Writing Crooked Fang was almost an experiment for myself in order to see if I could really turn a simple goof-off webseries into an actual novel. What I’ve been working on lately is a novel written to be a novel. More than that, it’s horror. Don’t think that my usual snark won’t be in it, though.
This time around, well so far, it’s written from a dead guy’s point of view named Ren Silver. Not sure if I’m going to keep the last name, but to be fair, his real name was Renault Silversmythe. Ren is a ghost. Seattle seemed to be the ideal setting for the story, tentatively entitled Death is not an Exit, but it’s not present day. Instead, it’s the late 1990s, when the second generation of goth and the short-lived age of grunge was in full swing. I’ve gotten the story almost halfway done, but it hasn’t been easy. On top of my usually-full reality, the ideas have been sporadic. What I have gotten has been interesting, even chilling at times. In a way, the story has been a sort of self-therapy since during the time of writing I’ve lost my beloved grandmother, Kathleen.
What happens to us when we die? No one really knows. Theories abound, but it all may as well be fiction. In Death is not an Exit, I’m exploring that in-between realm, the afterlife in general and a whole lot of “what-if”. In preparation and as a means of motivation, I’ve read a good handful of books pertaining to hauntings, ghost hunting and other associated subjects. I have to say, my bookshelves are being filled with some rather curious volumes. I think my most favorite part of drafting a novel is being in total control of what’s happening, even if half the time I don’t exactly feel like it. When a book is still just a big Word document on my hard drive and I’ve shared at best, mere snippets, the work is still very private and personal. An imaginary set of friends I can go visit any time.
What’s your favorite part of the process?
8 comments:
I generally get into a complete frothy during the research/preparation phase because at that point nothing's carved in stone. This invariably means quite a few lively conversations with my white-boarding partner over coffee, and possibly annoying a few friends via email too. Usually, the conversation starts... "I had this idea for a story..." and it all goes downhill from there.
That's when friends from various backgrounds come in handy, I think. Walking unfamiliar territory or just being "stuck" I believe it's then a great time to reach out and say "Hey, what do you think?"
You've caught me before writing in the wrong direction and I thank you. :)
Sounds like a cool book! Can't wait to read it. As for my favorite part of the process, it varies. That initial push of creativity that hatches the idea is usually so much fun, while actually adding flesh (words) to the bones (outline) can be exhilarating. And, of course, after edits are all done and it's ready to be sent in, that always makes me smile.
Sounds utterly fantastic, can't wait to read it!!!
I've been enjoying the excerpts you've been sharing, and the potential cover artwork. Actually knowing a bit of the inspiration and drive for the novel has taken it from "that should be good," to "damn, I can't wait until I can get my paws on this." Hearing perspectives on death and the afterlife is always so fascinating, specifically because we just can't know.
And, I have to admit, I look forward to being able to say I have some kind of process. I'm pretty keen on building one at this point. ^.^
I could get behind the "Ren Silver" name. It has a cheesy first impression, but I enjoy some cheese, and it is an appropriate name for any porn star or fictional hero. Ren Silver: Ghost Narrator works!
My favorite part of the process is when I pick up enough momentum that word count goals are unnecessary and the scenes simply flow out of me. In both of my previous two novels, the final thirds were rolling tides of thoughtful inertia, tying threads together and ending arcs with perhaps a dangerous amount of entertainment on my part. It's such a good feeling to be in the moment with art like that.
I should fix this blog for the reply threads. First, I'm sorry it took so long for your comments to show, John and CJ. If it weren't for John, I wouldn't have realized you were caught in my sneaky spam net. :)
Eric, I'd have to say when the idea is newborn, oh yes. It's like love at first bite and I get all starry idea, yet must use caution making a whole lot of plans I can't possibly fulfill. Rather wait to see if I can get a bit of words in before I blab all over about this or that.
Synde, I hope not to disappoint!
CJ, you've been so sweet and keep me excited. Even when I'm like mrfggfffg you're constantly reminding me that I did do Crooked Fang and that in itself has been a tremendous help.
John, three novels? Wow. You are *such* a writing machine. Ren Silver does make a sweet stage name, yes? Glad you approve!
I'm like Nerine, I like the research phase!
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