems not the same for them. Maybe I was wrong?

By: Theodora

Theodora — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 04:26:25 +0000

I think the problem with taking editing jobs if one is punctilious is that you end up writing the whole bloody thing. I did it once, and never again. But I sort of feel I do have a) a book and b) a novel in me. God only knows why.