This blog began for several reasons. Promoting the book was the main goal, but there were others too. I wanted to document the first-time author's journey from completed manuscript to a tangible object. It was a dizzying experience at times.
All of that was adequately documented. The anxiety, frustration, and unexpected breakthroughs. In ways it was a process of self-discovery too. The journey is only beginning, but now it must shift into a different phase. As to promoting the book, the blog has accomplished that somewhat. Through it I've reached six people who wouldn't have otherwise bought the book. Perhaps a couple more, I couldn't say for sure. A different phase of the book journey is taking shape. Asking myself whether the blog is best use of my time and energy in this new phase? The answer is NO. The blog always had an expiration date. It was never intended to continue in present form past the end of 2023. At the year's half point? I am hanging up my lab coat and turning out the lights. It was a good experiment; I learned things. Now it's time to have different adventures. There are things I'll miss, particularly interviewing other authors. Hearing from them how they understand their craft, I found deeply satisfying. A different phase demands a different approach. This is the final blog post for 'Sketchbook Notes.'
0 Comments
NEVER. That's when I'll write another book that deals with obsessed main characters. As said previously, it just seemed the most logical way to tell the (not entirely fictional) story of 'The Sketchbook.' I don't regret that decision in the least. And I will NEVER anchor a book on an obsessive person again.
The tough thing about writing obsessed characters? At times they behave irrationally. That puts authors on a collision course between character integrity and reader patience. I care about character integrity. I BETTER care about reader patience. It's all like threading a needle while blindfolded. A reader asked, 'Diane's been waiting for that Death cert for weeks. When it comes in the mail, WHY does she look at electric bill first?' Valid question, it really is. Diane is a smart, competent woman. A BIG part of the book is her slowly coming to terms with her obsession. She won't look at the Death cert first because she wants SO much to look at it first. See what I mean, maybe? Obsessed characters MUST behave irrationally at times or there's no character integrity. Readers 'can' find that very confusing. WHAT to do in the future? Any way possible, avoid writing obsessed characters. IF I ever write another book, obsession won't be used as a storytelling device in that one. Not that I'm disappointed with how it worked in 'The Sketchbook.' Far from it, I think it exceeded my expectations.
Mostly? Any future book, which I can't guarantee will ever happen? Obsession would feel like 'been there done that.' There wasn't any logical way I could see to tell 'The Sketchbook' without Diane being slightly obsessed. The book has some stylistic flaws. (Every book does) There is nothing flawed about the core story elements. Two women separated by a century end up being obsessed about the same thing. What really happened on one moonless, bloody night? They are brought together, and the woman of this century is introduced to the mystery by a drawing of a cardinal. The bird's expression is humorous, curious, suspicious, or judgmental. It's all a matter of personal interpretation. Bertha and Diane. Both obsessed, a hundred years apart. Both of their obsessions are misleading at first glance. Obsession worked to tell 'The Sketchbook' effectively. I don't know how the story could have been told without that human trait. There are BIG reasons I'll avoid using obsession as a narrative vehicle in any future books I may or may not write. That will be told in next post. :) Like everything else in this journey so far, I know nothing about advertising 'The Sketchbook' on social media. And as with everything else, I hope to avoid learning the hard way. It's not expensive, but is it effective? There's only one way to find out. :)
I like this picture as the backdrop. Photo of the book, lower RH corner. Vivid colors of the cardinal will stand out nicely. Upper RH corner a few snippets from reader reviews, along with the gold stars they rated. That will move the viewer's eye diagonally across the picture, convey a sense of movement. And of course, at bottom LH corner, 'Free on Kindle Unlimited' thingy. Wouldn't say I'm exactly 'excited' about beginning this next leg of 'The Sketchbook' journey. I know I don't feel one bit intimidated. Unlikely journeys often attract unlikely allies. That has proven true so far on this journey. When the time comes to work on expanded edition of 'The Sketchbook'... guess I can get my head around a brief epilogue. Already playing with some ideas in my head. Takes place in a hospital room six years later... I think I could work with that.
It's not some reflexive hatred of all epilogues that makes me reticent about writing one for this book. Merely that I won't write any 'They all lived happily ever after' epilogue where all loose ends are neatly tied up. Loose ends are the substance of our mortal lives. Love is the cause of most loose ends. Unrequited love, lost love, forbidden love. Without love there would be no cause for grief. I don't recall what writer said it: 'Love is the only thing that can destroy you, and the only thing that can restore you.' That's hardly some brand-new observation. Similar thoughts are likely chiseled in hieroglyphics somewhere in Egypt. So, I can write an epilogue, but it won't be any 'happily ever after' nonsense. It will be reminding readers, love goes on. Love evolves to meet changing situations, but love endures. The hand we once held tightly, crossing a busy street, confident of their protection? Day may come we have to take their car keys away. We become their protectors. Life is messy but love endures. In High School long ago? I was never a social pariah. (Not as far as I know) True, I did go out of my way to make a vivid impression. I regret many of that David's actions is about all I can say.
