from a woman's perspective?

As I reread what I've done for my manuscript thus far, I'm finding it debatable if the true audience are males. I am a woman, writing this book with the intention of men reading it, but also anticipating women reading it. And at the same time, the majority of my research is targeted towards women. So trying to flip it (essentially) towards men while writing is kinda hard... But then again, I find that I can relate more towards my guy-friends than my girl-friends. Ah, apologies for this small rant! I should stop questioning my audience and just continue writing.

manuscript-ing

I know it's not necessarily a 'requirement' but I think it's appropriate for my book! The past few days I've been working on it but I've only managed to somewhat finish 5 chapters. Lots more writing to go, but I want to start exploring my grid and possible design details (headers, subheads, folios, etc). I also want to start doing some illustrations!

I think I might be writing too much but I think it's better to have more text than too little? It'll be easier to cut down afterwards that way, even though I'll feel like a big chunk of my effort - writing really ain't my thang, yknow? - got pushed aside. I guess I'll have to see how it goes...

start of a manuscript

I went to the Mississauga Central Library yesterday to do some research and start my manuscript. Above are the books I was referencing, though ignore the cellphone-image-quality! As I was doing research I came up with the concept of disguising the book as a planner. I'm thinking perhaps pocket-sized? Though I think I need to get my manuscript done first!

My second chapter, "The Reveal", seemed too short of a chapter. So I decided to combine it with the first chapter and created a new second chapter (which I completely overlooked initially) about Prenatal Caregivers. These are the people that will look after her and the baby during the pregnancy. Prenatal means before the actual birth, so I think I might spin that word for the title of my book. We shall see!

chapter titles! (tentative)

As I mentioned before, I will be dividing up my chapters into 3 groups - aka trimesters. Here are the chapter titles I've come up with so far:

Trimester One
Month 01: Warning: Sex May Cause Children
Month 02: The Reveal
Month 03: Morning Sickness

Trimester Two
Month 04: So... Sex?
Month 05: Money Money Money
Month 06: Hello Hormones!

Trimester Three
Month 07: What's in a Name?
Month 08: Babyproof
Month 09: Rock and Hand

for the expectant father

My book will be for the expectant father (now don't assume guys!). It'll serve not really as a guide for preparation of the birth of a child but moreso just 'general' advice - directed at guys of course! The idea was inspired by the movie 'Knocked Up' since the guy never read any of the books the girl got him regarding pregnancy, birth, etc. I want the guy to read the book!

Just wiki-ing pregnancy, I never realized how big of a topic it would be (go figure). After my talk with Reg on my topic, we were able to really narrow/focus my topic into something more manageable for the term - top 10 advice for expecting fathers! To play off the 'pregnancy', I decided to make it the top 9 advice. I'm excited to get this book started!

To break it down:

Purpose To inform in a light-hearted-yet-serious tone general advice for the preparation of bringing a child into the world. It is meant to lighten the pressure regarding the topic and provide more insight.

Main Audience Expectant fathers, between the ages of 18-40. Intended for men who are nervous / anxious / pressured regarding having a baby.

Secondary Audiences Men who are generally curious about the topic and wish to gain more insight. Not limited to men only but women too.