Slow Progress on New Novel

I have to admit that progress on my latest novel has been painfully slow. 

This novel is the fourth book in the John Ross Boomer Lit series. It's been percolating in my computer for several months. 

I have excuses. Don't most, if not all, writers have excuses when they're dragging their feet on manuscripts and projects? 

Here are a few of mine:

• The holiday season that runs from Thanksgiving (Nov. 28) through New Year's Day. 
• The impeachment hearings that has dominated the news for more than a month. Regardless of which side of the political spectrum you lean, I think it's important as an American citizen to stay informed. I'm glad we have a holiday break from it all.
• Several days I had flu-like symptoms that kept me from working. I don't concentrate well when under the weather. 
• I've discovered that I can't stay focused on my work for more than several hours when I'm not under the weather. My eyes get tired from staring at the screen. That necessitates lying down and resting my eyes for an hour or so.
• I get mentally exhausted from reading and rewriting, much sooner than I did as a younger man. And that also necessitates lying down for a short nap for an hour or so.
• I get distracted by other activities going on in my life. I'm not the multi-tasker I used to be in my younger days.  

However, my goal is to complete this second rewrite by the end of the year (2019, that is). And I want to finish revisions and send the manuscript off to my Wings ePress editor by the end of January so it will be published in 2020. That's my plan and I intend to stick to it! 

When finished with that goal, I want to begin work on the fifth book in the John Ross Boomer Lit series. Only time will tell.

Until the next time . . . 

Bluegrass Writers Coalition: From Pen to Page

I'm a founding member of the Bluegrass Writers Coalition, formed about 18 months ago in Frankfort, Ky., to discuss everything related to reading and writing. 

We get together the second Thursday of each month at the local Panera Bread Co. and share our thoughts about poetry, fiction, nonfiction, promotion, marketing, or whatever anyone cares to discuss in the one-hour meeting (we set the alarm to ring one hour after our 5:30 p.m. start). We also have brief readings and share our work as we build the writing community.

We have about 20 members but usually around 12 to 15 show up for meetings since many of them work full-time jobs. Our ages range from the 20s to the 70s. We have newbies and published authors. No dues. No commitments. Just show up when you can.

It's an eclectic group of interesting men and women from  various backgrounds and vocations who simply enjoy writing and reading. And on top of that, we seem to like each other so you might say we're a social group as well. 

This past summer we decided to publish an anthology, with members submitting novel excerpts, short stories, poems, essays, and creative nonfiction works. The result was the 154-page "From Pen to Page: a selection of writings from  the Bluegrass Writers Coalition," published in late October. It's available in print and ebook (and just in time for Christmas gift-giving). 

The book is dedicated to Mark Kinnaird, a founding member who passed away unexpectedly last summer at age 59.  Besides an insightful poet, Mark was a staffer at the Paul Sawyer Public Library in Frankfort, involved in book clubs and the annual Gathering of Authors" event as well as other responsibilities. He loved the written word.

Our group has other plans such as book signings and public readings. Other activities may develop in the coming months.

Feel free to join us at our next meeting on Dec. 12 (or any meeting on the second Thursday of the month). We also have a Facebook page if you want to learn more about BWC.

Until the next time . . .  

More for Boomers -- OK Boomer

An interesting story I read this week compared the generation label "boomer" to the "N" word. 

According to news reports, Rochester, N.Y., radio host Bob Lonsberry tweeted that boomer was the "... n-word for ageism." Lonsberry is 60.

USA Today reported the phrase "'OK, boomer,' has been used on the video-sharing app TikTok by Generation Z and millennials (also known as Generation Y) to show their resentment toward baby boomers."

The Independent's story  noted that Lonsberry criticized the phrase because it was "typically used to jab older folks for espousing seemingly outdated views."

I've heard boomer all my life and never considered it a derogatory term. I'm a boomer and proud to wear the badge. I've seen and experienced a lot of things in my boomer life. And perhaps I'm too old to care. That's another thing that comes with growing older.


