Have you ever wanted to write a book...

[mrs_owens]

Have any of you ever wanted to write a book simply because you couldn't find the information yourself? Or, if there was a book on the subject, it was poorly done and still left you with questions?

I ask this because my fiancee is currently in basic training, and I often have questions that he can't answer. It's just such a frightening experience to be alone, and to not have answers about some things. I've read two books about being a "military spouse" - even though in the eyes of the military, I don't count yet, not without a marriage license. These books I had to order online. I tried joining a forum for support, and found catty comments flung at every question I asked (one reason why I had my reservations about joining THIS forum).

I don't know. Like I said, there are SOME books on this topic, but none of them gave me what I wanted. In fact, some of the information I found in these books turned out to not be true in our case. For instance, my fiance doesn't go to AIT after basic, since he's in OCS. He had told me this, but everywhere I read it said that all soldiers have to go through AIT. When I asked about this on the forums, I was met with dozens of replies of "Yes, he has AIT, it's the same for everyone, your fiance isn't any different or special."

Like I said. Turned out I was right. I was considering a book of our correspondence maybe? We write one another a letter a day. Of course I would cut the boring and naughty bits. I guess because I just want a book to guide me and not be condescending, I've considered writing one myself.

[JeanneT]

That's something to think about. There's always room for non-fiction. The best way to go about it?

Hey, I'm a humble fiction writer. What do I know? 

But I'm sure someone will have some suggestions.

[MaryL]

Hi, Mrs. Owens.  I think that's a great motivation for writing a book and I love the correspondence idea.  Thank you and your fiance for the service to our country. 

[newday11]

  Mrs. Owens. I salute you and your husband. I know some about the military and Army wives so let me be a resource to you if I can assist. Former Army 1LT and Retired Army GS-14. newday11

[mrs_owens]

Alas, I'm a fiction writer as well and I don't understand this scary place called non-fiction! I have no clue how to go about doing this. The more I think about it though, the more I think I may take a stab at it.

newday11 - I may actually take you up on that offer. But first I have to figure out what this book is going to be about. I'm leaning towards the correspondence idea, but not just the letters, maybe include snippets of information between the letters and present that as me researching stuff while he's away? Kind of a collage/scrapbook, but without pictures. Does that make sense?

[newday11]

  Yes, but I would include some of his pictures in training - to appeal to the guy thing! Espicaially with weapons. newday11

[mrs_owens]

LOL true. That reminds me of him telling me about what he heard about a base near us, apparently it's "awesome." I asked, "Oh, is it really beautiful or big or something?" He replied, "Er, no. I was talking to GUYS. It's awesome because there used to be a military prison there."

Sigh. Boys...  ^^