About a dozen people I attended HS with have been very supportive of 'The Sketchbook'. I'll never forget their kindness. As Charlie Daniels said, 'Don't look at the empty seats.' Meaning in this case, I never expected some massive upswell of support from former classmates. I would have found that rather creepy. Play my heart out instead to the occupied seats. Coming from a small town, 12 supporters is way above average! It's about 8 percent of my graduating class. Especially good, given my propensity back then to intentionally rub people the wrong way. (I had issues) So, I didn't expect much when I posted about the book signing on Class of '74 FB page. What the heck, it's free, right? I got a smattering of moral support. 'Good luck David!' I appreciate that. Only one lady said, 'I want a copy of the book. Paypal?' Answered her: 'You shall have a signed copy of the book at no charge.' I mailed Beth that book yesterday. I regret many decisions made by past versions of David. They weren't 'mistakes'. I MEANT to do every bit of that stuff. I regret far fewer decisions this version of David makes. Maybe that's part of what Life is about. Eventually run out of dumb ideas? I mailed a book yesterday. Happened upon a conversation today. I was the topic, but since the words weren't addressed to me? I felt no need to intrude on a private conversation. It wasn't negative, don't assume that. Very positive in fact. "I didn't know David was a writer." Well, that's the thing. I'm NOT a writer! I'm just a storyteller.
Had I insisted on 'writing' the book, as was my intention in March 2020? I would either have quit halfway through or produced embarrassing hackery. Obviously, I didn't quit halfway through, and I'm at peace with the completed work. What turned things around was my abandoning the role of 'writer'. Instead, I researched. 1920's elopements from west TN. What 1930's mental institutions were really like. On that topic, I guarantee there were no barbed wire fences surrounding them. Escape attempts weren't a problem. What was occupied Europe really like just before the US entered WW2? So many other things too, I really couldn't list them all. That process helped the characters come alive for me. Respect for them prevented me from twisting their words & actions to fit a preconceived narrative of mine. In a real sense, I let the characters take over the book. I'm glad I did. Oh great. Yet another self-publishing thang I know nothing about! A June experiment with it is the next logical step though. 'Word of mouth' recommendations are always the best advertising. Hearing about a book from a trusted source means a lot. Its reach is limited.
In June I will spend far under $100 to advertise on Facebook. It's an experiment only. The results I'll track with mathematic precision. (Finally, something I know how to do!) If it's plus, break even, or nearly break even? I'll probably run ads in July too. If it flat lines on increased sales... step back, make a new plan. I'll have to ask folks who've already read the book to like my ads, comment. That part I hate, asking others for help. I've always hated asking for help. Though I've always been glad to help others, through Faith I've learned: Helping others is only half the equation, therefore making us half a person. To be whole, we must humble ourselves, ask for help, risk rejection. Let others be heroes too. So, I'll do it. Here's the ad backdrop photo. Wish me luck. Took no advance thought has to how I would do, just saying that honestly. Meant to do the best I could. That's all anyone can really do really. It went well I think, and I'm intensely self-critical.
Mostly throughout the event, I was quietly observing grandson. Told him on our way there: 'First time for anybody is only available once. We may fall in love several times. We can only fall in love for the first time once. Today is my first book signing event.' Grandfather talks like a fortune cookie. Our young Cyrus very much enjoyed the event, my assessment. As a 13yo he's required to roll his eyes on anything done by adults. 'That's so lame.' His posturing doesn't fool me one bit. He felt delighted hearing his Granddad's work praised by people who are clearly very intelligent. I wasn't one bit nervous. Nor was I one bit sufficiently prepared, thinking about it now. What was called for? A concise, coherent sales pitch for 'The Sketchbook'. The hosts gave me every opportunity. My failure is on ME alone. Still? As long as we'll own our failings in one event, we have the capacity to learn, and improve going forward. This past Tuesday won't be my last TV interview.
Going forward... 'A woman buys a book of drawings from an antique store. That Sketchbook becomes her introduction to a mysterious family long ago. Through twists and turns, she has to learn what really happened on a hot moonless 1915 night when two young lovers died.' Something like that should be sufficient for next TV interview perhaps? |
AuthorI live in a cottage in Tennessee with my wife, grandson, two cats and a dog. Archives
July 2023
Books, writing, publishing.
|