With social media fragmenting, I’m bringing back my old “You Tell Me” Wednesday discussions to try to get good old fashioned blog conversations going. If you’re reading in a feed reader or via email, please click through to the post to leave a public comment and join the discussion!
I’m very curious to hear about everyone’s work in progress! What are you working on?
What’s the genre? Anything else you want to share?
As I mentioned earlier in the week, I recently finished up a new middle grade novel, which represents my first foray into fantasy, though anyone who’s read Jacob Wonderbar won’t be too surprised who wrote it.
What about you?
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Art: Ein fesselndes Buch by Anonymous
I’m writing a rom-com, alternating perspectives between a young woman and a young man who think they’re trying to solve mystery A (when really it is mystery B — what is in their hearts–that changes them). I am a 50-year old dad who really loves a subset of rom-com books and films, but finds himself wondering why the cover art for the genre these days is always in the same blocky cartoon style, often of figures without any facial features. Why is that?
Gendered and generic covers for certain genres have infuriated me for a very long time! There used to be very influential people within the industry who shaped what covers looked like (such as the buyer for Barnes & Noble). My understanding is that their influence has ebbed, and yet the groupthink around covers seems persistent!
I hate covers that depict a man’s torso, complete with rippling muscles. It’s a turn off for me, but many romance novels use this.
I just published a thriller (https://www.amazon.com/dp/1736288636/), a departure for me. Now I’m returning to my long-gestating (like, decades) somewhat autobiographical, partially sfnal magnum opus, which is getting more magnum all the time. Maybe I’ll actually finish it this year, but I said the same thing last year, and the year before that, and …
Keep moving forward!
I’m working on a Hardboiled Detective novel set in LA in 1946
Going through the editing stage…Ugh it’s crazy
Oooh, love this genre.
I’m in the home stretch draft of a YA paranormal romance with historical elements. I spent a year dreaming up the story and outlining it, wrote a draft during NaNoWriMo 2022, and have been revising since.
I appreciate a good NaNoWriMo success story!
Literary fiction. Protagonist is a real historical person. First novel so it’s taken me years to kind of figure out sort of what I’m doing. Hope this is the final edit/rewrite before beta readers
How did you find the process of representing a real person on the page?
Sorry I didn’t see your reply earlier. A little creepy at first. It almost felt as if I was channeling. After so many drafts, this channeling feeling is impossible to connect to reality, but I still feel as if this person wants their private story to be told. To fill in blanks in the record and to give people hope. Writers are out of touch with the real world, after all!
I’m working on a spec fic MG and revising (per editor notes) a NF MG while waiting for my agent to go on submission with a ms and proposal (after being ghosted by a couple of editors in the last year and a half). Sooo much waiting.
I always feel a bit lost with the waiting part, and that’s with only one project. I’d imagine it’s pretty wild with multiple plates spinning!
Working on book 2 in my 3-book political conspiracy thriller series, Against Orders. Writing under contract is proving harder than I imagined, but I’m still enjoying it.
Absolutely, it’s a whole new ballgame. On the one hand I appreciated that it pulled me to be more disciplined and move faster, but it’s much more difficult when stretches need to marinate.
I’m working on a mystery set in rural Wyoming featuring a reluctant, lazy, weed smoking detective who has to buck up and solve the murder of his friend.
Sounds like a great idea, I always appreciate stories set in the rural West.
I’m working on one novella called Don’t Let Them In about the Internet legends of the Black eyed kids and toying with an idea in the vein of H P Lovecraft called The Black Pyramid. I write horror sub genre supernatural splatter punk in the vein of John Skipp.
Do you think you’ll keep going with the novella or is this new idea calling your name?
I’m working on an historical fantasy set in 780’s Denmark about the Danish pushback against Charlemagne’s attempted conversion/colonization process–the trigger to the first Viking raids.
Oh wow, how has it been researching a project this far in the past?
I wrote two novels in the distant past. One set in Roman Britain and the other in Viking Britain. (Incidentally, there is no such thing as a Viking. Viking is what they did–going on raids, etc. They were known in that time as Danes or Norse.
Researching the Roman one wasn’t too difficult as the Romans left plenty of writing, records, etc. The difficulty was finding out about how the Celts who weren’t Romanised lived.
In my first foray into middle grade, I’m writing a fantasy hybrid novel with the illustrator who had the idea for it. We’re super excited. I’ve been reading and taking classes to get into the groove (I normally write grown-up historical fantasy/mythic fiction). I had my first feedback from my writing group, and it was good!
