I Am Inspired

It's time to rant about another book I've read and adore. This book is special to me because it got me interested in reading and thus writing. I Am Legend by Richard Matheson.



When I was in school, I wasn't a reader. I had to take those classes to help me read. I remember during reading time, I would look over a book and get nothing out of it. My eyes would literally breeze over the pages while I daydreamed about something else. I figured it was just because I didn't like reading. And, in some respects, I was right.

It wasn't until very early on in college that I picked a book to read that I was excited about. I had a reading class and the teaching did something amazing. She gave us the option to pick a book to do a report on -- any book. She didn't have a preselected list of books, like they do in grade school.

I thought about it and decided that I'd actually be interested in reading I Am Legend. I bought the book, because the customary 2-week period that a library gives you wasn't enough for me. I was a really slow reader. I didn't want to deal with the added pressure. It's silly now that I look back at it.

I read I Am Legend at my own pace and I LOVED IT! There was something beautiful about the story telling that really spoke to me. I cared about the protagonist. I found time to read between classes. For the first time in my life, I read because I enjoyed it. I got something out of those words and I didn't daydream while I read, I day dreamed about the story during class (I know -- that's a whole other issue.) I devoured that book and wanted more.

I sometimes regret not reading I Am Legend Sooner. Maybe I would have loved reading and writing earlier in life. Either way, the story means a lot to me. It's short and simple and it's gritty and beautifully written.  Everyone should give it a try.

Matheson is a huge influence on my own story telling. I strongly suggest reading it. (It's better than and completely different from the movie.)  

Goals

I saw a news report on the supposed 'end of the world' according to the Mayan calendar. Don't get me wrong, I love the end of the world scenario. I'm writing about the end of the world for crying out loud! But a lot of people have been freaking out about it and prepping for the end or planing on committing suicide before the end. Really, all the stupid things that people think when the end is coming. I have a different problem with the end -- procrastination.

Originally, my goal was to finish the first draft of my story by December. Obviously that deadline has come and gone. So I'm still working hard on All for Owen, but now I don't have a goal. I've honestly been planning on setting a new goal for the first draft on New Years eve.

I'm being lax now, so I can set myself up for a successful New Years resolution! I know, I'm just as bad as those doomsday, eat drink be merry folks!

I can't let it happen.

My new goal is to finish the first draft before December 21st. That's right, while people are stocking up on gas masks and practicing their zombie survival skills, I'll be writing furiously (well, I'll also be practicing zombie survival skills -- don't judge). Because this goal is for this year. And on New Years Eve, my resolution will be to rewrite, polish and submit my COMPLETE manuscript to a lucky literary agent.

Bring it on Mayan's!     

New Begining, New Ending

I'm back to work on All for Owen after several weeks of stalling. I had time to write, lot's of it. But I was a little unsure about the story and where it was going.

I'm happy to announce, inspiration struck.

Well, I'm not all that happy. There is also the scary feeling that comes with butchering my existing outline. I'm making some serious plot changes. The only way this story will work, and have the kind of impact I'm looking for, is if I change the ending. And to change the ending, I need to change the beginning -- a lot. It's daunting but it's a good thing.

I'm really excited about the new direction because it feels like it is supposed to be that way. Like I've already written the story a long time ago and now I'm trying to remember how it's goes. That's a really cool feeling.

I re-outlined the entire novel and added a few more plot points and characters that I'm stoked to write. Now, I just need to get in gear and write.

Motivational quotes, anyone?

Cormac McCarthy

I recently finished Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy. Normally, I wouldn't read a western without a sizable bribe, but this was different. Blood Meridian is said to be McCarthy's best work. And that's no small statement.

Blood Meridian isn't for weak stomachs. I expected violence, it's about war and genocide after all, but I was seriously surprised at how much. It was a reminder about how evil human beings can be. I hated every character in this book, but McCarthy kept me reading. This book is almost set from the antagonists point of view. The best character in the book is also the most insidious. The judge.

When I finished this book, I realized that there is definitely deeper meaning behind the story. I'm still thinking about it. While I enjoyed Blood Meridian, it still isn't one of my favorites.
 
 I first discovered McCarthy through his latest novel, The Road. It was dark and gritty. I felt emotionally vested in the characters, even though McCarthy never tells their names. The story is set in post-apocalyptic America when the sun is blotted out and people resort to cannibalism. It's a truly awesome story.



I enjoyed The Road so much that I decided to pick up another one of his books, No Country for Old Men. Again, I loved this book. The writing is beautiful in a really dark way.



