Back in 1961, after his wife died of cancer, C.S. Lewis recorded his anguish in a personal journal that was later published as "A Grief Observed". That slim book has been republished many times, is still part of the HarperCollins catalog (http://www.harpercollins.com/books/Grief-Observed-C-S-Lewis/?isbn=9780060652739), and continues to inspire and comfort many readers 50 years later.

The death of a spouse is a great loss, but there is a kind of grief that is as deep and yet more hidden. When someone's wife (or husband) leaves them, I believe that society does not have the same understanding or rituals for dealing with is as we do for death. In the middle of such grief myself, I wonder if my own journal may strike a chord with others in the same way that Lewis' book has. You can see the sort of content at http://www.unobservedgrief.com.

So, your opinion please ...

Imagine a book with a structure similar to "A Grief Observed", and with a similar balance between the personal and the universal, but reflecting the anguish of a person whose spouse has left them rather than died. Assuming the book could be well written, is it likely to be publishable? Is it likely to sell? Is it likely to help people who share the grief of divorce?

--Nat.

Posted: 28/01/2012 02:26:48

report abuse

Back in 1961, after his wife died of cancer, C.S. Lewis recorded his anguish in a personal journal that was later published as "A Grief Observed". That slim book has been republished many times, is still part of the HarperCollins catalog (http://www.harpercollins.com/books/Grief-Observed-C-S-Lewis/?isbn=9780060652739), and continues to inspire and comfort many readers 50 years later.

The death of a spouse is a great loss, but there is a kind of grief that is as deep and yet more hidden. When someone's wife (or husband) leaves them, I believe that society does not have the same understanding or rituals for dealing with is as we do for death. In the middle of such grief myself, I wonder if my own journal may strike a chord with others in the same way that Lewis' book has. You can see the sort of content at http://www.unobservedgrief.com.

So, your opinion please ...

Imagine a book with a structure similar to "A Grief Observed", and with a similar balance between the personal and the universal, but reflecting the anguish of a person whose spouse has left them rather than died. Assuming the book could be well written, is it likely to be publishable? Is it likely to sell? Is it likely to help people who share the grief of divorce?

--Nat.

I'm just going on what you've said before even looking at the book. Absolutely, it can be publishable, on the pure reasoning of so many people suffering from a spouse having left them. I have a handful of friends whom have been in this situation and it cuts deep into the heart and soul that it's wrenching.

I'm no professional in the writing industry, I only write and just by what you've shared above, with time and work and heart felt honesty, anything is possible and publishable.

And now I'll take a look at your book, as a layman writer

Posted: 28/01/2012 02:31:27

report abuse

Back in 1961, after his wife died of cancer, C.S. Lewis recorded his anguish in a personal journal that was later published as "A Grief Observed". That slim book has been republished many times, is still part of the HarperCollins catalog (http://www.harpercollins.com/books/Grief-Observed-C-S-Lewis/?isbn=9780060652739), and continues to inspire and comfort many readers 50 years later.

The death of a spouse is a great loss, but there is a kind of grief that is as deep and yet more hidden. When someone's wife (or husband) leaves them, I believe that society does not have the same understanding or rituals for dealing with is as we do for death. In the middle of such grief myself, I wonder if my own journal may strike a chord with others in the same way that Lewis' book has. You can see the sort of content at http://www.unobservedgrief.com.

So, your opinion please ...

Imagine a book with a structure similar to "A Grief Observed", and with a similar balance between the personal and the universal, but reflecting the anguish of a person whose spouse has left them rather than died. Assuming the book could be well written, is it likely to be publishable? Is it likely to sell? Is it likely to help people who share the grief of divorce?

--Nat.

It's 'niche market', and as such is the sort of book that self-publishing suits best. You could put it out as an ebook, either for free or priced at 99p/99c
However, checking out your website I see it's a blog rather than a book. There is a big difference between a book and a blog format, so maybe just stick with the blog.

Posted: 31/01/2012 17:25:53
Last Edit: 31/01/2012 17:29:36 by NMott

report abuse

Thanks for those two comments.

The comment about a blog being different from a book is correct, although I would add that in this case the intention of the book, like Lewis' original work, is to compile a cohesive flow of ideas from a personal journal. Lewis wrote his journal on paper before editing excerpts from that source into a book; I would use the same approach but use the blog to provide the source material.

But putting that aside, the limited enthusiasm from this group indicates to me that the idea is not likely to find much of a market.

--Nat.

Posted: 07/02/2012 11:39:57

report abuse