Oh fun, how was the process of collaborating?
I am working on a crime/political thriller. I feel it’s starting too slow, however. I’m debating on tossing it out and starting all over again!
For my most recent novel I wrote a placeholder opening, never looked at it again after I wrote it, and completely rewrote it when I was done with the first draft. It really worked for me, in case it’s helpful!
https://nathanbransford.com/blog/2022/09/dont-let-your-opening-cement-in-your-mind
Keeping my fingers and toes crossed that I’ll be able to get back to it after a near two-year hiatus, I’m working on my second memoir. It’s set in 1969 when I went to work for a well-known private investigator in Oklahoma City. A job I’d slipped into answering a classified ad, I’d only been at it three months when the boss took on an exciting missing person case. A specialty of his, I was both fascinated at his technique and baffled at how he worked his magic. I call the case, and my memoir, The Apple Green, Metal Flake, T-Bucket Hot Rod: Tales Of A Reluctant Private Detective.
Being 79 in declining health and failing eyesight means I better finish this mess before I croak.
A good sign, I believe, is that I’m working on a query for this. I promised Nathan I’d do it. Is this the impetus I need?
Hope it is!
My pub date is in a little over a week. I’m scared! I’m excited too, but mostly scared.
DEAD DOG ROAD: The True Story Into The Dark World Of An Abused Child
IN A SMALL TEXAS TOWN, THE DIRECTOR OF A CHILDREN’S HOME TRIES TO SAVE THREE ADOPTED RUSSIAN CHILDREN LIVING WITH A SADISTIC WOMAN IN THE BACKWOODS OF CANEY HEAD.
Your cover is gorgeous! Best of luck with the release. 🙂
Congrats on your release!!
I’m workshopping a sci-fi trilogy, set in a future where an AI maintains the Earth in a static harmony. The protagonists wrestle with the question, is it utopia if nothing is allowed to change? And how could you change anything if the AI controls everything and knows what you are thinking?
That’s a very intriguing premise! I feel like there aren’t enough sci-fi novels that grapple with utopias.
March 13, 2024 – Wednesday eve
Since the holidays in 2023, I’ve been continuing my writing and rewriting (mostly) my memoir, “Born Adrift”. That new title better sums up the story as opposed to previous ones, like “Orphans” or “Out of The Box”. Essentially, I’m rearranging some text within and among the chapters.
As my friend, Turtle, has mentioned to me about a year ago, I had initially written the memoir like I were a news reporter. I’ve taken his advice and am including any thoughts, emotions where necessary. The new style is much better and I’m pleased with it.
I’m not a prolific writer in that I mostly write when I’m in the mood and able to concentrate with a clear mind. Otherwise, I’m watching the national and global news. BBC is one of my favorite channels, next to MSNBC. Yes, I know, too much gloom and doom.
Also, I’ve been researching (reminds me of writing papers in school, which I had dreaded) to beef up my sources because I want my readers to believe in what I’ve written. In accomplishing that, I can only do the best I can. I’m sure there are a multitude of sources available, but I’m short on the know-how and finances.
To sum, the memoir is in the construction stage. The girders are up and the floors and ceilings are nearly done. I’m treating this work with kindness and don’t want it to do a slipshod job.
Please be patient and, when I’m nearly finished, I’ll contact you. In the meantime, keep those updates and other materials coming.
Thanks.
Please do contact me when you’re ready!
I’m working on a YA contemporary fantasy set in the Twin Cities (MN). Four high school girls combine their magic powers to make Bigfoot videos that go viral on TikTok. Needless to say, it goes wrong. 😀
This is my first time writing in 1st person present tense, and while it’s definitely the right choice for the story, it’s exhausting!
PS – I didn’t realize until now that you can click on a commenter’s name and go to their website! Very cool!
Ha sounds fun!
Writing an epic Medieval Romance with the battle of Agincourt in the second manuscript. At its heart, its a Romance with graphic sexual content, adult language and violence.
Sounds juicy!
I’m reworking a YA fantasy set in Japan that I wrote several years ago and charting out a murder mystery (something I’ve wanted to try for a long time) set in 1960’s Scotland.
Two of my very favorite places!
