Another Update on Third Boomer Lit Novel

I'm nearing the end of the first draft to the third novel in the John Ross Boomer Lit series, with more than 53k words on the hard drive. 

When all is written and done, I envision the novel to be around 75k words. The first draft should be around 60k, with another 15k (or more) added during the rewrites.

I'm a freestyle writer when working on first drafts, letting the words flow from my plotting brain to my plodding fingers to the plastic keyboard. Many of the scenes, subplots, and even a few characters, will disappear by the time I'm finished with the manuscript, which usually involves at least 10 rewrites.

I do start with a rough draft—thoughts and ideas I want to address in the novel. But as I get into the novel, there are unforeseen changes in the direction the story is going and how some characters are developing. At that time, I'll write a second draft to see where I've been and where I want to go to complete the work.

The new book takes John and Sally Ross for a 10-day vacation to Budapest (one of my favorite cities), a stopover in New York, and back home to Kentucky. For those familiar with the first novel, "Old Ways and New Days," the European trip is a retirement gift from their children, Brody and Chloe.

John and Sally put off the getaway in the second novel, "Darkness Beyond the Light," after discovering that Brody had serious  personal problems. And a visit from Sally's judgmental mother, Geraldine, only complicated matters during the holiday season.

I'll be introducing a few new characters and bring back some familiar names from the previous novels. And for those who are wondering, badboy Brody and snippety Geraldine are still alive and well in the series.

Until the next time . . . 

 

 

 

Update on Writing and Activities

It's been a few weeks since my last post. The reason is because I've been busy on my work in progress and a few other things.

I've written every day—except one—since Jan. 1. I'm approaching 38k on the third book in the John Ross Boomer Lit series. If all goes to plan, I'll finish the first draft by the end of the month.

After that, I'll let it rest for a few weeks to simmer in my head, then return for a rewrite or two or three or (you get the idea) before submitting it to my publisher and editor. 

During the interim, my wife and I will be escaping the U.S. for a few days, crossing the big pond to the Emerald Isle. I traveled to Ireland in 2004 and vowed to my wife that I'd return with her. I love the place and the Irish. 

In February I participated in three web radio interviews, dealing with the opioid crisis spreading across America. My last novel, "Darkness Beyond the Light," focuses primarily on the epidemic and how John and Sally Ross confront the scourge.

If interested in listening to the interviews, just click here, here, and here. I'll be taking part in another webcast on March 12, along with four other panelists discussing school violence.

I also read two excellent books about writing: "The Writer's Lexicon: Descriptions, Overused Words, and Taboos," by Kathy Steinemann, and "Understanding Show, Don't Tell (And Really Getting It)" by Janice Hardy. Highly recommended. Although I've written 12 books, I always find time to learn and improve on the craft.  In addition to books, I'm an avid reader of blogs that focus on writing, literature, and reading.

That's where I am at this point in time. Now back to the manuscript (by the way, I've discovered drinking hot tea boosts the creative juices).

Until the next time...

Story Songs: Covering The Bee Gees

There are millions of Bee Gees fans around the world. Perhaps even a billion or so. Count me in. 

Robin, Barry, and Maurice Gibb

The Brothers Gibb —Barry, Robin, and Maurice—sold more than 220 million records and registered nine No. 1 songs (in U.S.) during their illustrious career that spanned six decades. They were inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997.

While they recorded numerous hits in the 1960s and '70s, what impresses me is their songwriting ability. They weren't a cover band. Perhaps that's why so many of their songs come straight from the heart and touched so many people.

But let's consider the artists who covered their songs, many with great success. Click here to get an idea about the group's songwriting prowess (you'll be surprised by the number of artists and the genres). It's a big reason the music of the Bee Gees will live on for many years. 

Here are some of my favorites covers:

By the way, my favorite by the band was their last hit, "One," a No. 7 song in 1989. From what I could tell, it hasn't been covered but I bet it will be in the coming years.

Do you have any favorites?

Until the next time. . . .

   

Online Book Marketing Challenge -- Followup

I'm an old author who doesn't mind learning a few tricks, especially when it comes to marketing and promotion. 

I completed the #12MinuteBookLaunch, a six-day exercise/webinar about promoting books, on Facebook. It was an enjoyable learning experience, conducted by Becky Robinson of Weaving Influence. It took only an hour out of my somewhat busy schedule (6 x 12 minutes = 72 minutes), and well worth the time and effort.

It provided useful tips for marketing my novel that was published last November, and I'll be using the lessons for my third novel in the John Ross Boomer Lit series that I hope will be released this year.

The online class showed me ways to recognize and expand my networks and email lists; how to ask others to help launch a novel; implement various LinkedIn tools to make valuable connections; use a free (I like free!) website to make graphics to share with others, and another freebie to send tweets. I would encourage other authors to participate in the webinars (I've already signed up for another one, scheduled for Feb. 6, pertaining to successfully launching books).

While you're here, feel free to connect and/or follow me at the following sites (I'll connect and follow back):

Facebook

Twitter

LinkedIn

Until the next time. . . .

Online Book Marketing Challenge

I readily admit that marketing and promotion are my weak points when it comes to being a writer. My excuse is that I'm a writer, not a promoter or marketer. 

But I'm willing to listen and learn from others who know some of the ways to increase sales.


This week I'm participating in the #12MinuteBookLaunch, hosted by Hometown Reads (a place I recommend to join). It's a weeklong course, involving only 12 minutes a day. And it started today.

If you're interested in taking part, sign up by clicking here. I'd suggest doing it today (Jan. 29) or tomorrow.

I'll let you know if I see a jump in sales over the next few weeks. And good luck if you decide to enter the challenge.

Until the next time. . . .

Can Journalists Become Successful Novelists?