Lonsberry, who has since deleted the tweet, apparently faced an avalanche of criticism for making the word comparison, according to the USA Today story. 

From the "The Mo'Kelly Show" host: "Just because something is insulting, it doesn't make the N-word sporto. Nobody died connected with it. Nobody was enslaved or segregated in conjunction with it. Just stop."

Actor John Mulaney, quoted by a Twitter user, said, "If you're comparing the badness of two words and you won't even say one of them, that's the worse word."

I'm not going to castigate Mr. Lonsberry. Maybe he was feeling down since reaching the big six-oh. Since he deleted the tweet, my guess is that he probably wishes he had used a different word, such as old, elderly, or senior. And there are plenty of other words that have been used to describe my generation.

Yep, words do matter, so choose wisely. 

Your thoughts?

~*~

If you're looking for information on the Internet about boomers, check out the "Top 100 Baby Boomer Blogs & Websites to Follow in 2019."

The blogs and websites cover a wide array of topics such as health, finances, careers, relationships, travel, grandparenting, and more. You can also subscribe to those that pique your interest. 

Until the next time . . .

On the Second "(Re)Write" Track

It's back to work on the work in progress, this time on the second rewrite. 

The first rewrite was quite a chore since I hadn't looked at the manuscript in six months or so. It took much longer than I expected to go through the 60k-plus words, about 10 arduous weeks. 

This time should go more quickly, perhaps even 10 days, if I don't encounter too many distractions along the way. That's another reason I spend most of my time in the early hours working on a manuscript. 

I generally go through 10 or 11 rewrites before I'm satisfied enough to submit it to my editor at Wings ePress. That's not to say she receives a perfect manuscript; far from it. But I do hope it creates less work for her in the long run in that she can focus more on story than on other elements.

As noted in previous posts, this novel will be the fourth in the John Ross Boomer Lit series. In the last novel, New Horizons, the story focused on John and Sally Ross's trip to Budapest. Now they're back home in Kentucky and dealing with domestic adventures of various and sundry sorts, to put it lightly. Retirement isn't what John expected when he left the newspaper business. 


What I try to do in a second rewrite (and probably every rewrite to clean and fine-tune) is to add/delete descriptions, tighten dialogue, make grammatical and spelling corrections, and delve more into characters to show their motivations and what makes them tick. 

And I'll add or expand scenes to enhance the story and delete others that bog down the flow or don't add to the overall development of the plot/subplots.  

Until the next time . . .   

Boomer Websites

As an author of novels for baby boomers, also known as boomer lit, there are websites I read regularly to keep up-to-date on what is happening with the generation born from 1946-64. 

I have a keen interest in baby boomers. It's important for me to know the issues and concerns of those I'm writing about in this genre. And as a boomer, I'd be reading visiting these to see what is going on with those in my age group. 

I recently wrote about my hearing loss and getting hearing aids. It helped me understand this health issue from the viewpoint of others about this problem, both professional and personal.    

I also like to be informed about issues that I may encounter before my brief time on Earth is over. And it's not only health matters. There are financial and social matters that concern me. 

By keeping up with the various issues, it informs my writing and makes it relatable to my readers. I also gather information in other ways, such as chats with family and friends and other media (TV, books, movies, etc.)

Here's a shortlist of websites I frequent:

AARP —  The website is targeted for those 50 and over so it also brings in those who hit that magic number this year (Generation X). It's an all-encompassing site that provides useful information on health (such as Medicare, prescription, drugs, etc.), leisure, travel, and finance. 

Baby Boomers — This useful destination provides information on topics such as travel, healthy living, relationships, nutrition and more.  

Boomer Cafe — This site offers wide-ranging topics such as retirement, health, fitness, politics, and an active lifestyle. I receive a first-person story in my email each morning from boomers sharing their life experiences.

Growing Bolder — As part of the Growing Bolder Broadcasting that is seen nationally, the site focuses on active and inspirational lifestyles for older folks.  Not surprisingly,  the site contains quite a few interesting videos.  





