Stuart Bone's Blog, page 5
March 4, 2017
Finding a Title
When working on a new novel the title is really the last thing to worry about but for me, once I begin writing the first draft, I can't help trying to think of one.
A title does give you something to use when referring to the book. With my second novel it was much easier for someone to ask, "How's 'Nothing Ventured' going?" rather than "How's the novel with four separate but intertwined stories about taking a chance in life going?"
My first novel started out as 'Coach Trip.' Not very 'sexy' perhaps, but it did what it said on the tin. Then again, maybe it sounded like I hadn't put much effort into the name? It's like the parents who call their son Aaron or Abraham. They obviously find reading a whole book of baby names a struggle.
The next title I thought of was 'First Impressions,' as in 'first impressions can be misleading.' I felt my protagonist, Derek, was assessing his fellow passengers on the trip before he got to know them. When I began writing a synopsis for the book to send out to literary agents I kind of realised that wasn't what the book was about and I'd neglected to even consider Derek's relationship with Angela - a rather large part of the storyline. Oh well, back to the drawing board then.
By this time I'd already written the first draft of 'Nothing Ventured' (nothing ventured, nothing gained) and I wanted the title of my first novel to be a phrase or part of a phrase as well. The book was about a holiday and I felt that really needed to play a role in the title. At one point it was almost called 'The Only Way to Travel' but finally I found 'Driven to Distraction' and, with a few adjustments to the storyline, it became the right title.
As I'm hoping book three will lead to a series it's been easy enough to refer to it as 'The Maggie Reynolds Mystery.' (I keep picturing later novels with 'Another Maggie Reynolds Mystery' written on the cover). At the moment I'm using 'Serial for Breakfast' as Maggie helps investigate a serial killer but I don't think that will stick long term.
Maggie runs her own hairdressing salon in the novel. Her members of staff and clients will provide a lot of the humour to contrast with the grizzly sides of the story. I did wonder whether to change her profession to café owner; just so I could use the title 'Crime and Nourishment' but I've decided against it. If any budding author out there wants to use that, feel free.
A title does give you something to use when referring to the book. With my second novel it was much easier for someone to ask, "How's 'Nothing Ventured' going?" rather than "How's the novel with four separate but intertwined stories about taking a chance in life going?"
My first novel started out as 'Coach Trip.' Not very 'sexy' perhaps, but it did what it said on the tin. Then again, maybe it sounded like I hadn't put much effort into the name? It's like the parents who call their son Aaron or Abraham. They obviously find reading a whole book of baby names a struggle.
The next title I thought of was 'First Impressions,' as in 'first impressions can be misleading.' I felt my protagonist, Derek, was assessing his fellow passengers on the trip before he got to know them. When I began writing a synopsis for the book to send out to literary agents I kind of realised that wasn't what the book was about and I'd neglected to even consider Derek's relationship with Angela - a rather large part of the storyline. Oh well, back to the drawing board then.
By this time I'd already written the first draft of 'Nothing Ventured' (nothing ventured, nothing gained) and I wanted the title of my first novel to be a phrase or part of a phrase as well. The book was about a holiday and I felt that really needed to play a role in the title. At one point it was almost called 'The Only Way to Travel' but finally I found 'Driven to Distraction' and, with a few adjustments to the storyline, it became the right title.
As I'm hoping book three will lead to a series it's been easy enough to refer to it as 'The Maggie Reynolds Mystery.' (I keep picturing later novels with 'Another Maggie Reynolds Mystery' written on the cover). At the moment I'm using 'Serial for Breakfast' as Maggie helps investigate a serial killer but I don't think that will stick long term.
Maggie runs her own hairdressing salon in the novel. Her members of staff and clients will provide a lot of the humour to contrast with the grizzly sides of the story. I did wonder whether to change her profession to café owner; just so I could use the title 'Crime and Nourishment' but I've decided against it. If any budding author out there wants to use that, feel free.
February 23, 2017
Time to start
I've done as much research as I can for the moment so it's time to start writing book 3.
I don't rely solely on using the internet for research purposes but it's certainly a big help. Mind you, I'm a bit worried about my search history being looked at closely by anyone in authority. In the last couple of days I've researched what goes on at a crime scene, manual strangulation and what a body looks like after it's been throttled to death. I also looked at a website for girls names as I have a new character. If that doesn't say 'planning a murder' I don't know what does! Still, on the bright side, prison life could prove to be a great research tool as well.
Starting a new novel can be a daunting task, especially when you're moving out of your comfort zone. The trick is to break it down into manageable chunks. At the moment I'm looking no further than that first scene in the first chapter. Once that's written then I'm off and running.