I've tried to emulate McCarthy's writing style in my own work.But let me be clear -- I am no Cormac McCarthy nor do I aspire to ever write like him. His stories are awesome because they make me think. They leave me with a lasting impression. Part of the reason his books do this so well is because he ends his literature in sad ways. I'd get depressed if I read too many books like that.

If you are interested in reading beautiful prose (and you can stomach some intense violence). I highly suggest any three of these books. My personal favorite is a toss up between The Road and No Country for Old Men.  

What I'm Reading

It's hard to keep writing on my blog when I don't have any real news to give. Blogging about myself really get's old, so I'm going to start adding posts about what I'm reading. Not only will these new posts be on topic (writing), but they should help explain my writing style. I've read some awesome books, and I've really tried to apply some of the cool techniques I've seen into my writing. This should be fun. My next post will be on Cormac McCarthy and his book Blood Meridian.

Here's something fun. I Googled The Cause and found quotes from my book. It always makes me feel more legit when there are other people quoting me.


 

Update

This is me being accountable to my blog for my writing progress...

I'm about 1/3 of the way done with the first draft of All For Owen. So far, so good.

over the next few months, I'll be looking for readers who are willing to give me honest and helpful feedback. Send me an email If you're interested.

This Could Be The One!

Life after college is awesome. I can actually focus all my attention on the task at hand. (Playing with my son, working, writing, relaxing.) It's nice.

The past two weeks have been seriously productive. I've added 30 pages to my manuscript - All For Owen. And I cannot express how excited I am about this story. Really. If I stick to my current rate and still have those creative juices flowing, I'll have the first draft finished by the December. The first draft is the hardest part.

I know I had said All For Owen would be a serial novel, but as I continue working, I'm realizing that this could actually be the story that transforms me from an indie author peddling stories on Amazon to a legitimate, professionally published author. I know - cool huh? I'm planning on sending it to an agent once it's looking as perfect as possible. And if All For Owen doesn't get picked up, I'll publish it myself. Either way, I'm really excited about this story.

I'm Back!

Over the past eight months or so I'm been extremely busy. I finished my Bachelors degree at the University of Utah.  As if that wasn't enough, I've also been working on two more books. Of course, I'm working on "All For Owen" but I'm also working on a new story that is tentatively titled "Cowards Don't Die".

I wouldn't normally work on two stories at the same time, but inspiration struck really hard, so I thought I'd go with it.

Now that school is finally over for good, I'm all about writing so I'll try to keep this blog updated on my latest endeavors in the writing world.

Fun While It Lasted

In a two day frenzy, over 10,000 people downloaded a copy of The Cause. That's pretty awesome if you ask me. All day, I was watching the numbers go up on Amazon. Even though I didn't make a cent, It makes me feel warm all over to know I have 10,000 more perspective readers.

Thanks to all who participated, especially Bookish Ardour for the awesome advertising.

I know I've been posting a lot recently because of the promotion, so don't be too let-down when this blog goes dormant over the next few days.

I'm going to crawl back into my writers cave for a while to work on All For Owen.

Last Chance!

Free ebooks are flying off the shelves like hot-cakes.

Currently, 9500 people have downloaded a free ebook copy of The Cause. That put's us at #37 in Amazons top 100 free ebooks.

Needless to say, this promotion has surpassed my expectations dramatically. If you haven't downloaded a copy yet, hurry! If you haven't told your friends about this freebee, hurry!

I'm working furiously on All For Owen Act 1. So I'll get back to work.

48 Hours Of Freedom!

Special announcement today! I'm giving away a free ebook copy of The Cause to anyone who wants to download it from Amazon.com.

This promotion ends January 11th at midnight Easter Standard Time.

This giveaway is young, and already 3000 people have downloaded The Cause free.

To all you free-loaders - tell your free-loader friends!

Serial Novel

Here's a pretty exciting announcement. I've decided to publish my current work-in-progress "All For Owen" as a serial novel.

What does that mean?

I'm planning on releasing the novel in three sections. (This is subject to change. I might go for four or five sections.) That means the story will be coming out sooner, and in smaller portions.

Why?

There are several reasons: 1- I am a new author and In the internet age people want more sooner or else they loose interest. 2- This will help me to narrow my focus, and thus create a better story. 3- I'm looking for street-cread as an author, that means more publications.

Is this a stunt to make more money?

No - If I were doing this for money, I've already failed. All For Owen will still be released as a full novel on Amazon once it's finished. So if you are the type of person who'd rather read it in it's entirety in one sitting, that's ok - just wait for the big release. If you aren't a patient person, great! You can read each section as it comes out.

The bottom line is, I'm still writing. I'm still publishing. I have complete creative control, so why not try something new?