Next Avenue — Like AARP, this site is aimed toward those 50 and over. It includes topics such as caregiving, health, work, and technology. It is affiliated with the Public Broadcasting System and produced by Twins Cities PBS.



I also read articles about boomers in MSN, HuffPost, WebMD, and other sites. 

Do you have any recommendations?

Until the next time . . .  



   

More to Do on WIP

I finished the first rewrite of my work in progress and discovered there's a lot more to do on the second rewrite. It took longer than I expected, about 10 weeks, and there's a good reason for the extra time on the manuscript.

As mentioned in a long-ago post, when working on "New Horizons," I decided to break up the manuscript because it was running too long and going off in another direction.
What I've learned after working on the second half of the manuscript is that the story hasn't ended. I have nearly 61,000 words saved and will probably need to write another 20k—so I'm about three-fourths of the way to "The End."

I recalled, when it abruptly ended today, that it was at that point about a year ago when I decided to turn it into the fourth book in the "John Ross Boomer Lit" series. For some reason I thought I had finished it. It must have been a senior moment!  

I'll delve back into the manuscript, knowing what's been written and where it's likely to go. My goal is to have the manuscript ready to send to my editor at Wings ePress by the end of the year, if not sooner.  I'm hopeful that this novel will be published in 2020. Good vibes sent my way will be appreciated. 

One thing I've learned from this experience is that I won't be breaking up a manuscript again. Once started on a book, I'll stick with it until the very end. 

Until the next time . . .

A Timely Update on WIP

I don't know if it's age-related, manuscript-related, or retired-related, but work on my latest novel seems to be moving at a snail's pace. 

Truth be told, it's probably a bit of each: I don't have the energy I once had, the manuscript is resulting in a more detailed rewrite, and I may have too much on the platter in my twilight years.

My energy level is definitely not what it was, even five years ago. For example, I recently went to the doctor for two vaccinations. My body ached for several days and it affected my sleep. I felt physically drained. I have two more vaccinations coming up this week and I dread it because of what may happen again.

I spend each day on the manuscript, the fourth book in the John Ross Boomer Lit series. As mentioned in a previous post, I put the first draft in hibernation for about six months before getting back to it. Now, for various reasons, the manuscript almost seems like reading a new book. I wanted to put fresh eyes on it, but sometimes wonder if this is almost to the extreme. 

I do try to stay busy each day. I'm up before the crack of dawn, usually working on my novel. I also read each day. I do some book promotion and marketing. I'm involved in the Bluegrass Writers Coalition. I meet friends several times a month for coffee or breakfast. And I have family matters as well to attend to most every day; just ask my wife and dogs. I also have hobbies that include photography and travel. 

I've read that it's important for folks around my age to stay mentally sharp and physically fit (that probably includes any age from what I've observed). I wonder, though, if a person can overdo it? I certainly don't want to spend my days sitting in a rocking chair in front of the TV, wasting away in mind and body.  I guess balance is the keyword.

So that's where I am on my novel—in a roundabout way. I've contacted my editor at Wings ePress and the novel should be published in 2020. Now to avoid going around in circles and get back to the manuscript!

Until the next time . . . 

I Hear You . . .

For several years I've denied a problem I knew was creeping up on me. 

My wife would try to discuss it with me but it wasn't something I wanted to accept. I knew it could happen as I got older, but it still wasn't easy for me to acknowledge. Even though I wasn't having sleepless nights,  I wasn't being the man I wanted to be by not dealing with it head-on. Could I be so foolish in my old age? Could I be so vain? So selfish?

After making excuses for several months, I decided to get an examination and find out if it was a problem I needed to address. And I did it for my wife, to satisfy her concerns about my health. I certainly didn't want to disappoint her and leave her with doubts about our future. I didn't want us to go to bed every night with it hanging over our heads. 

I took the required tests and the results came back positive. Yes, I was disappointed, but there was no more denying my problem. It was something I had to take care of or risk the chance of missing the clarion call for corrective action in the future.

Can you see my hearing aids?

