Ask the Author: Georgia Madison
Answered Questions (6)
Georgia Madison
My most recent book is my "only book" and this is where the idea came from. Once two of my male coworkers/friends convinced me that I should write and I decided to do it, I knew I was going to write about "the reality of everyday life." The very first two chapters that came to my mind were, "The Workplace" and "This Sh*# Makes No Sense" because I was working in an office; where as you know, a lot of things occur when you're dealing with management and coworkers. Also, the ladies' restroom situation was outrageous and unacceptable and I had to encounter that 5 days a week so I knew I had to address that. I also had the other 38 chapters in my head including "Dysfunctional Families" (because I'm from one); "The Dating Game" (we all know what a nightmare that can be); and "Wine & Dine;" which discusses the risks we take eating out in some of these restaurants and fast food places; but those other two popped up immediately. Before I even wrote the 1st chapter I already knew my title was going to be "Gettin' Down to the "Real" Nitty-Gritty." That's a popular phrase I was familiar with and I knew it meant getting down to business; no playing around. I knew I had to have a title that described my material because I knew I was going to be telling it like it is. I also knew that title was catchy and that many people were familiar with it. I knew most people had heard that phrase before and they definitely knew what it meant. The reason I struggled and saved and took out loans to pay for my book was because I knew I didn't want anybody else but me to have any input in my material, my title or my cover. Once I decided to write this book I knew exactly how I wanted to do it and what I wanted to say. Was my first time around publishing my 1st edition an absolute nightmare; absolutely? That's because it was harder and more costly to publish books back in '98 before things became much simpler and less expensive with the technology age; so my current edition went a lot smoother. Thank goodness!
Georgia Madison
In my case, since I have written only 1 book, the question for me is "how did I get inspired" because I won't be getting inspired to write anymore books (at least I don't think I will because I only planned on writing this 1 book). Just a little background, I have always liked reading during my years in school (and also after my years in school; especially books based on real life). During school, English and History were my favorite classes but I never thought about being a writer. Sometimes I didn't even like that I had to write papers in school; but when I did, I did get good grades because once I got started writing, I would really put forth a great effort because I wanted to write a good paper so I could get an "A." I absolutely hated Speech Class but I did write good papers in that class and I got a lot of laughs whenever I wrote papers based on my "real" life. I have always been good at "reality writing" and that's what I like writing about the most. When I think about "reality based issues" that inspires me to write. What I have written about in my book are situations of "real" everyday life; not just mine but situations that most people experience. Since "the reality of life" inspires me to write and this information was already in my head; once I decided to start writing, all of the words just flowed onto the paper.
Georgia Madison
I am not currently working on another book, I am done. Once my two friends convinced me that I should write, I decided to go ahead and write that 1 book. I knew I would say all that I needed to say in that 1 book and I would make it the best book that I could write so that I would be able to say, "I wrote 1 book but I did a great job." My 1 and only book is comprised of 40 chapters so I have said all that I have to say. I Am Not comparing myself to these two iconic writers, Margaret Mitchell who wrote "Gone With the Wind" & Harper Lee who wrote "To Kill A Mockingbird;" I'm just making note that they wrote 1 book and that's what I decided to do; write 1 book. FYI - even though, as far as we knew; Harper Lee only wrote that 1 book "To Kill A Mockingbird; at age 88 in July 2015 she did release a book titled, "Go Set A Watchman." This book was written before "To Kill A Mockingbird" but it wasn't picked up so actually she wrote 2 books but we were only aware of the 1 until July 2015. Just wanted to make note of that just in case some of you already know that information so you would know I am aware she wrote 2 books. This is also good information for those who did not know.
Georgia Madison
My advice for aspiring writers is, "write if you have a passion for what you're writing about and it's not just something to do." If there is something you feel you just have to say and there are words burning inside of you; and you feel that you will feel empty or incomplete in your accomplishments if you don't get those words out onto some paper; "then you write and release those words" so you can feel you have accomplished your goal. If you want to write just make the decision to "Get It Done!" After my friend told me I should write I didn't think seriously about it until he gave me that article titled "Do It Now;" that's when I got started; so if you're going to do it just get started and don't procrastinate. I don't care for most cliche's but the cliche' about tomorrow is not promised is actually true so if you're going to write you better make up your mind to "Get To It!" Go ahead and get it done so you won't have to look back with any regrets thinking about why you never made it happen because that will always eat at you.
Georgia Madison
The best thing about being a writer for me is that I get the chance to share my thoughts, opinions, feelings and personality with the public; and I also get the chance to share some great stories. In doing that, I'm hoping I can make a lot of people laugh because in this world filled with stress, hardships and tragedies; people definitely need laughter. Of course; and more importantly, I'm also hoping as a writer my words can get people who are behaving in a negative manner to behave much better because there are people doing some horrific, just unacceptable things; especially regarding children and I want to try to help end that behavior if at all possible. Even though you didn't ask; let me also tell you what wasn't that good about being a writer for me. As a writer; for me, I was always thinking and "I could not shut it off" so "I didn't get a lot of sleep." I had to keep a pen & paper with me at all times. Even though I already had all of the chapters in my head; if I wanted to add something here & there, I had pen & paper by my bed; in my car; at the table and at my desk at work so that I could write down anything that came to me so I wouldn't forget it. This process was exhausting and it didn't end until every word was on that paper just like the last gumball coming out of a gumball machine.
Georgia Madison
I did not have to deal with "writer's block" when writing my book; thank goodness; that's because I only wrote 1 book and the words were already sitting in my head just waiting to pour out onto the pages.
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