BLM'ing Book!?
For some reason I've been thinking a lot about it lately, so much in fact as having planned the physical aspects to the smallest details. I don't know where this crazy idea came from. Maybe it's from thinking about all those BLM related entries I have yet to post on this LJ, but I've been wanting to actually write a book on being a black mage or BLM'ing as I call it.
Not only did I want to write one book but actually three lol or you could even say four. The fourth book being the all in one version containing all three volumes >__> Okay so let me break it down for you. I would be writing three books. The three being a sort of instruction manual with varying difficulty (beginning/easy, middle/medium, and end/hard).
BLMakings
Being the first book and as the title states, the beginnings or introductory volume. Basically pure BLM philosophy. BLM information, history, random facts, trivia, stats, macro introduction, gear sets, soloing, party role, how soloing makes a more effective party BLM and so on and so forth are the bulk of this volume. I'm thinking it's going to be the biggest of the three. With each volume thereafter getting smaller?
BLMechanics
The second one focusing on an intermediate level such as math/damage formula, macro system, and previous topics in volume I at a higher level.
BLMaster
The final volume puts everything you've learned to the test. Mainly listing a variety of solos possible coupled with thorough explanation. Encouraging one to tryout before reading the entry for learning purposes. Also coupled with some practices for solo play.
BLMastery
Volumes I~III all in one book! For the low low price of $19.95. Order now on amazon and use the promo code "B-L-A-C-K" to receive my limited edition 1-800- BLM HELP mouse pad as a bonus gift. >_>
The one problem tho that's bothering me is the fact that I'm not really a good writer and don't possess the essential skill of inserting BS filler in order to actually make the books large (many pages). My biggest setback would be to create just one because of lack of material...
Anyway, as for the books themselves I was leaning towards something much more old fashion. Full leather cover encyclopedic looking with all page edges gilded like the ones in these pictures:
Color-wise I'd go with dark green > dark blue > dark purple > black in that order. As for the front cover... maybe something fancy with intricate gold leafing, some kind of BLM-esque motif, or maybe just the title of the books. Some examples:
I could even add a silver/brass chain as a bookmark for the larger volume, with a pentagram symbol or equivalent attached to the end to shoot for a darker look. All this work tho sounds quite expensive. I wouldn't be surprised if I'd spend more than $1,000 on the four... probably more. I even managed to find a place that specializes in old-fashioned book binding. Shepherds Bookbinders in London seems to have an impressively skilled staff and extensive collection of book making materials. Think I'll look them up in the future if I take on the task.
Speaking of task, writing a book takes quite a while even if you know the material. I'll also probably (most likely) require special aid from the BLM community. I'm no "know it all" or expertise in any one subject but tend to know enough in multiple areas. I'll probably seek and send an unpublished copy to some great BLM minds in the community to inquire their opinions/views on the subject. Different people think differently and I could use the varying input of other people. Besides, they could even help me out with the BS filler problem >_>;
Question of the day!
Have you ever had such a odd idea and pursued it?