My problem? Sad but true, I've experienced permanent hearing loss in my life. And I now wearing hearing aids. I have trouble distinguishing or hearing high-pitched sounds. I'm okay with low and mid-range frequencies so two out of three isn't too bad. 

According to the National Institute on Aging, one in three people between the ages of 65 and 74 has hearing loss. It's half of those who are 75 or older (my Dad got hearing aids in his 80s). And the NIH notes, "...some people may not want to admit they have trouble hearing."

That was me before I heeded the call to do something about it.

No doubt, my hearing problem developed through the years, from attending high-octane rock concerts, work-related assignments in the news media, failing to protect my ears when mowing the lawn and performing other noisy jobs, and listening to music too loud on headphones and earphones. I've had tinnitus, that annoying ringing in the ears, for 40 years but over time I've learned to ignore it for the most part.

So I'm letting you know, as advised from the NIH, that I have a hearing problem. But you shouldn't have to speak louder unless, of course, you don't want me to hear what you're saying. Now you wouldn't want to do that, would you? 

Fits snugly behind my ears

I wear mini behind-the-ear hearing aids. They're lightweight and fit so nicely that it's difficult to see them. That's a vanity thing for some people—including me to a certain extent—but being able to hear overrides those concerns, especially being able to listen to the sweet sounds from my four adorable granddaughters and even the welcomed barks from my four-legged friends. 

And, at my age, vanity isn't a major concern. Preserving what I have, healthwise, is a priority. Baby boomers understand. You can use it and still lose it. In addition to hearing, that includes sight, smell, touch, mobility, and other things we take for granted in our lives.

My wife is satisfied I have taken the proper steps to protect my hearing. My problem now is finding an excuse when I want to tune her out!

Until the next time . . . 



  

Plodding Along on WIP

As mentioned in a previous post, I'm working on the fourth book in my "John Ross Boomer Lit" series.

So let me give you a quick update: It hasn't been easy.

I sat on the first draft for about six months before going back to it on Aug. 1. I wanted to view it with fresh eyes. That has happened, for the most part. It's also made for some tired eyes during the rewrite.

I've rediscovered forgotten words, like reading something for the first time by another author, except that the author is me. I'm having to relearn some of the plotlines and new characters. 

It's been an adventure as each page seems to contain something new to me. There are thoughts and words that were locked in the recesses of my brain several months ago. And now they're beginning to re-emerge on the computer screen.

One thing I've had to do is provide more backstory so readers have an idea what John and Sally Ross, as well as other characters such as Brody and Geraldine, have been through in the previous three novels. It also reopens my memory bank.  

A reason for that is because this yet unnamed novel was part of the third novel, "New Horizons," but I decided to divide the draft when it began to spiral in different directions. I like coherence in my books; I certainly didn't want to write a sprawling novel of 250,000 words or more.

So that's where I am at this point in time. I'm still cautiously optimistic that I will be able to hand it over to my editor at Wings ePress by the end of September. 

Until the next time . . .

Regarding "The Novel"

I just finished reading James A. Michener's "The Novel," a multi-layered book about publishing, rural life, diverse characters, and writing.

While the novel has its shortcomings—it's a slow read—it provides insights into the book-publishing industry, even though it was released in 1991, before the digital age and the advent of ebooks. 

Michener, a prolific author of more than 40 books (including a Pulitzer Prize in 1948 for "Tales of the South Pacific"), writes about what happens after a manuscript is sent to a publisher. And unless the author is a Stephen King, Danielle Steel,  or John Grisham (you get the idea), the book goes through several steps (slush pile, editing, rewriting, marketing, and promotion) before it sees the light of day. 

James A. Michener

Michener approached this 400-plus page novel with four points of view (author, editor, critic, and reader), with each confronting their own personal and professional challenges. He even throws in a murder near the end that takes the story off track. 


For those who want to understand the publishing process, "The Novel" fills that need. The book was recommended to me by an avid reader who found the publishing aspect fascinating. And as a published author, I found it interesting as well. 

