Kangeroos. My smart, generous and mostly conventional Aussie
college roommate began collecting small statues of them years ago. These elegant, beautiful objects began
lining her bookshelves.
Unfortunately for her, snarky friends started giving Mandy kangaroos
that were, well, in odd positions… together. Then there were the
politicians-as-kangeroos and the picnicking kangaroos set. She gamely displayed
them on her shelf – not knowing there was a hidden opportunity in “our” hobby.
Now I know how she might make money from her now extensive and
extremely odd collection – just like you and I might reap the benefits from a
weird hobby where others (even strangers) are invited to contribute.
It helps if your humor comes across in writing as at least four lucky
collectors have discovered.
What quirky-to-the-point-of-funny objects capture your attention?
Ever offer your friends color commentary on them? If you haven’t already,
consider collecting photos of them and adding your snarky insights – on a blog.
Who knows? Almost overnight you may attract so many fans that a
publisher approaches you with a book deal. Odd pays off.
Success stories are great motivators to stir your imagination.
Here’s three funny blog-to-book projects that successfully capitalize on the
"wacky objects with humorous commentary" formula: Jen Yates’ The Cake Wrecks: When Professional Cakes Go Hilariously Wrong, Mike Bender and Doug Chernack’s Awkward Family Photos and now April Winchell’s Regretsy: Where DIY Meets WTF.
What blogs have you discovered that you think
might be bound for success as books – or what topics do you think could go blog
to book?
