One Day – That Ending

Whilst I was travelling, I did a lot of reading, well I did a lot of reading for me. Considering the proportion of books I have read in the time since returning, to the amount I read when I was away, I did a lot of reading. The first book I read was One Day, by David Nicholls. It was a good choice for the time as it constantly featured streets and landmarks in London and Edinburgh that I was currently visiting, even the place our train broke down was mentioned, if only it was at the same time as being lost and it wouldn’t have felt lost at all. Whilst reading this book, I throughly enjoyed it, until I got to that bloody ending. (if you haven’t read it or seen the movie and don’t want the ending ruined for you, stop reading) Any time anyone asked me about this book, I would always say I didn’t like it, but that’s not entirely true, I did like it, just the ending overshadowed any like for that book.

After watching the film last night, It lead up to that ending. Where Emma Morley dies, as she is hit by a truck whilst riding her bike. I was secretly hoping that they would change it. I’m usually not against sad endings to films, not everything ends up happy all the time, but this death just seems to have no point. It was just a death to shock the audience, but the story gained nothing from it and there was no conclusion, no anything. It was just a pointless twist.

When Jack dies at the end of Titanic, at least from the time he was in Rose’s life, she learns a lot about herself and her life is dramatically changed because of Jack’s presence in it, even if it is short. But Dexter is lost and him and Emma can never get it together, then they finally do for a couple of years, Emma died and he is right back to being as lost as he was before. Maybe it’s me, but I am failing to see what the message it is. All stories have a message, an underlining theme that the author wants to express. But I am left wondering what the theme is? Oh that ending will always annoy me.

Does anyone else wish they changed the ending for the movie? Any other movie endings that just still annoy you?

16 Guidelines for Life

If life is getting you down lately or you’re not as happy as you think you could be. I really recommend this book.

The 16 Guidelines are put into 4 groups of 4.

How we think- Humility, Patience, Contentment and Delight

How we act- Kindness, Honesty,Generosity,Right Speech

How we relate to others - Respect, Forgiveness, Gratitude, Loyality

How we find meaning- Aspiraton,Principles,Service,Courage

Writing a Non Fiction Book Proposal

So I have my structure and plan all set out for my book proposal. Now I am filling in the blanks with research that I need to promote my idea.

It’s a lot more work than I originally thought. A lot more effort will be required than one without any knowledge of this would imagine. Turns out I don’t just need to figure out a plan for the book, but figure out, why it’s needed and how to market it. I don’t have any professional experience in any of these areas. Then again, neither would your average writer. (though they have writing skills so that puts them one step ahead of me)

Not only do I have to research the topic, the market, the competiton but also being a complete beginner at all this, I have to research how all these areas are done. There are many aspects to this process. More than anyone would imagine.

But I guess for me, I am really enjoying this process. I wouldn’t do it if I didn’t enjoy it, but I am surprised how much I am getting into it. I never really get excited to do anything. I know that only 1% of proposed books get published, which just means there have been a lot of people in my shoes, with not many getting anywhere, but thats ok.

And it beats all those first time fiction writers out there, who usually have to write their whole book, before pitching, with only 1% published. Gosh that is an unforgiving business.

Yes, Another person wanting to write a book.

I realise that it is the dream of nearly every second person that owns their own blog, to become a writer or write a book. But it has never been my dream. I still don’t really think it is my dream. Lately I have figured out that my dreams involved International Aid and Community Development. I don’t have writing aspirations, I’ve never had writing aspirations. I am not even a good writer. I have no concept of editing or proof reading, I barely ever read over anything I write and I am more than certain it shows.

But I had this idea for a book. I have only ever mentioned it to one person before, who thought it was a good idea, however not sure if this person is someone who would really be telling me the truth. Basically my only way of figuring out if this is a good idea is writing a proposal for it.

After a bit of research into how this whole writing a book thing works, I have done some research into writing a non fiction book (yes non fiction, I’m not really a huge fiction book person) and it seems like writing a proposal is the way to go. So I have been writing a proposal. Yes I know I should be concentrating more on finding a job (and I am, I even have an interview tomorrow)

I know that to anyone who knows me or to anyone reading this, that this sounds ridiculous. I have no writing experience or knowledge and who in their right mind would ever let me publish a book. But hey I guess it’s just another thing I have to try to get out of my system. See where it takes me, and hey I might as well explore these kinds of options whilst I still live with my parents…. let them support me through-out all my ridiculous ambitions.

(and if there is any advice out there from all you writers, it would be appreciated )

Dear Me, A letter to my 16 year old self.

Currently I am reading the book, Dear Me a Letter to my 16 year old self. It is a book in which various celebrities and popular figures right a letter to there former selves at the tender age of 16. Despite 16 only being a new months shy of 7 years for me. I am inspired to do the same thing as there are definately some things I would have to say to her if I was to bump into her on the street.

Dear Nicole.

Oh Nicole, well I have some good news and some bad news for you. The bad news is that you won’t have things as figured out as you would have liked at this point. I know you worry way to much about the future and you want things to fit together and work out. You have way to many ideals and you have your head in the clouds. However the good news is that you won’t care at this point that you won’t know what is going to happen to yourself. You will like the mystery believe it or not. The life you dreamed for yourself isn’t anywhere near as exciting as the one you have. So don’t worry.

Don’t worry that guys don’t like you, plenty will like you in time. You will get the guys you like and more attention then you need. However it turns out the guys you like are not what you dreamed them up to be. And you will soon start to realise that some of your lonelinest times, have been when there has been someone there. Pay attention to yourself instead. You will laugh most of it off.

Don’t be so hard on yourself, be nice to yourself. Life is good. Don’t stress, stress just causes problems. Trust me. And trust your gut, it never lies to you.

But its not all bad. I don’t want to ruin the surprises for you, but trust me, in 7 years you will achieve more then you every dreamed yourself to do and you will really see how strong you are. You are stronger then you give yourself credit for.There is plenty more to come for both of us.

Be nicer to dad, he is just looking out for you. And stay away from white wine.

I love you.

Your future self.