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I didn't want to post this on April 1st because people might think it's a prank. It's not a prank! I'm writing a book!

A few quick highlights about the project:

  • The working idea is a one-volume work separated into two parts: part one will be a collection of short, funny and interesting anecdotes from history. Part two will be in the same format, but will instead focus on the tragic, violent and dramatic parts of history. On first glance this may sound like a difficult approach to pull off, but hopefully you can trust me when I say that I believe I've found a way spin it into something definitely workable.

  • I won't just be copy/pasting quotes and citations from my work in my subs. The book will be largely of my own writing, presented in a universal tone and writing style, except for some passages from contemporary accounts (like memoirs and other first-hand accounts). This will lend it a consistent and structured feel, and will avoid lots of nasty copyright issues. It also allows me to create passages about one event from multiple sources.

  • I've been secretly working very hard on this project, but the hardest part is getting as much new material as possible. This basically means I'm spending all of my free time reading, annotating and transcribing, in the middle of also having a full-time job, as well as a wife and the prospect of going back to school this fall to get my next degree. But the more work I do in that regard, the better the variety and density of material the final product will enjoy (so it's worth the effort).

  • I don't yet have enough written to approach publishers (hopefully later this year), but I have done some very promising networking so far, and it looks like I'll have some help getting my foot in the door when the time comes.

  • I won't only be using existing material from the subs. In fact, I've already started earmarking some of my best material and keeping it in reserve for the book. I'm hoping that at least a third of the material in the book will be things I can say were never posted online (otherwise, why buy the book if it's all online for free?). That being said, I'm confident I can keep the daily content posted her at the same level of quality it's always been at. And that also leads me to this: I intend to keep posting content here, every day, like I always have. I'm sharing my time with the book, and not abandoning the subs in any way :)

I'm sure I've forgotten to mention lots about it, so please ask me anything! I'll answer what I can as long as it isn't too early to say :D
I didn't want to post this on April 1st because people might think it's a prank. It's not a prank! I'm writing a book! A few quick highlights about the project: - The working idea is a one-volume work separated into two parts: part one will be a collection of short, funny and interesting anecdotes from history. Part two will be in the same format, but will instead focus on the tragic, violent and dramatic parts of history. On first glance this may sound like a difficult approach to pull off, but hopefully you can trust me when I say that I believe I've found a way spin it into something definitely workable. - I won't just be copy/pasting quotes and citations from my work in my subs. The book will be largely of my own writing, presented in a universal tone and writing style, except for some passages from contemporary accounts (like memoirs and other first-hand accounts). This will lend it a consistent and structured feel, and will avoid lots of nasty copyright issues. It also allows me to create passages about one event from multiple sources. - I've been secretly working very hard on this project, but the hardest part is getting as much new material as possible. This basically means I'm spending all of my free time reading, annotating and transcribing, in the middle of also having a full-time job, as well as a wife and the prospect of going back to school this fall to get my next degree. But the more work I do in that regard, the better the variety and density of material the final product will enjoy (so it's worth the effort). - I don't yet have enough written to approach publishers (hopefully later this year), but I have done some very promising networking so far, and it looks like I'll have some help getting my foot in the door when the time comes. - I won't only be using existing material from the subs. In fact, I've already started earmarking some of my best material and keeping it in reserve for the book. I'm hoping that at least a third of the material in the book will be things I can say were never posted online (otherwise, why buy the book if it's all online for free?). That being said, I'm confident I can keep the daily content posted her at the same level of quality it's always been at. And that also leads me to this: I intend to keep posting content here, every day, like I always have. I'm sharing my time with the book, and not abandoning the subs in any way :) I'm sure I've forgotten to mention lots about it, so please ask me anything! I'll answer what I can as long as it isn't too early to say :D

17 comments

[–] PMYA 3 points (+3|-0)

This is really cool and I definitely will want to read it. When did you start doing this, and is there anything that other users have posted either on here, Voat or Reddit that will end up in the book?
[–] LockeProposal [OP] 1 points (+1|-0)

Glad you're interested!

