I had a couple of friends over for a cookout last night. Good food, good drink, and good company and conversation make for a wonderful evening. My next door neighbor stayed drinking beer and talking until about 11pm last night.
I shared some details of my past experiences with him during our conversation. Like many of my friends that have heard about some of the crazy stuff that I have done, he said “DUDE! You seriously need to write a book.” I have to admit that I have considered it. But, I am not a celebrity. I am just Jerry Zarley. Why would anyone want to read about my life?
He said something to the effect of, “Most people’s lives are boring. They get up, go to work, come home, go to bed, and do it again the next day. But, you have lived. You have done a lot of things that people would find really interesting. They may judge you negatively, positively, or not care at all, or they may want to live vicariously through you. But, no matter what, you have done things that others wouldn’t dare do, and sharing those with the world is justification enough for writing this book.”
Although I am considering it, I have to also admit that it makes me a bit nervous. What if I take on this massive project and it fails (i.e. no one wants to publish it)? Or, what if it is a success? Can I handle the success? With many of the experiences, I have no doubt that it will eliminate me for certain aspects/segments of life/society. Can I live with that?
For it to work, it would also have to be done using my real name. To use a pen name would elimanate any credibility, and it would be vastly more interesting for the potential reader if they knew who the author really was. Even if I were to change the names of the people in my experiences, which I am sure I would do, using my real name would still jeopardize them.
For example, any experiences regarding my first wife, which there are many experiences that would have to be shared, would jeopardize her. I haven’t seen, heard from, or anything for about 23 years, and I have no clue what is going on in her life or even if she is still alive. But, since marriage and divorce records are public records, it would be easy for any one to find out who she is. I do not want to affect her, or anyone else, negatively.
But, I do have to admit, that there hasn’t been too many boring moments in my life, and the story would be an interesting one. So, I will give it some serious consideration. Even if it is not a “success,” it will, at minimum, keep me out of trouble, and possibly help me spiritually.
Hmm….sounds like an interesting project. I think it would be a great thing to do if only for yourself. Write your memoirs Jerry – get it all out. I think you would be very proud of what you have accomplished. As for affecting other people, yes that is a concern. Though we may want to share our life’s stories, to implicate others is not something to take lightly. Maybe talk to other writers, there might be a way to do it without hurting someone. The pro’s would know. I think writing would be a great way to get it out into the universe. Who knows, maybe loosen some of the hold it has on you – and allow you to celebrate those moments we have forgotten.