A comment I've heard more than a few times is that journalists can't write good novels. I'm not sure what that means, unless there is some thought that journalists are hacks who don't have the skills and imagination to weave fictional stories.

As a former journalist—spending more than 30 years as a reporter, editor, columnist for newspapers, national news service, and magazines—I'm a bit taken aback by that kind of thought. There's almost a snobbishness to it, and it  usually comes  from those who majored in English, creative writing, or some artsy-fartsy degree. 

For some reason,  lawyers can write novels and doctors can write novels, but those whose lives are immersed in words (reading, writing, and editing) are somehow unprepared or ill-equipped to compose fiction.

Robert McCrum, in The Guardian, in defense of journalists, wrote "...we somehow want our hacks to be hacks, and our storytellers to be… masters of the fiction universe."

But is it that difficult?

Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter Robert Dietrich, who has authored 15 fiction and nonfiction books, offered this opinion in the Nieman Reports as part of the transition a journalist must make: "In journalism you often conceal your heart; in fiction you mine it. In journalism facts can carry a story; in fiction the telling becomes crucial so style and insight grow in importance. Newspaper editors cut the clutter of descriptive detail while fiction editors demand it. In journalism the punch line usually comes at the beginning, in fiction usually at the end."

Lucy Moore, writing in Female First, noted 10 reasons why journalists have the tools to become novelists. Among the skills is being a good listener, ability to research details, "quietly" observing others as well as surroundings, and being able to focus on writing and meeting deadlines.

Three years ago Bustle.com published a list of the jobs that 13 writers had before they become successful writers such as Stephen King (janitor), John Green (chaplain), Nicholas Sparks (salesman), and Agatha Christie (pharmacy tech). You know they used those life experiences in revealing truths in their novels.

And Paste Magazine listed 10 authors who didn't graduate from college, and came from a varied backgrounds.

As for journalists, have you ever heard of Ernest Hemingway, Mark Twain, Ken Follett, George Orwell, Hunter S. Thompson, Norman, Mailer, Anna Quindlen, Stieg Larsson, Thomas Harris, and Pete Hamill? There are many more.

Some of my  friends with journalism backgrounds who write fiction include Cheryl Dellapietra (Gonzo Girl), Sharon Reynolds (Walking Air), Jonathan Miller (Alone Again), Silas House (Clay's Quilt, etc.), Ed Ford (The Plot), as well as the late David Dick (The Scourges of Heaven).

Novelists come from various backgrounds. Most folks can learn the craft of writing; it's not rocket science. Stephen King recommends reading a lot. Yes, there are rules but the primary trait is the desire to tell stories, and doing it.

Until the next time. . . .

Is Time Running Out for These Rockers? (Part Four)

This is more of an addendum to my three previous posts about those music artists who have been overlooked or passed over for induction in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio

While listening to the radio and compilation CDs in my collection, I came across several rock acts that I believe should merit more consideration for the hallowed hall for aging rockers (a term used loosely in a few instances).

This isn't as extensive as the previous posts although it spans acts from the '50s, '60s, and '70s. The information comes from Wikipedia, All-Music, Future Rock Legends, and artist(s) sites as well as my own recollections.  By the way, Future Rock Legends is a great site to find the eligibility status of current and past artists.

So here goes:

Pat Boone—He had 38 Top 40 hits, including six chart-toppers, and sold more than 45 million records, with most of his success coming in the late 1950s and early '60s.

Peter, Paul and Mary—The popular folk trio had 10 Top 40 hits including the No. 1 "Leaving on a Jet Plane" and  No. 2s, "Puff (The Magic Dragon)" and "Blowin' in the Wind"  and  in the 1960s.

Chubby Checker—While many folks remember him for his cover of  Rock Hall of Famer Hank Ballard's "The Twist," Checker had 20 songs reach the Top 40 in a career that continues to this day. He had three No. 1 hits ("The Twist" two times and "Pony Time").

Tommy James and the Shondells—The Michigan rockers had 14 songs in the Top 40 including two reaching the top spot in the 1960s, with bubblegum, ballads, and psychedelic.

The Chambers Brothers—Although only two Top 40 hits, the No. 11 "Time Has Come Today" and No.. 37 "I Can't Turn You Loose," the group were pioneers in fusing rock, psychedelic, soul, and gospel. My favorite tune is the smooth "I Can't Stand It."

John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers—A pioneer in British blues, the group produced a number of premier performers such as Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce, Mick Fleetwood, Peter Green, Keef " Hartley, Harvey Mandell, John McVie, and Aynsley Dunbar. Mayall, who  is 84, still tours.

Gerry and the Pacemakers—The George Martin-produced group had seven Top 40 songs including three No. 1 hits on the UK charts.

Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels—The hard-driving group had five Top 40 songs from 1965-67 including the No. 4 "Devil With a Blue Dress On."  Ryder went solo after that run but failed to match the success he had with his bandmates.

John Denver—The multi-genre performer sold more than 30 million records, hitting the Billboard's Top 40 14 times including four at No. 1. 

Barry Manilow—He's cracked the Top 40 an impressive 47 times, recording 12 No. 1s.  Along the way, he's sold more than 75 million records.

Boz Scaggs—He had seven Top 40 hits from 1976-81 and his album, "Silk Degrees," reached No. 2 in 1976. He released his first album in 1965 ("Boz") and recorded with Rock Hall inductee Steve Miller in the late '60s.

That should do it (until I click the "send" button and another act comes to mind). Who did I miss (Lou Christie, Chad and Jeremy, Peter and Gordon, Petula Clark, B.J. Thomas, Jay and the Americans, King Crimson,  Peter Frampton, Mott the Hoople, Free, The Monkees, Rick Derringer, Rotary Connection, Quicksilver Messenger Service, The Pointer Sisters, etc.)?

Until the next time. . . .