Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[Rick]

Hi all,

From time to time I ponder over whether I have a book in me, or not ... although I'm not sure what it'd be about.

Has anyone here taken the plunge and published, or had published, a book (motoring or otherwise related)? If so, was it a success?

Or have you ever been a contributor to one of the motoring magazines?

RJ
_________________
Rick - Admin
Home:https://www.oldclassiccar.co.uk
Videos:https://www.youtube.com/user/oldclassiccarRJ/videos
OCC & classic car merchandise (Austin, Ford ++):
https://www.redbubble.com/people/OldClassicCar/shop

[mikeC]

I've had numerous articles published in club magazines, and the odd article in some of the national classic car magazines; and I have to admit to authorship of this:



Was it a success? Well, it didn't sell well at the time, and I think it got remaindered very quickly - certainly I never saw any payments beyond the original 'advance against sales'!

Don't ever think that one book is going to make you rich! My father-in-law was a prolific author of educational books and poetry, and he had to work very hard to keep the money coming in ...
_________________
in the garage: 1938 Talbot Ten Airline
Recently departed: 1953 Lancia Appia, 1931 Austin Seven, 1967 Singer Chamois, 1914 Saxon, 1930 Morris Cowley, 1936 BSA Scout, 1958 Lancia Appia coupe, 1922 Star 11.9 ... the list goes on!

[Rootes75]

Never seen that one before Mike, how many did they print?
_________________
Various Rootes Vehicles.

[roverdriver]

I am guilty of writing two books. One is called 'Growing Up In Oz' and is the story of my life in England, then coming to Australia in 1950 and my years at school here. It was written for family and close friends. It was never actually published, but I taught myself book binding, so made up enough copies to go around.

After reading my book, several friends suggested that I should write another- one with some of the many stories that I tell, however, I tried that but I needed the 'trigger' to remember the stories, so did not pursue that, however I decided to write a book covering some of my motoring memories, and proceeded with that. I called it 'Come Drive With Me', and again, in limited numbers, printed and bound it myself.





I have been urged to do more and have written a few chapters for a third book, but don't seem to get around to completing it.
_________________
Dane- roverdriver but not a Viking.

[MikeEdwards]

[Penman]

Hi
I've had a monthly column in a motor schools association trade paper/magazine for the last 24 years.
Each regional committee has it's own editor and it started out as reporting on local meetings but has developed over the years into general reporting on instructional matters and personal opinion road safety matters.
I occasionally pick up bits from forums such as this, eg. pictures of old driving school cars aand the early test appointment card posted on here a few years back.
I even found pictures of a dual controlled double decker from an old bus enthusiasts site.

It doesn't take up a lot of time, thankfully, as it is unpaid, but it does keep me in touch with the industry now I have retired from instructing.
_________________
Bristols should always come in pairs.

Any 2 from:-
Straight 6
V8 V10

[Keith D]

I have written numerous articles for several old car clubs and am currently editor of a caravan club that I belong to. I also write many articles for my local Men's Shed that are published in our magazine. Most articles are either motor or aviation orientated and I get a real buzz producing them.

A number of years ago I wrote a full length novel set in Western Australia in the 1920's. The research that was required defies belief. (before the days of the Internet) I reasoned that if I chose a place that actually exists, then the story would be more believable. However, it was incredible fun and I thoroughly enjoyed the work involved. I approached a number of publishers but was rejected by all. I got so much enjoyment producing what I considered a very readable book, that I handled rejection easily! So I am NOT a published author.

Go for it, Rick!

Keith
_________________
1926 Chrysler 60 tourer
1932 Austin Seven RN long wheelbase box sedan
1950 Austin A40 tourer
1999 BMW Z3
Its weird being the same age as old people.
You are either part of the problem or part of the solution

[RogerB]

I have been writing articles on the car accessory market for about 5 years now and they have been published in several classic car club magazines.

I also write a monthly article for our local 'freebie' newspaper on classic cars, that's now into its 3rd year, needless to say that I do not get paid for them!
However, I have met some interesting people and cars ( in the last week I have finalized articles on a Messerschmitt KR200 bubble car and Ford Thunderbird!)

My long term project is the research and history of the RedeX Oil Additive product. So far I've written about 4k words covering the period from 1922 to 1939. I have offered the RedeX articles to most of the classic car magazines and weekly papers and, if I get a reply from the editors, (and I say 'if') invariably the answer is 'no'...

Still, can you think of a better way to spend the long winter afternoons than researching and writing about motoring 'stuff', especially when it is to cold to go in the garage?
RogerB

[peter scott]

I have written quite few articles for club mags over the years some of which appear in my website.

Peter
_________________
http://www.nostalgiatech.co.uk
1939 SS Jaguar 2 1/2 litre saloon

[Riley Blue]

I was a freelance motoring writer for close on two decades, writing for several magazines and becoming assistant editor of one. After I called it a day, I edited, designed and produced a classic club's magazine for over ten years. I also designed the club's website and administered their forum. If I can find time, I'll get around to writing the book I sketched an outline for years ago - it's on a motoring theme, naturally
_________________
David

1963 Riley 1.5
1965 Riley 1.5

[lowdrag]

I've been writing for Jaguar magazines for over 20 years now, and at one time was set on writing a book about Lynx, but time passes and anno domini and serious asthma have pulled me back. But I'll be writing about Le Mans and the Classic and XK70 (going in the XKSS of course) and hope to sign off for the last time with the six hours of Spa, an event I have always wanted to see.

[roverdriver]

Rick, Mike and all,
My approach was to sit and start writing. That was without any proper plan, just telling about certain events from my memories of them. Gradually I put together quite a lot of information, so then divided it into (what seemed to me) logical chapters.

With the motoring book, again, I just started to write, but in that case, each individual story became a chapter in itself.

I would urge everyone to write. Aspects of your life story will surely be of interest to family members, and if carefully presented will become a family heirloom to be enjoyed by, and even enlighten future generations.

I have not tried to get either of my books published, but by doing all of the production myself, there is certain satisfaction in that alone.

Give it a go, folks, and even if you don't complete a whole book, at least your thoughts written down will be there for others to see.
_________________
Dane- roverdriver but not a Viking.

[Ray White]

I used to produce the newsletter for the Austin Swallow Register. It is called "Swallow Ramblings" and is now more substantial than in my day. I found that to be very time consuming so I could never find the time to write a book.

[Ashley]

I have a large website full of contributions from others but it’s long overdue for an update and my daughter is no longer willing now she has a proper job.

Www.kda132.com

[RogerB]

I wrote a 600 words short story for our local Writers Group called 'things are not what they seem'...It was based on a Alfa Romeo 8c2900 seen in one of the Hercule Poirot episodes. If you saw it, you will remember the Alfa crashed in one of the last scenes. The car that crashed was a 'mock up' of the front of an Alfa. When next seen it was a complete car in a garage in Ipswich Suffolk. The owner had bought the crashed 'mock up' and using Jaguar running gear, had built a replica Alfa 8c2900 using the 'mock up' bonnet etc.

I thought it was a genuine Alfa until the saga was explained to me; hence the title....'things are not what they seem'.....!

RogerB