Mine, too. 😉
I’m writing a non-fiction book about the nature of reality and ultimately, the meaning of life, from the viewpoint of a rocket scientist, well educated in physics, theology, philosophy, shamanism, and psychology. The book starts with an analysis of epistemology, which debunks the narrow reductionist scientific viewpoint. It is well developed, but it reads like a boring textbook or doctoral dissertation. I am trying to turn it into a dialog driven memoir based on conversations with scientists and ordinary people, but not sure how to start.
Interesting, have you read SOPHIE’S WORLD?
I’m currently revising a fun post-cyberpunk thriller that I’d been intermittently working on prior to the pandemic and finished drafting during it. The story involves AI as a catalyst to the characters’ conflicting motivations, though, so I fear I should’ve put the novel out five years ago. Hopefully the characters, themes, and writing style will carry the story even if the tech now feels too trendy or even out-of-date. lol.
And I love reading about what everyone else is working on! So much enthusiasm and variety! It is very encouraging to see.
I wouldn’t worry too much about the timeliness, the most important factor is whether the story is well-told.
I’m currently working on a werewolf horror novel titled Blood of the Werewolf, about a lower aristocratic family in the UK dealing with lycanthropy.
I wish them the best haha.
I’m in the homestretch of writing a paranormal heartbreaker of a romance that’s been eating at me for years, inspired by the lyrics of three different songs. It’s set in the South Carolina blackwater swamp. I’m having an utter blast doing it. It’s like falling into the Southern version of Dark Shadows.
Sounds fun!
I’m working on a mid-12th century historical romance set on the Isle of Islay, Scotland. Islay is known for her whisky (Lagavulin, Ardbeg, Laphroaig and Bunnahabhain to name a few), but Islay has more than one claim to fame; amongst them is Loch Finlaggan and Somerled MacGhillebhride, aka Somerled the Norseslayer.
Somerled, who rose through the ranks to become a hero to the Gaelic people, was a real person and the story is woven through the politics of the time. The death of King David I brought an end to the relative period of stability enjoyed by the isles when the newly crowned twelve-year-old King Malcolm IV turned his attention from fighting the English to the Scottish isles. Five weeks later King Olaf of Man was assassinated by his Irish nephews creating a power vacuum, which not only impacted the alliances of the Gall-Gàidheal living in the isles, it created an opportunity for the Norse to capitalise on the unrest and re-stake a claim on the western seaboard.
This is where my fictional story of the smokin’ hot Ragnall MacSomerled picks up.
Ah, I’ve always wanted to visit Islay!
Dave and I are co-writing a grimdark fantasy novel for Weird Tales Presents. Just now getting my writing (feet?) back under me after taking a hiatus for a couple of years. Life burnout. 🙂 Anyway, thoroughly enjoying the world-building here!
Sounds fun, and glad you’re back at it!! Also hi!
I released Book 4 of my historical family saga in October. Right now I’m gestating Book 5, putting ideas down on paper, but very few sentences. I’m also in the process of turning my self-published ebooks into print. As someone who reads more physical books than ebooks, it’s exciting to hold even a galley copy in my hands!
There are few better feelings!
I’m working on a MG book for reluctant/low readers from urban settings. It follows SeaAir Seashell Johnson (Seas-Sea), from Cleveland, as she tries to find the perfect gift for her aunt and ends up trying a video dance challenge in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. It’s really short (10-12,000 words) and has no hope with publishers, so it’ll be self-published. I really fell in love with Sea-Sea’s spunky voice and the fact that she represents kids that don’t often see themselves in books. The first of Sea-Sea’s adventures was for my wife’s 5th grade class. They wanted more, so I’m working on it.
Very clever name!
I’ve recently finished a novel, and at first I wasn’t sure what the genre was. I meant to write a mystery but the book just didn’t want to be that, so I wrote the story that wanted to be written and it turns out to be literary fiction. And it’s done. I mean really done. Beta readers done, useful notes incorporated, finishing touches and tweaks completed. Done. Even the query and synopsis almost ready to go.
I’ve been working on it for so long I don’t know what to write next!
Fingers crossed for your next steps!
Hi Nathan.
I’m currently working on a gothic mystery/romance novel, so I darken my writing room, set a candle going, and have rain and thunder sounds playing in the background (thanks to the wonderful variety of recordings on Youtube). Very atmospheric. 🙂
When working on my chick lit novel (set in a cafe) a few years ago, I would take myself to my favourite teahouse overlooking Lake Barrine in far north Queensland and soak up the wonderful inspiration. * Sigh *
Hi Nathan.
