Do I have it in me?

Many moons and lives ago I had a dream. I wanted to write a book. At that point I think it was children's books - a testament to the profound impact that reading had on me as a child. Reading was my escape - it allowed me to travel to places and have adventures that I otherwise may not have experienced. I grew up on Enid Blyton - I have very fond memories of Moon Face, The Faraway Tree, the Wishing Chair and the Naughtiest Girl in School. From childhood into my adolescence I maintained my love of reading. I attribute this to the wonderful writers that I've bumped into along the way.

Over the years the desire to write a book has waxed and waned, but it has never gone away. The genre of the book may change - a children's book, an erotic story, a non fiction book. Last night I fell asleep thinking about writing a book on the Duodenal Switch experience. Not just my experience but the DS experience as a whole. I'd love to write something that incorporates the medical stuff, the head stuff, the successes and heartbreaks, the learnings, the recipes, the practical stuff. In my head I see this as being most successful with input from other DS'ers. Quotes, tips, real life experiences. Whilst I would obviously not turn down any profit opportunities associated with such a venture ( I figure I would be able to sell a couple of books!) my desire is more about the writing itself. To create something that may help others that follow this journey behind me. I get such comfort from the experience of those that went before me that this is a way to provide the same. I need something where I can pay back. This journey is such a real one for me that I feel that it's something I can write from the heart. You never know - maybe getting the secret out there will make it easier for the DS to gain the wide spread acceptance that it truly deserves as a weight loss surgery option.

The business plan is the easier part for me - how do I get this published, what marketing channels do I pursue etc - that's just calling on knowledge that I already have (hey that marketing degree and MBA have to have some practical use right?) The challenge will be in the writing. In having people share themselves in a book like this to make it truly valuable. My experience is only one - I truly believe you need to consider lots of experiences to get a real sense for what this DS is all about.

What do you all think? I know that a number of Dsers read this blog. Is it worth pursuing? As a concept does it have validity? As a book does it have practical appeal? If you could, would you be a part of this?

I am obviously just thinking out loud on this one - I'd love your thoughts