Another aspect about Michener that caught my attention was that he was 84 when "The Novel" was published, and he went on to write four more books before he died in 1997 ("Matecumbe" was published posthumously in 2007).

Until the next time . . . 

Story Songs: Tired of Toein' the Line

Back in 1980, Rocky Burnette scored a big rockabilly hit with "Tired of Toein' the Line." It's one of my all-time favorites, so full of energy and drive, especially Burnette's expressive voice. 

Rocky Burnette

It's basically a breakup song, from the guy's point of view:

"I know it's o-ooh-over, cause I've seen the signs
Don't let me waste your precious time.
Baby, I'm tired of toein' the line."


Here are a few vids of the song: 

The song reached No. 8 on the U.S. charts, No. 1 in Australia, and No. 3 in New Zealand and South Africa. It was co-written by Burnette and Ron Coleman.

 It was released on his "The Son of Rock and Roll" album in 1979.  By the way, the Memphis, Tenn., musician was a son of rock and roll: Jonathan "Rocky" Burnette's father was early rocker Johnny Burnette (1934-64), who had hits "Dreamin' and "You're Sixteen" in the early '60s.

While researching the song, I was surprised by how many covers through the years by a variety of artists (Rick Nelson, Shakin' Stevens, and Andreas Silver) and dancers (yes, dancers).  

Here's a few if you've got the time:

Rocky still performs and reportedly will have a new album released later this year. 

Until the next time . . . 

Ready to Start Fourth Boomer Lit Novel

It's been nearly six months since I finished "New Horizons," the third book in the John Ross Boomer Lit series.  Lately, several readers have asked if I've started on another book.

"New Horizons" was released May 1 by Wings ePress and sales have been steady and reviews have been excellent. I'm very appreciative to those who have supported my writing in the past and those who are just discovering my stories.

So now it's time to move on to the fourth book. I don't have a working title but I have produced probably 50k words. August 1st is my official start date.

So how do I already have 50k words? When working on "New Horizons" last year, the manuscript exceeded 90k and the novel was moving in a different direction. I decided to use the first 40k on "New Horizons," and the other for the next installment.  By the way, "New Horizons" ended up at nearly 70k words so there was plenty of writing involved before submitting it to my publisher.

I've been letting the remaining words simmer the past few months while conducting additional research and taking more notes about the next adventure for John and Sally Ross in their quest for peace and tranquility in their twilight years. 



Those who have read the first three books know it certainly hasn't been easy for the Kentucky couple. This thing called life always seems to be getting in the way of their quiet plans.

So if things go as planned—something I never count on in my life—the first draft of the fourth book will be finished in a couple months. After several rewrites, I hope to send the manuscript to my editor by the end of the year. 

As I have with my previous novels, I'll keep you posted on my progress, title, book cover, and release date. I already know what the fifth book is going to address, but more about that when I'm through with the fourth.

Until the next time . . .

Wings Authors: An Interview with author Michael Embry

Wings Authors: An Interview with author Michael Embry: Michael's favorite quote: "The art of writing is the art of discovering what you believe." -- Gustave Flaubert Author&#3...

Story Songs: Route 66

One of my all-time favorite songs is "(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66," a song written by Bob Troup back in 1946.

Troup, a jazz pianist and actor (remember Emergency! in the 1970s?), chronicles a trip from Chicago to Los Angeles when Route 66 was America's great highway. He lists towns and cities along the way.

The tune was first made famous by the late, great Nat King Cole, who recorded it in 1946. His version was smooth and jazzy.

Through the years the song has been covered by a variety of artists, in a variety of styles. Here's a sampling:

Chuck Berry

 The Rolling Stones

The Manhattan Transfer

Asleep at the Wheel

Glenn Frey 

Depeche Mode

Brian Setzer 

And even in the animated movie "Cars," sung by John Mayer.

Among others who recorded the song include Bing Crosby and the Andrew Sisters, Perry Como, George Benson, Them, Michael Martin Murphey, and Dr. Feelgood.

