The Journey of a Novel
I’ve wanted to write since I was a kid, but it wasn’t until November 2006 that I got serious about it. By January 2007, I’d finished my first 120,000 word first draft. Then I started on the sequel. For a while, I thought I wouldn’t be able to write anything other than that particular series (which is still unpublished), but eventually other ideas came to me.
One of those ideas was Reckless Rescue (originally titled Worlds Apart). It took me two years to finish the first draft (which included part of Reckless Rebellion as well).
But it was only mid last year that I got serious about publishing. Initially, I set a goal to have the book ready for publication by November. I think I was being a little optimistic! But even when I knew I couldn’t do it by November, I kept working. And in Feburary this year, I finally did it. I hit publish on my first book.
You can read a little about the story below.
What would you risk for love?
Marlee’s people are dying—the valuable anysogen gas that covers their planet is making the entire population infertile. When the council tells her she must leave her partner and choose another to improve her chances of having a baby, she’s devastated. She swears she’ll never love again—it hurts too much.
Tyris thinks he has everything he wants, despite his world suffering from overpopulation—until his wife leaves him because he is forbidden to have children.
In an attempt to convince his world, and his wife, that he’s worthwhile, Tyris goes hunting for a lost planet said to contain untold riches in the form of anysogen gas.
When he crashes on her world, Marlee and Tyris agree to pretend to live together while they try to repair his ship and escape from the planet. But as they battle the harsh winter on the planet together, keeping their distance becomes even more challenging than the snow, the council and the risks of a real relationship…
Read the first two chapters for free.
So today, since I’ve done a little promoting of my own, I invite you to do the same. Include a link to your own novel, blog, or other work in the comments below. Thanks for visiting.
All this month I’m participating in the A-Z blogging challenge, writing a blog post for each letter of the alphabet, on every day of the month except Sundays. Check back regularly to see what else I have in store for you.
Congratulation for you publishing! I had the same experience more or less. I’ve started back with my dream in 2007 when I moved to Ireland and since then I’ve been working on my fantasy world! Your story encourages me! Thanks!
Hi Franny. Glad the story encouraged you! You can do it!
It’s really interesting to read about the journey of a novel. I’m also glad I’m not the only one who has three or four other novels that haven’t yet been released into the wild!
I’m sure most writers have at least a few. That’s part of writing isn’t it?
I used to think of it as a waste of words but I do hope to go back and fix them one day!
No, they’re never a waste of words! Every little bit you write you learn something new, and the funny thing is, it’s often the stories I’ve written purely for myself, with no thought to publish, that I’ve learnt the most, because I’ve been able to let my fears of not doing it right go.
I’d guessed this would be the eventual R-post! Congratulations on coming this far.
John at The Bathroom Monologues
Yes, I figured R would be a pretty safe bet. Thanks, it’s been a lot of fun.
Two years to finish your first published novel is very reasonable, I’d say. I’ve been so tempted to grab my Kobo and start reading your book, but I’m forcing myself to wait until May. Discipline! It’s all about the discipline!
May your sales explode through the ROOF!
Thanks Kern. That would be lovely!
Disipline is a fine thing. Sometimes. 😉
Congratulations on publishing! I published my first in January! (Armageddon: Pick Your Plot – http://amzn.com/0615715850). It’s so delicious to see your name on that cover, isn’t it?
AJ Lauer
#atozchallenge helper minion
Twitter: @ayjaylauer
I had a look at your book AJ, and it looks like fun! I’ve been tempted to write a choose your own adventure a couple of times, but usually decided it would be too much work! Thanks for sharing.
Rinelle,
Thanks for stopping by my blog. This has been an adventure. I will look forward to reading your book. I am hoping at some point to put together a book as well. I am thinking of using my blog posts as a jumping off point. Sort of thoughts of the day type of thing. Looking forward to talking with you more!
Shannon
The Other Side of the Equation
Thanks for stopping by Shannon. I think using blog posts as a starting point for a book is a great idea! I think a lot of people are doing that these days.
Congratulations on publishing your novel. I am still working on fulfilling that dream myself! I enjoyed what I read of the follow up
Good luck with your own novel. It will happen.
Great premise! I’m off to read the first two chapters right now.
Thanks Marjorie. Hope you enjoy.
Congrats on publishing your book! I’ve always wanted to write, but I lack discipline (and time).
TaMara
Tales of a Pee Dee Mama
Yes! Time is a big one. I didn’t realise quite how long it all takes. Not just to write the initial story, but to edit, and then market.
120,00 words! Holy Dinah! I struggle to get past 40,000.
Riann Colton
I have the opposite problem. I don’t seem to be able to keep one under 100k! I’d love to be able to write short stories, but every time I try I keep thinking of complications!
40,000 is good. I love reading novellas, long enough for a good story and good character development, not so long that my washing pile is impossible and there are no clean dishes left by the time I can put the book down!
Rinelle,
Thanks for sharing your story to publication. Very helpful to hear that other people are going through the same journey.
Congratulations!!!!!!! Reckless Rescue looks like my kind of book.
Connie
A to Z-ing to the end
Peanut Butter and Whine
Thanks Connie. 🙂