WOO HOO!
Now, of course, that's "Done: Level 1", meaning the novel is with my agent, and she's using her super sekrit spidey-senses to make it as strong as possible, but IT'S DONE, PEOPLE.
Now, on to the actual blog post. I have a few questions to answer, so I thought I'd do them here (anonymous as always).
Q: Where can I buy your book?
A: You're jumping the gun by more than a year. Print publishing through a commercial house takes time and many steps.
Q: Do you ever "cast" your characters when you write?
A: I assume this means do I picture actors/actresses/etc. as the characters. Yes, of course. I think most writers do this; it makes it easier to visualize the character if you have a solid image of someone in their role. (But, that doesn't mean I'll fess up to who I see in my head when I'm writing a particular character.)
Q: Why don't you write about puppies and happy children and rainbows?
A: Mom, we've been over this...
Q: Do you have a favorite character?
A: Yes and no. I have characters I love to write, but others that are less pleasant to write are also essential to the story. I love all the characters for different reason.
Q: Will you post your favorite scene from your book?"
A: No, but I'll tell you what it is... sort of. It's a traveling scene starring the book's main character and one of the main male characters. The location mirrors the heroine's feeling of helplessness and chaos pretty well, but the real reason I love the scene is because I've tried working that scene into at least four projects over the years. I was happy to find a place it actually belonged.
Q: Shouldn't you put a disclaimer at the front of your book to remind people it's not real?
A: Mom...
Q: Can you send me your book? I won't share it with anyone. (Or, the other variation: I have a book blog and would like to review your book, please.)
A: Sorry guys, can't do it.
- The book's not "done", meaning it's still going through edits with my editor at Greenwillow.
- I can't just send copies to whoever I want; it's too big a risk. (To be honest, I haven't even let my family read the book, yet.)
- WAY too early. Even if you're a legitimate book blogger, you wouldn't get a copy to read for review until much closer to the book's release date.
4 Chiming In:
Congrats on being done! And also, I starting to think I might be the only writer out there who doesn't visualize my characters as actors or specific people when I'm writing. Because your way does seem to be the overwhelming norm.
Do people who are not in a CP relationship with someone actually ask to read a book before it gets to the ARC stage? I can't imagine who would do that or why it would seem appropriate.
It's not a hobby, people.
@MacNish
I think it's more that people who've never dealt with a publishing timeline think all books come out as quick as an Amazon upload.
Last week, I was talking to a woman at the bank, and mentioned my book being purchased. Her first question was to ask if it was out yet and where she could buy it. When I told her it took (usually) 18-24 mo. from purchase to shelf, a look of absolute horror came over her face.
Even those who don't think of writing as a hobby think it's this quick thing that happens the instant you hand in a MS.
(You should have seen how her face looked when I tried to explain that "advance" =/= "hand me a big bag o'cash up front".)
It's like anything else, most people's assumptions of a field they don't work in are formed by how that field is portrayed on TV and in the movies, and on TV, it's a quick money, instant fame, everyone loves me scenario.
Josin, congratulations. Please let me make it clear that my comments are not meant to steal your well-deserved thunder, but that I totally get how you feel.
I, likewise, "finished" my novella about four weeks ago. I was under a deadline since a publisher (Main Street Rag) has an open submission period for novellas, and it was closing on 9/15. So I got the first draft into my buddy's hands (he's a former newspaper editor), and he did a bang-up job proofing it. I was able to submit it 9/14.
So now I (unlike you) am sitting here with my fingers crossed, hoping they take it.
Again, great job.
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