Beginning–Writing My First Fiction E-Book

January 3, 2012 by Chris · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Writer's Life

With the publication of my fist non-fiction e-book, 101 Things to Do on the Wisconsin Great River Road, I’m moving on to a new beginning–publishing my first fiction e-book.

I’ve had the book written for a couple of years. Nagging doubts about whether or not it was ready for prime time kept me from pursuing formal print publication. The ability to e-publish my work has dissolved those feelings. I’m moving ahead with my book, secure with the knowledge that I know how to format it.

That’s the hard part, isn’t it? Getting over your doubts and learning the ropes empower you and propel you forward. The freedom of being in control of your work can also motivate you. At the end of the day, I can say this is my work, 100 percent. That must be one of the effects of freelancing–you learn to like your new “boss” and feel tremendous loyalty.

I’ve blogged about my fiction book, a mystery set in 1984 in northeastern Wisconsin. It is an intensely personal work, though I doubt any of that will be obvious to the reader. I incorporate my own memories of growing up in a southern suburb of Chicago. My main character is from a similar area and brings those distinctive Illinois-isms to his personality. It has been so enjoyable re-living this part of my life.

With my artwork, I create scenes of a world I wish existed and that I could enjoy. My writing is similar. I’ve recreated a world I would love to inhabit. I may not be able to live in Pine Ridge, Wisconsin, but at least I can take a short mental vacation.

Tags: e-book, mystery, novel

Character

December 10, 2007 by Chris · Comments Off
Filed under: Lessons Learned

Back at the desk, working on revisions. I’m very pleased with how my novel is fleshing out. My next task is to make sure that a reader can picture my characters as well as I have. I’ve lost my perspective, you see. I’ve been with these characters day in and day out. I know them, but do the readers know them?

As a guide to my writing, I’ve consulted this character advice article. From Writing World, the article gives some very clear advice on creating memorable, recognizable characters. I wanted to be especially careful with three female characters. They are all blond, but their personalities are strikingly different, at least I hope that is obvious on paper. So now the dissection begins to make sure that they are distinct and that a clear picture exists of them. I’m enjoying this. This is truly the fun part for me.

52,200 / 75,000
(69.6%)

Tags: character, novel, write, writing

The Bane of Getting It Right

December 4, 2007 by Chris · Comments Off
Filed under: Research

Speaking for myself, finding a blatant error in a book I’m reading especially of a topic that I know something about, is truly vexing. It’s like when you watch a movies depicting a desert scene. There will be that stock footage of an eagle flying overhead, with the scream of a red-tailed hawk in the background. I guess movie makers don’t appreciate the deceptively quieter call of the eagle versus that of a hawk less than half its size.

It reminds me too of a botanist with whom I used to be acquainted. A very intelligent man, he knew his plants extremely well. I remember going to a movie with him and some friends years ago. The setting was sometime in the distant past like 1500s or something. We noticed him chuckling during the movie during a not to particularly funny scene showing a man pushing a cart of vegetables. “That is so wrong,” he said. “Squash wasn’t even domesticated back then.” Alas, the botanist was the only one in possession of such esoteric knowledge.

I plead guilty though of the same arrogance when the topic is one that I have adopted. So as I go back to edit my rough draft, I’m starting to notice those little things that I don’t feel I’m 100% sure about. Since my mystery is set in 1985, I’ve had to research when certain items, icons of pop culture were around. I caught myself in a what would be considered a grave mistake. The original gun I used in my work hadn’t been produced until 1995. Oops!

I want to take the time now to research as many of these tidbits as possible. Heaven forbid I receive the nasty email pointing out my quaff or be the subject of a spiteful blog post. I know that bit about glass houses and all. Living in one myself, I’m going to take out the extra insurance now.

Tags: editing, novel, Research, revision

The Muse

November 26, 2007 by Chris · Comments Off
Filed under: Lessons Learned

I’m approaching my self-imposed deadline for my book. As I get closer to the end, the muse is already talking about the next one. I’ve jotted a few notes, but am trying to stay focused on the work at hand. That muse is a funny one. Some days she is quiet and no amount of coaxing opens her up. Other days, sometimes in the most inappropriate moments, she’s yakking away.

When I later review the thoughts she has expressed, I find some that are out there. How could that possible work? Fortunately, those are few and far between. For the most part, she is focused. She craves the end of the book as much as I do.

Having reached this point in the process, I realize that these are the fun days. The days ahead of sending emails and letters, hoping and praying for positive replies will usher in an entirely new set of stresses and pressures. As far as the creative process is concerned, these are the salad days. I enjoy the rewrites, the pondering over the right word or phrase. I tried to refrain from puzzling over these details in the writing of the book. My goal was just to get it down. The rest would come. And here I am enjoying the twilight of the creative process.

Tags: muse, novel, writing