I think it's good to come out of your comfort zone. Writing 'Driven to Distraction' was my first attempt at a comic novel and when I started; I didn't have any idea whether I could bring in enough humour to sustain the whole novel.
'Nothing Ventured' was another step forward; taking four separate stories and intertwining them so that the novel flowed and the plot was easy to follow.
Now I've got a murder mystery to write where I need to keep the pace flowing and the readers guessing, right up to the end. Can I do it? There's only one way to find out.
Chapter 1, scene 1; Maggie Reynolds let out a long, relieved sigh as she locked the door and turned the sign to 'Closed.' She...
I don't rely solely on using the internet for research purposes but it's certainly a big help. Mind you, I'm a bit worried about my search history being looked at closely by anyone in authority. In the last couple of days I've researched what goes on at a crime scene, manual strangulation and what a body looks like after it's been throttled to death. I also looked at a website for girls names as I have a new character. If that doesn't say 'planning a murder' I don't know what does! Still, on the bright side, prison life could prove to be a great research tool as well.
Starting a new novel can be a daunting task, especially when you're moving out of your comfort zone. The trick is to break it down into manageable chunks. At the moment I'm looking no further than that first scene in the first chapter. Once that's written then I'm off and running.
I think it's good to come out of your comfort zone. Writing 'Driven to Distraction' was my first attempt at a comic novel and when I started; I didn't have any idea whether I could bring in enough humour to sustain the whole novel.
'Nothing Ventured' was another step forward; taking four separate stories and intertwining them so that the novel flowed and the plot was easy to follow.
Now I've got a murder mystery to write where I need to keep the pace flowing and the readers guessing, right up to the end. Can I do it? There's only one way to find out.
Chapter 1, scene 1; Maggie Reynolds let out a long, relieved sigh as she locked the door and turned the sign to 'Closed.' She...
February 19, 2017
Giveaway
Thanks to everyone who entered my UK Giveaway to win a signed copy of Nothing Ventured.
Congrats to the 5 winners. I'll be posting your signed copies to you next week.
Congrats to the 5 winners. I'll be posting your signed copies to you next week.
February 16, 2017
I can't tell you!
I've spent this week doing research for the new novel. I'm checking up on police procedures at the moment to ensure I don't make my Detective Inspector do something completely ridiculous from a police point of view. The first part of the week I spent researching the 'twist' to my story and as I'm keeping that under wraps for now I can't exactly tell you anything about it.
Isn't that annoying? I'm sounding just like the person who rushes up to you and says, "OMG, I've just heard the most amazing gossip" and when you ask what, they respond with; "I can't tell you."
I hate that. Why bother mentioning it then? It's the same when someone writes an attention-seeking post on Facebook where they just put something like, "Sigh" or "Currently at the hospital" and leave it at that; waiting for friends to rush in with a concerned comment. Why don't they just write what's actually going on, like, "Feeling a bit low today" or "At hospital, don't panic; I slipped while vacuuming naked again. Just waiting for the nurse to get her forceps."
I'm only really keeping the 'twist' secret at the moment because I haven't written the book yet and there might be someone else out there who likes the idea and can write quicker than I can.
It's also still secret because the sibling of 'I can't tell you' from above hasn't been told. We all know who that person is.
"I'm not meant to tell anyone but..."
Isn't that annoying? I'm sounding just like the person who rushes up to you and says, "OMG, I've just heard the most amazing gossip" and when you ask what, they respond with; "I can't tell you."
I hate that. Why bother mentioning it then? It's the same when someone writes an attention-seeking post on Facebook where they just put something like, "Sigh" or "Currently at the hospital" and leave it at that; waiting for friends to rush in with a concerned comment. Why don't they just write what's actually going on, like, "Feeling a bit low today" or "At hospital, don't panic; I slipped while vacuuming naked again. Just waiting for the nurse to get her forceps."
I'm only really keeping the 'twist' secret at the moment because I haven't written the book yet and there might be someone else out there who likes the idea and can write quicker than I can.
It's also still secret because the sibling of 'I can't tell you' from above hasn't been told. We all know who that person is.
"I'm not meant to tell anyone but..."
February 10, 2017
What a Great Week
I've been able to spend all this week concentrating on the new novel. I've been rewriting notes, adding new characters, working out when a particular murder takes place and how it helps the story develop; it's been brilliant. (I promise you it is still a comedy, even though there are killings. One of my characters is on medication that gives her the side effect of feeling horny all of the time...she doesn't want to change the dose).
