Brian MacLearn's Blog - Posts Tagged "isolation"
Character names...
Ok would be writers... I'm starting the next book "Isolation." "Ridicule" is being read by several people for content, so I have a chance to begin working on the next novel. The main character is Simpson Gregory Jennings, nickname Simple. He is in his mid fifties and the story is his. You can guess by the title where it might lead, but there are going to be some major twists and turns. This story is a highly emotional ride. I have several characters that need names, and I am open to suggestions. The story takes place in Iowa, as do all of my novels. I need names for Simple's adult children, spouses and grandkids. I never know whom my characters meet and interact with until the story is done. If you have a name and idea for a character (description), let me know…
What I'm up to...
I haven't posted in awhile, so I thought I would offer an update. Against the Current (formally Ridicule) was a silver medalist in the 2013 Reader's Favorite contest for thrillers. That was the original Ridicule format, and before I completely revamped the beginning and cut nearly 60 pages from the book. Those who beta read it after the over-haul thought it was much better. The pace is definitely quicker, though I did give up some better back-story details.
I look to have it published in the early summer and begin working the marketing plan. Meanwhile, my next novel Isolation is about halfway done. This one is tricky, and it seems to take me longer to move it along. If I had to give you a clue, which I can't, because you need to read this one as it unfolds. I can tell you that it has the romantic elements of Nicolas Sparks, the deep questions of Mitch Albom, and the supernatural presence of Dean Koontz.
After Isolation, I'll be flipping the mental coin on 3-4 other projects that keep hammering around in my brain. One of my favorite authors is Dean Koontz, and one of my favorite characters is Odd Thomas. I'm waiting in great anticipation to see the movie. I finished reading his recent novel Innocence and I have mixed feelings. I really thought he was setting up a new character to write future novels around, but he ended it straight away. I really liked the character of Addison Goodheart (I find him similar to Odd Thomas.) I wasn't thrilled with the ending, but I did guess right on the direction the book was going.
I recently finished the sequel to the Shinning, Dr. Sleep, by Stephen King. I'm not sure if there is another author that has such a mastery of words and the ability to tell a good story. I've only ever had to force myself to finish one novel of his and that was Gerald's Game. A few others of his left me feeling disappointed, but there are so many that are in my top reads. I look forward to seeing the Gunslinger made into a movie series.
Feel free to drop me a note and connect with me on FaceBook and twitter. https://www.facebook.com/authorBrianM... BrianMacLearn@brianmaclearn
I look to have it published in the early summer and begin working the marketing plan. Meanwhile, my next novel Isolation is about halfway done. This one is tricky, and it seems to take me longer to move it along. If I had to give you a clue, which I can't, because you need to read this one as it unfolds. I can tell you that it has the romantic elements of Nicolas Sparks, the deep questions of Mitch Albom, and the supernatural presence of Dean Koontz.
After Isolation, I'll be flipping the mental coin on 3-4 other projects that keep hammering around in my brain. One of my favorite authors is Dean Koontz, and one of my favorite characters is Odd Thomas. I'm waiting in great anticipation to see the movie. I finished reading his recent novel Innocence and I have mixed feelings. I really thought he was setting up a new character to write future novels around, but he ended it straight away. I really liked the character of Addison Goodheart (I find him similar to Odd Thomas.) I wasn't thrilled with the ending, but I did guess right on the direction the book was going.
I recently finished the sequel to the Shinning, Dr. Sleep, by Stephen King. I'm not sure if there is another author that has such a mastery of words and the ability to tell a good story. I've only ever had to force myself to finish one novel of his and that was Gerald's Game. A few others of his left me feeling disappointed, but there are so many that are in my top reads. I look forward to seeing the Gunslinger made into a movie series.
Feel free to drop me a note and connect with me on FaceBook and twitter. https://www.facebook.com/authorBrianM... BrianMacLearn@brianmaclearn
The past and what's ahead
I finished the first draft on "Isolation," worked through two revisions, and sent it out for critiques. That was over a year ago. While I waited, I started working on a story idea that hit me hard. That idea turned into my latest work, which I just recently finished. Isolation received mostly positive feedback, but there is still that little something I need to work into the story. After becoming so engaged in the new work, I couldn't make myself go back to rework "Isolation." It will happen!
"Sensitive" was born from my fascination with hypnosis. A hypnotist's stage show on a night out with the girls is the catalyst that sets the rest of the story in motion. At 300 pages, it will only grow as I work through my first edit. This is by far the most intriguing story I've written, not only because the protagonist is a young female, but also by the way it touches on our humanly existence.
"Sensitive" is written in a rough style, similar to works of Gillian Flynn, and leaves all the pleasantries at the door. Part horror, part science fiction, and part thriller, along with some intense sexual situations, this story has an edge that keeps it moving. Originally, I deemed it a standalone work, but as I neared the end, it became clear that Riley Moore had battles yet to wage. I do believe that a trilogy is in order.
Recently, I've also toyed with writing the sequel to "Our Heart" and the possibility of letting Willow and Jeffrey have another crack after their escapades in "Against the Current." What I really need is that special writing partner to take all of my first drafts and make them worthy while I try to keep ahead of the hoard of ghostly characters standing behind my chair, begging to be brought to life. My book of potential story ideas is growing faster than I will ever reasonably be able to finish writing.
Take care, and read on!
Brian
"Sensitive" was born from my fascination with hypnosis. A hypnotist's stage show on a night out with the girls is the catalyst that sets the rest of the story in motion. At 300 pages, it will only grow as I work through my first edit. This is by far the most intriguing story I've written, not only because the protagonist is a young female, but also by the way it touches on our humanly existence.
"Sensitive" is written in a rough style, similar to works of Gillian Flynn, and leaves all the pleasantries at the door. Part horror, part science fiction, and part thriller, along with some intense sexual situations, this story has an edge that keeps it moving. Originally, I deemed it a standalone work, but as I neared the end, it became clear that Riley Moore had battles yet to wage. I do believe that a trilogy is in order.
Recently, I've also toyed with writing the sequel to "Our Heart" and the possibility of letting Willow and Jeffrey have another crack after their escapades in "Against the Current." What I really need is that special writing partner to take all of my first drafts and make them worthy while I try to keep ahead of the hoard of ghostly characters standing behind my chair, begging to be brought to life. My book of potential story ideas is growing faster than I will ever reasonably be able to finish writing.
Take care, and read on!
Brian
