New project idea: Advice needed!
So I need some advice. I have this idea that I don't know what to do with.
When I was a baby, my mum joined Plunket (for those non-New Zealanders, Plunket is a support service for mothers). One of the things Plunket did back then was get groups of mothers together who had babies born around the same time and they got together for coffee, playdates etc. Most mother's groups dissolve after a few years once life gets busy and more babies are born, but in my case, our mother's group continued. The oldest of the 23 kids are turning 23 years old this year and we're still going strong. Instead of coffee and playdates, however, the parents do all sorts of things together like go on crazy holidays and cycle around the country.
So I want to write a book about it. There's already been a book written about Plunket to celebrate 100 years, so I think my idea has a chance.
We all get together at least three times a year for significant birthdays like 21st's and 50th's, and I had the idea to write a book after going to one of the 21st's a couple of weeks ago - this one was my brother's best friend and I've always seen him as my second little brother.
The mother's in the group are mums to all of us. If one of us gets in trouble and our mother isn't there to help us, there will always be one of them there. For example, about a year ago, my partner and I went on an organised two-day cycling trip called Big Coast and a couple of the mothers group parents went as well (as their own group, not with us). On the first day before lunch, I went down a steep gravel road too fast and fell off my bike, and was rewarded with cuts and grazes on my knees, elbow and face. I got up and kept going, with an embarrassing plaster (band aid) on my chin and I arrived at the lunch spot a little worse for wear. The mother's group mums saw me getting patched up by the first aid guys and came over straight away to give me "mummy hugs" and make sure I was okay.
As for the friendships between the kids, we all have our best friends in the group and whenever we see each other at the many, many parties, there's hugs all round and instant, non-awkward conversation. They're all like ready-made friends who will never, ever not be friends.
Although some people have left over the years, the core of the group remains strong. I think the most special thing about us is that out of 23 kids, not one of us has got pregnant, died, been arrested or disowned their family. In a time when so many families are breaking up, or not even marrying in the first place, our story is a breath of fresh air - reminding people of the importance of family.
I think it's a story that needs to be told, but where to begin? Thoughts?
When I was a baby, my mum joined Plunket (for those non-New Zealanders, Plunket is a support service for mothers). One of the things Plunket did back then was get groups of mothers together who had babies born around the same time and they got together for coffee, playdates etc. Most mother's groups dissolve after a few years once life gets busy and more babies are born, but in my case, our mother's group continued. The oldest of the 23 kids are turning 23 years old this year and we're still going strong. Instead of coffee and playdates, however, the parents do all sorts of things together like go on crazy holidays and cycle around the country.
So I want to write a book about it. There's already been a book written about Plunket to celebrate 100 years, so I think my idea has a chance.
We all get together at least three times a year for significant birthdays like 21st's and 50th's, and I had the idea to write a book after going to one of the 21st's a couple of weeks ago - this one was my brother's best friend and I've always seen him as my second little brother.
The mother's in the group are mums to all of us. If one of us gets in trouble and our mother isn't there to help us, there will always be one of them there. For example, about a year ago, my partner and I went on an organised two-day cycling trip called Big Coast and a couple of the mothers group parents went as well (as their own group, not with us). On the first day before lunch, I went down a steep gravel road too fast and fell off my bike, and was rewarded with cuts and grazes on my knees, elbow and face. I got up and kept going, with an embarrassing plaster (band aid) on my chin and I arrived at the lunch spot a little worse for wear. The mother's group mums saw me getting patched up by the first aid guys and came over straight away to give me "mummy hugs" and make sure I was okay.
As for the friendships between the kids, we all have our best friends in the group and whenever we see each other at the many, many parties, there's hugs all round and instant, non-awkward conversation. They're all like ready-made friends who will never, ever not be friends.
Although some people have left over the years, the core of the group remains strong. I think the most special thing about us is that out of 23 kids, not one of us has got pregnant, died, been arrested or disowned their family. In a time when so many families are breaking up, or not even marrying in the first place, our story is a breath of fresh air - reminding people of the importance of family.
I think it's a story that needs to be told, but where to begin? Thoughts?
Views: 24
Replies to This Discussion
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BloggerPermalink Reply by Sarah Hardie on -
Hey thanks for the reply. It's not the writing that's got me stuck, nor is it the publishing... it's the structure of the whole thing I'm struggling with - there's just so many people in this story and I don't have a picture in my head of what it's going to look like. I can't decide whether I want it in a novel-type format or more of a coffee table style with lots of pictures and stuff. But I suppose I should start by interviewing everyone - what a job that's going to be, there's 36 of us! lol.
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AuthorPermalink Reply by kjforce on -
What an awesome idea..especially like you mentioned with society being the way it is. So many single Moms and families spread across the continent in some cases..even being in the next village,town,city does not mean you will see each other often and so many people workoutside the home and the pressures of that alone can be overwheming. Perhaps that is the route you could take by grouping certain members and doing interviews and then different approach with another group..just a thought. Things of interest would be what does the group feel was the most contributing factor? and would all want their "real" names used ? So I would first interview in a group situation to get more feedback from all and then RUN with this its' awesome ..maybe multiple books could be written starting with the early years and moving forward..bringing it up to the present time with extended families. Good luck with your dream project..you obviously have a passion..weedbychoice..kjforce
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Permalink Reply by Robin Perreault on -
I love the idea. I've got a similar thing in my head regarding my homeschooling group that went strong for years. I'm thinking about making it a memoir (if I ever get it going). That's an angle for you.
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Permalink Reply by Erin Hassinger on -
It would make a great screenplay, no?
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Permalink Reply by Bonnie Rice on
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Sarah,
I have a feeling that if you start by doing some of the interviews and stuff you are thinking about and just write a batch of stories or articles or whatever, that you will start to find a pattern or an order that makes sense--then you can just work on transitions and putting everything together. Just get started and let the project lead you where it's going to lead you. I think it sounds like a wonderful project. Let me know how it's going and if there's ever anything I can do to help. Good Luck,
Bonnie
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