I started a couple months ago. I've determined to only use my own submissions unless someone offers their material, in which I will probably do an honorable mentions section in the book and include them (with their permission). I'm going to try and avoid asking people if I can use their content, but I may if the content is really, REALLY good.
[–] [Deleted] 2 points (+2|-0)

I'll buy it! I've asked you before however if you'd do a podcast? I believe in the right tone of voice a LOT of this would be great to hear and refreshing in the sense that it's interesting history and not boring... I usually dislike history in the tradition sense but your subs are really superb.
[–] LockeProposal [OP] 2 points (+2|-0)

Thanks for the compliments!

I've always wanted to do a podcast, but time has always been a huge issue for me. Right now, I'm working full-time in a very demanding (but rewarding) career, and the book is going to be taking up almost all of my free time until it's finished. After I publish, though? Dude, sky's the limit. I've always wanted to make a podcast and I daydream about making one when I'm done with this project.
[–] [Deleted] 1 points (+1|-0)

Good! I'd love to hear a nice pod cast about your work and I'm sure more people would agree. Don't forget to treat your lady too! they need time dedicated as well :)
[–] InnocentBystander 1 points (+1|-0)

I've wondered for a while if you were going to pull this all together into a book or other format.
I glad you are, it's a good idea.

I will want one when they are available.
I enjoy the collection of anecdotes format. One of the European history books I read (Europe by Norman Davies, I think) had anecdote like isolated stories randomly dispersed through the book. And they were some of the most enjoyable parts.

[–] LockeProposal [OP] 1 points (+1|-0)

I'll certainly let you know when it's finished!

And the working idea for the book's format will be very similar. I'm planning to group subjects into themed chapters, which will all start with a moderately-long chapter lead in - a sort of introduction to the theme in my own writing, with very short anecdotal selections sprinkled in to get people involved in it. After that, the rest of the chapter will be a long string of single anecdotes with descriptive titles, which will look similar to the individual submissions in my subs. However, just including copy/pasted selections from history books like I do here won't fly in a book, IMO, and I'll be writing everything in my own words. This will give the book a more uniform and structured feel and will allow me to use details from multiple sources for many of the selections I've found.

I only hope it will live up to expectations, but I feel honestly fucking great about it :)
[–] Boukert 1 points (+1|-0)

That is a really good idea mate, i really enjoy your posts and your way of writing. I'm sure if you put your mind to it you can translate this to book format and longer pieces which would make an excellent quality read.

  • Are you planning to have a red line running trough both bookparts or mainly looking to get the most interesting stories bundled?

  • Did you ever look into (are interested in) Dutch history? If not I could introduce you to some interesting people and events from our history.

You clearly love doing this so I am sure you will succeed in your project!
[–] LockeProposal [OP] 0 points (+0|-0)

Thanks for the support!

I confess I'm not sure what you mean about the red line, but I'd be happy to better answer if you could elaborate. I'm definitely interested in Dutch history - I confess I know too little of it. Please send me some recommendations!
[–] pembo210 1 points (+1|-0)

Great stuff. I love reading the daily posts. Keep us in the loop, and let us know when you might have a ready date.
[–] LockeProposal [OP] 2 points (+2|-0)

Absolutely! I'm planning to open up a sub dedicated to the book after I finish some initial hurdles (hopefully in the next couple of weeks), where I can post updates and journal the progress. It's too early in the project to estimate a date of completion, but I'm hoping to have something ready for the editing process by the end of this year. Life and work will certainly get in the way, but I've been dedicating almost all of my free time to the project, so I'm optimistic :D
[–] E-werd 1 points (+1|-0) Edited

Outstanding, brother! Keep us in the loop! I like your format and would enjoy a longer format version, or a compilation, whatever it would look like.
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