would be to seek out these little off-the-beaten-path places, choose one interesting person, and interview them about their life. Where they've been, what they've done, who they've met, their highest point, lowest point... and write a two to three page vignette about them. Their "chapter" would include a picture of them sitting at the diner table.I'm not saying every person would make it in the book, but people with stories are fascinating. There's nothing I'd rather do than sit with a fellow human-racer and a cup of java, and listen to what they have to say. Wisdom doesn't come from college, it comes from coffee. From listening. From living.
Another idea involves moving to the beach somewhere, getting a part-time job as a bartender at a nice resort, and spending most of my on-duty time talking with people who happen upon one of my barstools. I'm sure I would hear some interesting tales of adventure, intrigue... good girl stories, bad boy stories... it's amazing what people will share with their bartender. The book title? "Stories From Behind Bars."*
I've been fortunate, in that I'm a person with lots of stories. Many good, a few not-so-good... some uplifting, some depressing, but it's been a pretty good mix. The lowest lows make the highest highs appreciable. How boring it would be to have never been poor, sick, sad...
Anyway, as I sit here on my laptop in a little coffee house on Missouri Route K, I've decided that I will begin seeking the stories. Not the huge headlines or sensational exposé, but the real, meaningful ones. Those which truly define who we human racers really are.
You might have noticed the new header on my blog. Thoreau said it best when he said, "How vain it is to sit down to write when you have not stood up to live."
*if I see this in Borders anytime soon, I'll know where it came from. This blog is copyrighted dammit. :)
15 comments:
I like what you said about appreciating the highest highs because of the lowest lows. Life can be a roller coaster, but everyone knows that coasters wouldn't be any fun if you didn't feel the bottom drop out from under you a couple of times.
I look forward to your book. That is, if I don't write it first.
Wouldn't it be funny if we were both sitting at that Highway K coffee shop at the same time, both blogging on our laptops, and not even knowing that we were both here?
I think you should just write the thing. The stories of the average, everyday Jane/John Doe are more interesting than say, Paris Hilton's most exciting day.
I hope you are serious about writing a book. I think it's a great idea.
I find it amazing sometimes the things you hear when you sit down and talk to some strangers. Everyone has quite a tale, I don't think they know it all the time.
I hope to see that book someday. I would buy it.
WoW, that quote made me just feel so damn lazy! I have to go do something now....
I would read those books. I agree, that is real learning.
When I was in college, I used to drive my boyfriend's grandfather (91 years old) to the nursing home three times a week to see his wife. He had some truly amazing stories.
I like the book idea - I'd read it.
If you don't use this line in the preface:
"Wisdom doesn't come from college, it comes from coffee. From listening. From living."
I will hurt you.
Love the book idea. I'd read it in a heartbeat.
CP.
Thanks for the new quote. I'm feeling as if I'm in a low point in my life and little quotes like that make me feel like I'll get out of this funk eventually. What doesn't kill us makes us stronger right?
I'd read anything you wrote Dave. Honestly. I really like your idea too. It's kind of a better approach to those Chicken Soup for the Soul books. Just with more honesty and hopefully not a big cry fest. How 'bout a co-author???
Um DAVE. You aren't supposed to SHARE the ideas until they are done. Hurry... write, write, write!!!!!
(I'll buy)
Sounds like a fascinating project. :)
Look forward to reading your eventual book. People with stories are fascinating. That's why I hang out in bars.
Well, that and the booze.
I hang out in bars for the drunk chicks.
And I bet you hear a lot of REALLY FUCKING BORING STORIES.
Just kidding, sounds cool.
This is such a cool idea! I am excited to see how you bring the project along. You have such depth. Good luck.
In additon to cafes, maybe you could also talk to people you find in strip clubs (not that you frequent these, mind you) and old bars so you could have something like "Boobies, Beer and Crackerbarrels"!
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