Stalemate

As you may know, a revised draft of my primary novel-in-progress was read and reviewed by a group of trusted beta-readers. While all agree that the story concept is good and the action engaging, there is a certain lack of empathy toward some of the characters. Particularly toward an individual who is essential to the story's conclusion.

I couldn't help but wonder how characters that I'm so invested in and in love with have come across unlikable on the page. Luckily, one of my readers tackled both drafts of this story. She pointed out that I edited the heart out of my novel. It lost its magic. I cut and trimmed so much of what I assumed were extraneous details that I left my characters naked. They lacked critical back story, motivations, and reasoning in the second draft.

So I find myself in a stalemate. My creative/receptive side is in a proverbial stare down with my logical/critical side. It is obvious now that this tale is bigger than what my two planned novels can handle. I am going to continue to work on the conclusion and reanalyze the project as a whole upon completion. Perhaps it is a trilogy after all--as much as the cliche irks me.

It is difficult to quell the inner goblin after receiving constructive criticism. Especially since this revelation means I will again have to push back my publication date. So in the mean time I'm working on a different story as well as painting. I think it is wise to step away from what is vexing me and refill my subconscious.

New Story: The Man With The Robot Wife

I posted a new short story on Wattpad today. This is one that has gone through four drafts and three different endings. It explores psychological pain, loneliness, friendship, and the impact of technology on every-day life.

Here's the teaser:

"Gage Barman, a hermit and neighborhood curiosity, owns a junk shop in a crumbling building located on the corner of a busy urban intersection. In an era where electronics are inexpensive enough to use and repurchase months later and Modified Biological Organisms are commonplace, customers to his shop are a rare occurrence. But on New Year's Eve, 2049, a friendly young police officer and M-Bo, Ely Lonnam, begins making regular purchases. Will Gage befriend his new customer despite his appearance or is he destined to continue his reclusive phobic ways?"

If this sounds like something you are interested in, you can read the story here. Votes and comments are always welcome and support my efforts for exposure. Enjoy! And remember, reading stories on Wattpad is FREE to all.

It’s A Slow Journey (And I Don’t Care)

It seems like an eternity since I have written for this blog. And no wonder. With one measly follower and not a lot of writing going on, what could I possibly have to say and to whom? Nevertheless, some changes have occurred. So why not throw it out there?

I recently picked out an old story from my earliest days at Columbia College with the intention of polishing it and submitting it to any publication I thought might want it. As soon as I began editing, an entire new world presented itself. Characters appeared out of the ether and situations never previously conceived flashed in my mind’s eye. “Write this down,” they begged. “Give us life.” And so it has become a mission for me to spend time with these characters, get to know them, and tell their story. Consequently, it’s a slow process but just like the Confucius quote I recently read, "it does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop."

I will not stop. I’ve spent far too much time questioning my talent and the market and the supposed impossibilities of making a good living as a fiction writer. I’ve adopted a strict I-really-don’t-care attitude and it suits me. I’ve stopped beating myself up and comparing myself to others. The blinders are on and my resolve is set soley on finishing this book. By this time next year I’ll be in the money, making a comfortable living doing what I love.

The second point I’d like to make here is that anyone out there thinking ebooks and epublishing is just a passing fad needs to wake the heck up. It is the present and the future of publishing. In fact, as you read this, the entire publishing paradigm is taking on a new shape and I refuse to be left behind. I highly suggest that anyone who is serious about writing to do your research on this. There are lots of fantastic opportunities, particularly for new authors hitting the scene. Don’t say I didn’t give you heads up.