Fiction Next?
My previous blog entry related my disappointment at possibly losing a huge and fun project. As it turns out, the project is still on life support. The subject of my autobiography has decided she wants to format the book in a different way. I’m a bit disappointed because I think it may be harder to sell to a publisher in her preferred format, but this is HER book and so we’ll give it a try. At least the issue is resolved for now. The change in format also gives me a bit of breathing room. She is extremely busy now and will not expect to see something in the way of the revised proposal for at least two or three weeks. That gives me time to fiddle around with something else. Possibly a novel!
I have several ideas and am eager to meet these characters who have buzzing around in my head for a long time now. I will solicit their input on whose story I should look into first and who is willing to wait until later. All I can say is that whoever is up to bat first, better be a real blabber. I don’t have time to coax stories out of characters. If they’re not forthcoming, then back in the basement they go. You do know, don’t you, about Stephen King’s reference to the “boys in the basement”? It’s in his fun book On Writing. I’ve never read any of his fiction, but I did read this book and found it useful (and funny).
Oh, before I forget it, I want to thank you all for your notes of encouragement. It means a lot.
And now, how’s your writing coming along?
Right now I am on vacation and am dedicating a large portion of it to writing. But it is more real life story based writing.
I am sort of doing a brain dump of stuff that has been backed up for years. It feels like a dam has burst!
I pray you have much success and fun.
I really enjoyed the word picture of having characters assist you with the development of your novel.
Your breakout sessions at Mount Hermon continued to emphasize the role of characters in creating powerful fiction. This is an area of my writing I’m continuing to develop.
I tend to be plot-driven and would benefit by handing more of the story over to my characters. As you indicate, if they can’t contribute early on to the process, they may not be fit for the job. Thanks for your insight.
I’m thrilled to hear your project is still a possibility. We’ll look forward to hearing more details as things hopefully continue to move forward.
Glad His peace has covered you . . . and inspired you.
Nick, Glad to hear your dream project still lives, although the prognosis is guarded. Continuing to pray that things work out for you.
I’ve been away from writing for several weeks, occupied with family crises (not a misspelling–plural!). What little writing time I have has been spent in marketing and editing works already published or contracted. But soon I’m going to have to dust the cobwebs off the 10K words I have done on the next book and see what my particular boys in the basement have for me.
Be well, friend. See you in Indy (I hope).