Rolling!

Well, the new book is rolling along, and I am feeling great about it! At first I was worried that I was becoming a hack by writing something more marketable, but the more I get into this story, the more I like it. I like a lot of the characters and the situations, and the plot is developing nicely. I wish I could tell you more than that, but I don't like to divulge much while I'm in the first couple of drafts. Suffice it to say that it is a topic that I have always been interested in and I am very happy with my take on it thus far.

One of the hardest thing for me about writing an entire novel is that when the concept is new and, ahem, "novel," sorry, had to, it is easy to get into. But then as you get more familiar with the story it sometimes loses its luster, and you really have to force yourself to stay in it; to stay true to your original vision and just push on. Thus far, I haven't had to push myself. I have been looking forward to getting the next scene down, and as I write around the framework I have envisioned, new ideas pop up. New ways of handling in-story problems emerge. It is exciting. I hope it stays this way...

He's Got a Great Personality...

My Personality

Neuroticism	65
Extraversion	32
Openness to Experience	32
Agreeableness	41
Conscientiousness	10

You do not feel nervous in social situations, and have a good impression of what others think of you, however you feel strong cravings and urges that you have difficulty resisting. You tend to prefer short-term pleasures and rewards over long-term consequences. You are not prone to spells of energetic high spirits. You prefer familiar routines and for things to stay the same. You can tend to feel uncomfortable with change. You do not like to claim that you are better than other people, and generally shy from talking yourself up, however you generally see others as selfish, devious, and sometimes potentially dangerous. You have a strong sense of duty and obligation, and feel a moral obligation to do the right thing.

Take a Personality Test now or view the full Personality Report. UK Discount Ugg Boots

Wow. Now I hate myself even more than before. I don't know how much stock I put in these things, but I saw it on one of my fellow QT'ers blogs http://sboman.livejournal.com/ and thought I would give it a try. Let me say right now that she is much nicer than me.

Forging Ahead

I don't know if it's a good idea or not, but after feeling less than thrilled with the results of my just-finished second novel, I have begun to write my third. My wife thinks I have lost my mind. Now let me clarify: there was a lot I liked about my second book, tentatively titled "The Crystal Hills." There were some good characters and some exciting situations, but ultimately I have this feeling that it wouldn't sell. Now, I have long followed the axiom that says you should write what you want and not worry about the market. Considering the market makes you a hack. A HACK! I hate that word. Anyone who considers themselves an artist at any level doesn't want to be one, because it connotes that you have sold your artistic soul for commercial success. I would like commercial success for several reasons:

1. It would allow me to focus more on my writing. Between work, my kids, Querytracker and other things that I have going on, it is difficult to really focus on the craft. And for me to be able to do it well, it has to be focused on.


2. Commercial success would give me confidence. Knowing that people like what I write and want to read it would allow me some measure of freedom from second-guessing myself. I doubt I will ever reach the point where I no longer ask myself, "Is this a bunch of crap?" At least I hope not.


3. It could give me more freedom to pursue projects that might not necessarily be as "mainstream" as others. I say "could" because previous success does not necessarily mean future success. But once you are an established author, you have a little more leeway in what you can submit.


4. I get to write for a living. Self explanatory, no?

So taking these things into consideration, I have shelved my newly completed novel and began one that I thought might have a better market. I still like the story I am telling and I like the characters involved, so I feel like it is a better use of my time. There are others who want to beat me over the head for not finishing what I've already started, and, honestly, sometimes so do I. But I feel that if I have a story that will be easier to sell, I will have a better chance with my second novel in the future. I don't know what that says about me, but there it is. Sorry honey. Yet another first draft for you to suffer through!