On January 12, 2013, at 11:15 Mountain Time, I completed the first draft to the first new novel manuscript I’ve written since 2008. This is the first in an action/adventure X-Files-like conspiracy series.
I’ve written before as a guest blogger that I’ve been in a slump, trying to understand WTF, and all. Well, since that time, I’ve been giving it the ol College Try and finally, after almost five years, have completed a full manuscript. It’s full of holes and after having analyzed the content, my content timeline and storyline the past couple weeks, I realize have much work to do with…but I have much work to do with it!
Isn’t that great?
After all this time I have a project in-hand, and it’s written out, warts and all! Sure, I’ll butcher and maim the hell out of it, but the material is there. In novel-length format. It’s not something I’d written years ago and shelved, not a short story, but a full-blown book. I’m sure many writers operate the same, but my second drafts are the toughest efforts, most rework-heavy drafts, but when I get into the mode of initial, first-draft writing, I just vomit it out. This manuscript was actually a little different, more a series of brutal dry heaves early on, but once I found the Zen, it became one big Vomit Comet for the finish line. I intentionally ignored some of the subplots and just wanted to get the basic story out. I don’t usually do that, but I did not want to lose what momentum I had going (given, you know…), because I’d tried that on this manuscript, and felt the moment start to suck wind. So, I forewent my usual M.O. and did things a little differently. No matter how good the process, it seems every book I start is different in some manner.
So, I’ve been pouring over the storyline, finding holes, finding issues, and think I finally have what I need to begin the actual rework (I actually began rewriting yesterday). And…I’m actually quite excited about it. They’ll be my “conspiracy books,” my nod to the X-Files and some other shows (I’d like to add Twilight Zone in there, but don’t know that I’m much of an O. Henry/Rod Serling kind of writer, I’ve finally admitted to myself…but you never know…). You know, if I can actually sell them. But I love the idea, the characters, and it has potential for an on-going series beyond three books. It could well become, well…
Yes, it could become a thing.
From my POV, anyway.
As much as I still want to write everyday life weird and paranormal, there’s still this other side of me that wants to do X-Files kinda work, and now I have this outlet to do so. And I’m real happy about it. I’m happy I have some meat to work with. I’m happy to have new energy out there. New work. And it’s already getting in the way of responding to e-mail, posting blogs and tweets, and getting household chores done.
So, yes, I had a huge dry spell there for a bit, but things appear to be looking up.
Alice in Chains’ “Nutshell” is playing on Pandora right now (love this band, and this tune—which epitomizes much of my series’ tone). It’s germane to my series. So, I leave you with an important stanza that sums the series:
“We chase misprinted lies We face the path of time
And yet I fight
And yet I fight
This battle all alone
No one to cry to
No place to call home.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_GPxe91hWE
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That’s great, Frank! A huge accomplishment to finish a book, whether it be your 1st, 2nd, 10th or 100th. It ain’t easy. I wish you a hearty congratulations. Now get to work! 🙂
Thanks—and, yup! :-]
Congratulations, Frank! And I must say the second book may not be any easier, but it’s always a milestone to finish the first book.
PS: I began “Vampire Syndrome” on June 13, 2009, finished the first version in Sept. 2010, then re-wrote it from the ground up, finishing the current version in August 2012. And I signed my publishing contract in Dec. 2012.
Thanks, Daven, but what made the pain so much worse through all this was that this is not my FIRST book…it’s actually my 11th manuscript. Yeah. Been at this a while. Sometimes, after having banged your head against the wall for so long (started writing when I was 6; serious, continuous effort for some 27 or so years…), you can begin to doubt yourself, your path. That’s what happened to me, until I pull my head out of you-know-where…. ;-]
Thanks for stopping by, and congrats on YOUR efforts!
Putting that last period on the page is always something to celebrate. Even if it is the last period for the 10th book. You are growing with each word you put on the page. Sales (when and if they come) aren’t everything there is about the writing…and I know you know that, Frank. Congrats on another project to be proud of. The project that is the most current YOU.
Thanks, Karen! :-]
Congratulations, Frank! Good for you to keep slogging it out to the end.
Thanks, Mary!
Congratulations! Glad to hear you have a completed manuscript in hand and (perhaps more importantly) that you’re still excited about it!
Thanks, Marc. It’s been so long, at first, I didn’t know what to do with it! Just stared at it in wonder. Do I use it to keep my office door open? As a step stool in the kitchen? To block a car tire to keep it from rolling downhill? then it all came back to me, like a nightmare—crap! Now, I have to REWRITE the damned thing…. ;-]