I’m currently working on a gothic mystery/romance novel, so I darken my writing room, set a candle going, and have rain and thunder sounds playing in the background (thanks to the wonderful variety of recordings on Youtube). Very atmospheric. 🙂
When working on my chick lit novel (set in a cafe) a few years ago, I would take myself to my favourite teahouse overlooking Lake Barrine in far north Queensland (you can see it at https://www.lakebarrine.com.au/) and soak up the wonderful inspiration. * Sigh *
I am working on a Romantasy. I’m also in the querying stage of my Women’s Fiction about four women and how their lives intertwine titled Inkwell Confessions. Querying has completely lost its appeal. While waiting for responses, I have self-published the first book in my new series titled Shattered Walls. The second book, Shattered Connections, will come out on July 10th.
Four middle grade novels fight for space,
While two adult collections give a good race.
Throw in a princess, a dog with a wagon
And finding cute places to insert a dragon
Stories grow everywhere inside of my head
Some might get finished before I am dead.
(And that may come sooner than most since I’m 60.)
Anything I write I write because I have a problem with transience – mine, yours, places, times. Everything.
I’m always trying to nail down a particular place and time, while wrapping it up in a narrative that people will, hopefully, find interesting enough to keep reading.
Why do I continue to write? A lot of reasons.
As several people have mentioned, age plays a role. Only so much time to get our words out there.
More than that, I’ve got something to prove, I think. As a former journalist, retired public relations professional and current adjunct university professor and organizational freelance writer, I’ve made my living my entire life writing but it’s ultimately not been the writing I’ve truly wanted to do.
Small successes egg me on. For example, in the 1990s I wrote speculative television scripts for two versions of Star Trek. Neither was purchased but in both cases I was invited to pitch additional story ideas with members of their writing staffs. A university colleague, who teaches film and writing and who worked for a Hollywood production company previously, tells me being invited that way is rare … so I guess that points to ability. And some hope.
Just this evening, I read an excerpt from my creative nonfiction at the launch party for the annual edition of a university literary publication, which accepted the piece. A professor asked me if I had thought about turning that character sketch into a novel (no).
Currently, I have three items out at various literary pubs, a short story and two pieces of CNF. Fingers crossed, though I understand the odds. A major SF magazine bounced my 16,000-word novella in one day (typical, I’ve read, for a publication with an acceptance rate of less than 1%, but still kind of disheartening).
I have even discussed an upper middle grade novel I have completed (though it needs another edit) with a former editor with a major publisher (whose mother took a class my librarian daughter taught at our local library … connections where you least expect them), gaining compliments on my writing.
So … getting close constantly and yet seeming so far away. But I have to keep at it. Nothing else I can do.
What keeps me writing?
My characters. I want to be with them and do things, jump the hurdles.
Before, it was my love of writing and plotting. Now it’s a contract.
2 favorite short stories:
“Beep Beep” – Floyd Skloot
“The Archbishop Loses His Faith” – Brian Doyle
I write fantasy short stories but have been unsuccessful with agents and editors who only want novel length. Not looking for magazines publications. Suggestions?
I can’t find the place to post a response to your question about favorite short stories. I have three:
1) “A Piece of String” by Guy de Maupassant
2) “Philomel Cottage”by Agatha Christie
3) A short story by Ruth Rendell that I remember distinctly – everything except the title.
I’m working on a historical novel that begins with the Battle of Hastings in 1066. It follows an Anglo Saxon theign as he loses his land to a Norman baron and his anger and how he comes to terms with it.
I also have a fantasy novel, part 4 of a series, going through a critique process.
I’ve spent my life writing but most of it was in journalism or public relations. I still do freelance work for a large medical system, about 10 to 20 hours a month, which pays well. Those funds are being socked away in case I need to self-publish eventually. I also maintain a website on which I share free creative nonfiction and “ruminations” on writing.
Those endeavors take a lot of time and that may be an issue, especially given that I have other family members who think retirement is not about being glued to a desk part of the day (but I disagree).
I have an upper middle grade novel completed, a chapter of which I was fortunate enough to have a former editor for a large publisher review; he suggested an increased length for the book and I did so, but have not touched it for a while. I recently had creative nonfiction published by a small university-based literary publication and another piece in the final group of pieces being considered for a new publication. So I want and need to spend more time on that focus of writing …
So I’d say, for just the literary or genre writing about eight hours a week right now … and I know that is NOT enough.