Shadows Remain

So my first published book, a novella titled Shadows Remain, has been out now for about 5 weeks, and the experience has been overwhelming.  In a good way.  From the very first time I promoted it on Facebook, friends and family have taken it and run with it, posting the link on their pages and spreading the word.  The support has been amazing.  To date, it has sold almost 80 paperback copies and a handful as ebooks.  I hosted a giveaway for 3 signed copies on goodreads.com and nearly 1300 people were interested enough to enter.  (1300!!  Holy crap!)  From those who have read the book, I have received nothing but good reviews and positive feedback.  It's been incredibly received. 

So, needless to say, the last 5 weeks has been a fun ride.  Hopefully, it's just the beginning...

Hello...anyone there?

Hello again!

            Hello, faithful followers!  It’s been two months since I last updated this blog.  I’ve been so busy lately, mainly helping with my son’s baseball team, that the last month and a half hasn’t provided me much in the way of free time.  Much less time to concentrate and focus on story or character development.  But, now that the season’s over, I’m ready to start scratching at that creative itch.  I hope to have a new short story up here early next week.  It is titled The Angel and the Devil.  In the meantime, read any good books lately???    

Thank you.

I just want to take a moment to say thank you to those of you who are continually supportive of my writing, whether it’s deserving or not.  And to also let you know that your support is very much appreciated and does not go unheeded.  I struggle with my writing more than any writer rightly should.  There are times when I’ve almost convinced myself to give it up completely and find another hobby to indulge in.  Something less stress-inducing like collecting fingernail clippings or something.  But, whenever doubt creeps in, and I start to question why I waste my time with this venture, your words of encouragement are what give me the resolve to keep going.  So if you keep it coming, I promise to try and live up to your expectations.  And WHEN I finally do get something published, optioned or sold, the first round’s on me!

Back at it...

Well, my self-imposed moratorium on writing was short lived.  I should have known that, as often as I get new ideas, it wasn't going to last long.  All it takes is a fresh idea to light the fires and get the ink flowing again.  So I'm back in the writing saddle, so to speak.  Or at least in the research phase right now.  I've got a new idea that I'm getting more excited about as I flesh it out.  I think the storyline would work best as a screenplay, so for the first time in years, I'm dabbling in that field again.  (wish me luck!)  This story would play out really well on the big screen.  In fact, it almost requires that format just to do it justice.  I'm not sure I can even pull it off.  The story, and where I want to take it, is pretty ambitious, but what fun is coming up with an idea only to hand it off to someone else?  No matter how much more capable they are.  So stay tuned, and get your popcorn ready!

Taking a back seat...

Haven't been doing much writing lately.  Actually, haven't even thought about doing any.  Too much going on personally to concentrate long enough to be creative.  So I've been doing a lot of reading instead.  A few mysteries and a couple post-apocalyptic thrillers.  Now, I'm getting ready to start The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.  Everyone in my house (who's old enough, at least) has read it and loved it.  I haven't been real big on Young Adult titles in the past, but I'm willing to give this one a try.  Once I'm done with it, I'm sure I'll be looking for something else to stick my nose into.  Anything you've read that you'd recommend???

UPDATE!!!

Well, my story "In The Heat of Texas" did not make the cut in the NYC Midnight Short Story contest.  I got a lot of positive feedback, though, and I had a good time with it.  The whole experience was great.  I think part of the problem was that my story was too safe (I should have gone with your idea, Heather!).  Reading through the synopsis of the top 5 stories chosen in my category, there were some really good ideas that stretched the genre/subject envelopes much further than I did.  If anyone is interested, I have included the judge's feedback at the end of this post.  So for now, it's back to the proverbial drawing board!

Judge's Feedback:

WHAT THE JUDGE(S) LIKED ABOUT YOUR STORY - .........This was a well constructed, engaging tale with sympathetic, charming characters, a strong narrative arc, believable, organic dialogue, a well-drawn setting and a touching theme. Blake was a terrific "mysterious stranger," offering up a new life to the small town girl. I particularly liked how you orchestrated the opening scene with Blake, Janie and the elderly couple -- it was lighthearted and had real charm. Nice work.......The setting of this piece really adds something special to the story. There is a lot of care taken in introducing this woman, her father's work, and the conflict of whether or not she should leave. There's rich dialogue in this piece, too. The Creole aspect or detail adds something special: authenticity. 

WHAT THE JUDGES FEEL NEEDS WORK - .........I think you need to develop the character of Blake more. As it is, he's rather a shadowy figure, and I found myself waiting for the other shoe to drop, for him to show himself to be a killer or a con artist, rather than an honest man with good intentions. This obviously does not serve your piece, and I think if you rounded out his character a bit, perhaps gave him a little back story, it would alleviate this problem. Could more be brought into this piece so that it's not so sudden that the characters are intertwined? It seems as if the promising tension of the first scene is burst too soon. Additionally, more could be brought into the closing: what pushes this protagonist to make the final decision?