I had to draw myself a map of the setting yesterday; the city centre of Cunden Lingus. Well I say draw, a few squares inside a big circle that represents a ring road on a scrap of paper isn't going to win me any art awards...unless I scrunch it up, piss on it and call it 'Artist's Struggle' and then it will be up for the Turner Prize!
I'm really pleased with how the ideas for the novel are progressing. I have the opening of the story prepared, which is always handy as writing the first few lines of what will become a 90k - 100k words book can be daunting. Mind you, by the time you're up to draft five, the original opening will have gone completely and been replaced by something totally different.
Still, that's all part of the writing process and I absolutely adore it.
I had to draw myself a map of the setting yesterday; the city centre of Cunden Lingus. Well I say draw, a few squares inside a big circle that represents a ring road on a scrap of paper isn't going to win me any art awards...unless I scrunch it up, piss on it and call it 'Artist's Struggle' and then it will be up for the Turner Prize!
I'm really pleased with how the ideas for the novel are progressing. I have the opening of the story prepared, which is always handy as writing the first few lines of what will become a 90k - 100k words book can be daunting. Mind you, by the time you're up to draft five, the original opening will have gone completely and been replaced by something totally different.
Still, that's all part of the writing process and I absolutely adore it.
February 2, 2017
Is that an alcohol obsession?
I've started writing the first scene for novel number three. The majority of the story is in place and the characters are all fully-formed so it was time to put pen to paper (or fingertips on laptop in my case...I hope that doesn't sound mucky).
I do like to bring something new to each book. The first was written entirely in the first person while number 2 was four separate stories all weaved together. This one is a crime novel and I'm hoping it will be the first in a series.
It's still a humorous novel and the first scene reflects that with the main character closing her hair salon for the evening after a busy day and having a glass of wine with her friend/colleague. (There is a small alopecia joke which I think I can get away with seeing as I'm bald).
I seem to rely on wine and alcohol in my novels quite a lot. Driven to Distraction was set on a holiday so the group were drinking each night (and they visited a vineyard). Nothing Ventured opened with Lou's hangover after a night out and she and Diana do seem to have a lot of scenes together where they're drinking wine. Plus one of the four stories is about pub landlord Jamie trying to keep his bar open.
I like to feel that the large amount of drink references in my stories is a reflection of today's alcohol-fuelled society...rather than being an insight into my own life. (Not the weekdays, anyway).
I guess alcohol and comedy go together quite well; walking hand in hand down the humorous fiction path. Okay, perhaps they're stumbling rather than walking; probably leaning against each other to stay upright whilst saying, "Listen, listen; this is important. I love you man; you know that, don't you."
Anyway, back to that first scene. What sort of wine should two ladies be drinking after work? Perhaps I should stop writing and do some research...
I do like to bring something new to each book. The first was written entirely in the first person while number 2 was four separate stories all weaved together. This one is a crime novel and I'm hoping it will be the first in a series.
It's still a humorous novel and the first scene reflects that with the main character closing her hair salon for the evening after a busy day and having a glass of wine with her friend/colleague. (There is a small alopecia joke which I think I can get away with seeing as I'm bald).
I seem to rely on wine and alcohol in my novels quite a lot. Driven to Distraction was set on a holiday so the group were drinking each night (and they visited a vineyard). Nothing Ventured opened with Lou's hangover after a night out and she and Diana do seem to have a lot of scenes together where they're drinking wine. Plus one of the four stories is about pub landlord Jamie trying to keep his bar open.
I like to feel that the large amount of drink references in my stories is a reflection of today's alcohol-fuelled society...rather than being an insight into my own life. (Not the weekdays, anyway).
I guess alcohol and comedy go together quite well; walking hand in hand down the humorous fiction path. Okay, perhaps they're stumbling rather than walking; probably leaning against each other to stay upright whilst saying, "Listen, listen; this is important. I love you man; you know that, don't you."
Anyway, back to that first scene. What sort of wine should two ladies be drinking after work? Perhaps I should stop writing and do some research...
January 27, 2017
Free download
The eBook version of Driven to Distraction can be downloaded for free for 24 hours on all Amazon websites. Starts midnight (Pacific standard time) on 27th Jan; which is 8 am (Greenwich meantime).
January 23, 2017
Getting back into it
I've spent the last ten days preparing and sending off submissions to literary agents, hoping one of them will want to represent me. It's always difficult to get back into the writing process afterwards as I know I've just set myself up for rejection.
It's guaranteed that there will be rejection letters; they can't be avoided. It's not necessarily that the writing isn't up to scratch it's just that agents are busy people and receive over a hundred submissions each week. What you send in, the cover letter, synopsis and sample chapters; really has to resonate with them.
