Philip C. Barragan II's Blog: Embonpoint Publishing, page 2

Next Reading in Culver City

I’ll be reading at Antioch University Los Angeles’ Literary Uprising on May 19th! Come on down for an evening of great literature and good company! Hope to see you there!

My book is published and available for purchase now!

Book Release Bound

So we just finished reviewing the hard copy of the book. Proofing for final edits, and we are on track for release at the end of March 2015. The initial reviews from the novel have been stellar and I am beyond thrilled.

Please feel free to visit the official website for the novel, http://www.fatizen.com, for all things Fatizen.

Onward to the official release. We are planning an event for March 28th in downtown Long Beach. Details forthcoming!

Publication Update

So I just heard from my fabulous editor Genie Rayner of Branch Hill Publications. The expected publication date is now 2015, which is what I was expecting as we head into the holiday season. It took a while for me to make the last round of line edits and there are one more set of minor edits I’ll have to review and implement. But Genie says it’s looking really good and we’re getting to that stage of final polishing so I’m rather excited.

Stay tuned and thank you to everyone for your ongoing support and shared excitement about the novel! And for more information, please visit the official website for the book at: http://www.fatizen.com.

Defamiliarization and Using Random Metaphors in Writing

So my new daily habit is to plug into  my new favorite podcast, “Inside Creative Writing.” It fills the hour drive home from work and it’s like attending a really great writing seminar. I’m doing my best to catch up on past episodes. Teacher and writer Brad Reed has a wonderful presentation style and is a joy to listen to. His website is: http://www.insidecreativewriting.com/about-the-podcast/. I highly recommend giving it a listen if you are interested in improving your craft.

Last night, I was deep into Episode 3. Mr. Reed discussed how to spark your creativity and described the process of “Defamiliarization.” I had never done this before but the exercise he walked us through was something that I think a lot of writers (myself included) could benefit from. Here are the basics to that process:

“The process of generating a random metaphor is based on the technique of defamiliarization and involves the following steps:

1. Choose a character (or other element) that is particularly “flat” or uninteresting

2. Choose a random object (possibly using a random noun generator like this one)

3. List the qualities of the random object.

4. Compare the character to the list of qualities of the random object. How might your character have these qualities?

5. DO NOT USE the random metaphor in your actual writing. It is only meant to be a way to see your character from a new angle and suggest new possibilities.”

– See more at: http://www.insidecreativewriting.com/page/2/#sthash.ILdSYwng.dpuf

See how it works for you in looking at your character(s) in a new way. I can’t wait to try it myself. So, until next time, keep writing every day!

Final line edits and podcasts

So last week I completed the publisher’s final line edits and sent off my manuscript. I promptly posted an update to Facebook and was asked, “So, what are you doing to celebrate?” I had to think about that for a while. I’ve completed so many drafts that I’m rather content to just go to bed early and delay the celebration for when the book is published.

The funny thing happened the next morning when I sat at my computer and realized I didn’t have to revise any more pages! That was an odd feeling that lasted all of five seconds until my husband reminded me that we have our graphic novel project to continue working on. We had stopped production when I secured a publisher and concentrated on the manuscript. I feel lucky in that way. Several friends have expressed a kind of depression when they completed their book. We pour so much into our writing and when its your sole project for years, it can be hard to let it go. Now I get to go back to page one of my story.

Making use of the time I spend commuting to work (for the day job), I downloaded a few creative writing podcasts. The one that I’m listening to right now is Brad Reed’s Inside Creative Writing, Craft Technique for Writers of Fiction and Creative Nonfiction. Mr. Reed presents each session with enthusiasm and great insight into the writing experience. It’s like a private seminar or a workshop in grad school. I love it and highly recommend it for anyone wanting a really good podcast on craft.

Until next time, keep writing!

Working it all in

It’s busy around our house these days. Preparing for my husband’s first art show and working on the final edits for my novel come at the same time when we have to move. Working to keep it all on target has been a Herculean task. I’m thankful to have a partner driven to getting the work done and keeping me focused on what has to be done.

As for the novel, I have contacted a fellow writer and fat activist to consider writing an introduction for the book. I’m hoping for a positive response. I think including an introduction from a “known” size activist would be ideal but not essential for the finished product. The individual I’ve approached is fairly well known but like me, her schedule is packed. Here’s hoping.

As it is October, my personal goal to have my edits completed by yesterday has not been met. I hope to have them completed by October 15th at this point.

Now, back to those missing commas…

Art Gallery Showing of Mason’s Work in Downtown Long Beach in October 2014!

 

One of my writing group members offered us the opportunity to show Mason’s art in a gallery next month. What an opportunity! If you have the chance, join us for the opening night reception on October 4th at 6:00 pm. We hope to fill the gallery. And of course, bring your checkbook and support your local artist!

Full Steam Ahead

What a great summer.

I completed my edits by July 31st and delivered the entire manuscript to the publisher. After a full read and negotiations, they offered me a contract. What made the deal even sweeter is that they want to publish the graphic novel as well.

I decided to include eighteen of Mason’s full page drawings in the book in addition to using his drawing of the protagonist for the cover art. I realize this is the benefit of working with a small press. However, I did have to think about the pros and cons of a small press versus the more standard route of finding an agent and a large publisher. I imagine that will come in time but for now, I’m thrilled to have a publisher that firmly believes in the work I am doing.

So, with all that said, I’m halfway through the publisher’s edits. I plan to have them done by the end of September and the publisher, Branch Hill Publications, said having the book out by the holiday season should not be a problem. It will available on Amazon and e-book.

I’m liking this year a lot. I’d be on the edge of my seat if I didn’t know I’d break it in the process.