If you were around in the 1960s, there was the TV series, "Route 66," starring Martin Milner and George Maharis as two guys traveling the famous highway in a Corvette convertible. That show had an influence on my love of travel, and a few years, I visited a Route 66 site in Arizona.  

The theme song to the show was composed by Nelson Riddle. I discovered it was used because CBS didn't want to pay royalties to Troup. But Riddle's instrumental captures the feel of the road.

Click here if you want to know about the historic highway, also known as the Mother Road, Will Rogers Highway, and the Main Street of America. 

It's time to hit the road.

Until the next time . . . 

Behind the Times

"Sometimes I feel very sad
(Can't find nothin' I can put my heart and soul into)
I guess I just wasn't made for these times." — Brian Wilson, "I Just Wasn't Made for These Times"

Do you ever feel that you're falling behind the times?

In this digital age, when everything moves at a whirlwind pace, I find it difficult, if not impossible, to keep up with what's going on in technology. 

Or maybe I simply don't care and don't want to get caught up in the latest gadgets, apps, and other things that are supposed to make things simpler in my life.

I was recently at a local supermarket and noticed a few items on sale, but one had to use their shopper's card and the digital coupons. I managed to download the coupons on my app but couldn't figure out how to use them when I went through the self-service checkout.

Fortunately, a kind and understanding attendant was helpful and touched the right buttons on my app to get me through checkout. When I was finished, I told her that I thought the store was making things more complicated.  She smiled and agreed, saying she didn't enjoy shopping either.  

I may have to go to online shopping and simply pick up my groceries at the store. Maybe that's what they want me to do anyway. Making my life simpler. 

Last fall my wife and I bought a new SUV. We've had it 10 months, and believe it or not, there are less than 5,000 miles on the odometer. There are so many bells and whistles installed that it takes the joy out of driving. 

After turning on the ignition, we end up asking each other how to do this or that.  Even using the radio is somewhat complicated rather than being intuitive like those in older models.

Yes, I'm getting older by the day. And I can deal with that.  It's the things that are supposed to make my life easier that I'm having trouble with these days.  That's something I'll be addressing more in my John Ross Boomer Lit series — the frustrations of coping with ever-evolving technology.

Do you experience the same frustrations? Feel feel to leave a comment. 

Until the next time . . . 

Story Songs: Covering Summertime Blues

Eddie Cochran's "Summertime Blues" spoke to lots of kids back in the late 1950s and later on through notable covers of the song.

It's a song of teenage angst, albeit humorous as one grows older, in dealing with the pressing issue of finding time to see a girlfriend while having to work.  

And each stanza ends with:

"Sometimes I wonder what I'm a-gonna do
"But there ain't no cure for the summertime blues."

The tune, penned by Cochran and Jerry Capehart, reached No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 in August 1958. 

I've always preferred Cochran's version, as I do with most originals, but there have been several notable covers through the years that have turned the song into a timeless classic.

Here are my favorites:

Blue Cheer, a San Francisco trio, recorded a thunderous version in 1968, hitting No. 14 on the charts. A few folks consider it the birth of heavy metal.

The Who took the song to No. 27 with its rousing rendition from its classic "Live at Leeds" album.

Country legend Alan Jackson provided a catchy twangy version to the song in 1994, which topped the Billboard Country chart.

And Canadian rockers Rush included the song in its "EP Feedback" CD in 2004. Simply powerful.

A diverse group of others who've performed and/or recorded the song includes The Rolling Stones, Little River Band, Bruce Springsteen, The Black Keys, T. Rex, Joan Jeff, Guitar Wolf, Stray Cats, Jimi Hendrix, Johnny Chester, Olivia Newton-John, Van Halen, Buck Owens, Dick Dale, Bobby Vee, and Alvin and the Chipmunks. And I'm sure many more through the years.

As for Cochran, he scored another Top 40 hit with "C'mon Everybody," released in Oct. 1958 and reaching 35.  Sadly, Cochran died in a car accident in Chippenham, England, on April 17, 1960, at the tender age of 21.

Until the next time . . .