I've also managed to pick a genre that a lot of agents either don't represent or are not familiar enough with to feel able to sell it on to a publisher. Still, I can't help that; humour is definitely what I want to write.
The other problem is that the agent selected might not actually get to read what's been sent in. Many of the larger agencies employ readers to look at the submissions and your work will only get passed on if they see merit in it first.
I wrote to one particular agent recently because she represents my favourite writer of humorous fiction. I received a rejection letter back from Bob! I have no idea who he is. He's not even her assistant according to the website. Does Bob have a sense of humour? What's his genre preference? After all, if he's looking for the next Wolf Hall or Life of Pi, I doubt he's going to appreciate a book where one of the characters is overheard on a supermarket speaker system; pleasuring himself in the staff toilets.
We're not talking Booker Prize fiction here.
Oh well, all the submissions are in now so I'll just have to wait to hear back. I'd best get on with writing book 3.
It's guaranteed that there will be rejection letters; they can't be avoided. It's not necessarily that the writing isn't up to scratch it's just that agents are busy people and receive over a hundred submissions each week. What you send in, the cover letter, synopsis and sample chapters; really has to resonate with them.
I've also managed to pick a genre that a lot of agents either don't represent or are not familiar enough with to feel able to sell it on to a publisher. Still, I can't help that; humour is definitely what I want to write.
The other problem is that the agent selected might not actually get to read what's been sent in. Many of the larger agencies employ readers to look at the submissions and your work will only get passed on if they see merit in it first.
I wrote to one particular agent recently because she represents my favourite writer of humorous fiction. I received a rejection letter back from Bob! I have no idea who he is. He's not even her assistant according to the website. Does Bob have a sense of humour? What's his genre preference? After all, if he's looking for the next Wolf Hall or Life of Pi, I doubt he's going to appreciate a book where one of the characters is overheard on a supermarket speaker system; pleasuring himself in the staff toilets.
We're not talking Booker Prize fiction here.
Oh well, all the submissions are in now so I'll just have to wait to hear back. I'd best get on with writing book 3.
January 18, 2017
Giveaway
Just to let you know, I'm running a giveaway for one of 5 signed copies of my second novel, Nothing Ventured.
This giveaway is just for UK members of Goodreads but I'll let you know as and when I run an international one. Link below. Good luck!
https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/sh...
This giveaway is just for UK members of Goodreads but I'll let you know as and when I run an international one. Link below. Good luck!
https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/sh...
January 4, 2017
Happy New Year
Well here we all are, almost a week into 2017; the Xmas decs are down, we're all back to work and everything is returning to normal.
I did actually start work again on the 1st (although I guess a lot of people out there wouldn't call writing a synopsis work. My response to that is try writing one first and then come see me. It's Wednesday now and I'm still trying to get it right.)
I hope everyone's NY celebrations went off with a bang. I was in bed reading at midnight but did get up to watch people's fireworks from my bedroom window. They've certainly come a long way since the ones of my childhood. Back then my dad would light them and they were finished before he'd run back to us. I always remember the traffic light ones that sent out lights in red, yellow and green. Not a patch on today's ones but I still enjoyed them (a simpler time back then) and sparklers remain my favourite thing to this day. Who doesn't write their name with one as soon as it's in your hand? Just like urinating in the snow (that's a shout out to all the fellas...and possibly some very talented women).
Anyway, back to this synopsis. I've got some agents I want to contact and am sending them details of my second novel, Nothing Ventured, to look at. Hopefully I'll find one that likes humour and not just crime & thriller novels.
I did actually start work again on the 1st (although I guess a lot of people out there wouldn't call writing a synopsis work. My response to that is try writing one first and then come see me. It's Wednesday now and I'm still trying to get it right.)
I hope everyone's NY celebrations went off with a bang. I was in bed reading at midnight but did get up to watch people's fireworks from my bedroom window. They've certainly come a long way since the ones of my childhood. Back then my dad would light them and they were finished before he'd run back to us. I always remember the traffic light ones that sent out lights in red, yellow and green. Not a patch on today's ones but I still enjoyed them (a simpler time back then) and sparklers remain my favourite thing to this day. Who doesn't write their name with one as soon as it's in your hand? Just like urinating in the snow (that's a shout out to all the fellas...and possibly some very talented women).
Anyway, back to this synopsis. I've got some agents I want to contact and am sending them details of my second novel, Nothing Ventured, to look at. Hopefully I'll find one that likes humour and not just crime & thriller novels.
Stuart Bone's Blog
- Stuart Bone's profile
- 28 followers
Stuart Bone isn't a Goodreads Author
(yet),
but they
do have a blog,
so here are some recent posts imported from
their feed.
