Brian MacLearn's Blog, page 2
May 10, 2013
What's next...
I recently submitted "Ridicule" to the Reader's Favorite contest in the Fiction/suspense category. I'm hoping it will score high reviews and move on to the finalist group. This is my third novel and in no way is it similar to the other two. Those who have read all my books made similar comments, "This is different, and it's not like your other books." They also said how much they enjoyed it. As an author, when you write such dissimilar genres it makes it difficult to judge whether or not you are improving in writing ability. I wonder what my true voice is. I believe that in all my stories I have used strong characters, moral characters, and true and descriptive emotions. This will never be more so than in my next novel "Isolation." I feel like the first three novels were preparing me for the journey that I am currently on as I write this next story. If it works out the way my mind envisions, then the reader will finish the book and say, "Oh my god, I never saw that coming." And…then proceed to reread the story to find all the clues they missed the first time. We all (writers) have a great book inside of us, and something is telling me that this might be mine. I only hope that I am up to the challenge of making it as good as it deserves…
April 12, 2013
Ridicule in the last edit
I have heard back from my advanced readers--and I listened. They wanted a more concise and happier ending. The whole story continued to crescendo until the very end. I wanted to leave that feeling in place and only write a short summation of what happened next. It was realistic and gave some hope to a brighter future. However, the readers felt it needed to be more positive, and they asked some great questions about unanswered issues in the story. I added a couple of short chapters to tie up the loose ends, and eased into the ending, even changing my initial direction. Now they are happy…me too! Thank you for your help!
March 28, 2013
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…
March 23, 2013
Ridicule nearing completion
"Ridicule" is now going through its third editing. After I finish, I will be looking for beta readers to judge the flow and consistency of the story. This project has been interesting to say the least. "Ridicule" wasn't the book I had originally planned to start after I'd finished writing "Remember Me."
If I had to liken "Ridicule" to another story, it would be Dean Koontz's "The Husband." The more the story unfolds, the more intense it becomes, and the more we learn that not all is what it seems. I believe in writing stories about average people who rise to face the challenges put forth before them. In "Ridicule," that is exactly what the main character, Jeff Peyton, must do or the people he loves will die.
People always wonder where I come up with my ideas. Coming up with ideas isn't a problem. I have too many to write and not enough life left to accomplish writing them all. If only I hadn't procrastinated for the last twenty years… As far as "Ridicule" is concerned, the idea came to me as I listened to a radio broadcast about bullying. The stories about spousal abuse have been written many times. I wanted to take the playground bully, along with his victim, and then jump ahead twenty years to show what might happen if they were still connected. When you are twelve and face the bully, a punch to the nose will usually end the torment. But, what if the bully is thirty-five years old, and he's now your boss, and he's been controlling you for the last twenty years.
I believe that we all have a hero inside of us. Sometimes we have to force them to the surface, and sometimes they are pulled, screaming from within us. "Ridicule" is a fast-paced novel of suspense and surprises. What and who would you be willing to sacrifice to gain your freedom.
If I had to liken "Ridicule" to another story, it would be Dean Koontz's "The Husband." The more the story unfolds, the more intense it becomes, and the more we learn that not all is what it seems. I believe in writing stories about average people who rise to face the challenges put forth before them. In "Ridicule," that is exactly what the main character, Jeff Peyton, must do or the people he loves will die.
People always wonder where I come up with my ideas. Coming up with ideas isn't a problem. I have too many to write and not enough life left to accomplish writing them all. If only I hadn't procrastinated for the last twenty years… As far as "Ridicule" is concerned, the idea came to me as I listened to a radio broadcast about bullying. The stories about spousal abuse have been written many times. I wanted to take the playground bully, along with his victim, and then jump ahead twenty years to show what might happen if they were still connected. When you are twelve and face the bully, a punch to the nose will usually end the torment. But, what if the bully is thirty-five years old, and he's now your boss, and he's been controlling you for the last twenty years.
I believe that we all have a hero inside of us. Sometimes we have to force them to the surface, and sometimes they are pulled, screaming from within us. "Ridicule" is a fast-paced novel of suspense and surprises. What and who would you be willing to sacrifice to gain your freedom.
March 13, 2013
opening for "Isolation"
I'm busy editing "Ridicule," yet another story has started bugging me. I gave in and wrote the opening introduction for a new novel, "Isolation." Let me know what you think.
ISOLATION
by
Brian L. MacLearn
Introduction
I am an idiot and I am going to die. These are both factual statements, and I have all the proof necessary to show them to be true. The coldness is overtaking my body; it is only a matter of time before I feel the welcoming warmth of death. Every step that led me to this final resting place has been a mistake. It's so easy to see it now. Call it what you will, the final recognition, the life flashing before your eyes, or the clarity to see the reaper waiting for you. It makes no difference; at least not for me, not any longer. I understand and accept the end, but I will not go without a fight.
The blood that once gushed from the wound above my eye has temporarily ceased. It stopped sometime while I was swept away in my dreams, dancing with Vicky under the stars on a warm August night. She was the one who ended our dance and told me to wake up, even when I pleaded with her for one more dance, one more kiss. For the moment, I am still of this world. I will fight to my last breath, I owe her that much, no, I owe her everything.
The wolves are baying at my door. I am not trying to be sarcastic. I don't have a door, but the wolf pack that has been diligently circling me is closer now. They have more patience than I have time. Their song is united, and under other circumstances, I might have considered it hauntingly beautiful. It echoes off the hills and through the valley all around me. They are the greatest choir the wilderness has ever heard, always in perfect pitch and harmony, braying the sorrowful melody of their courageous existence. Today, they sing about the man who finally found his way out of despair only to die when there was still so much to live for. They sing, because tonight their stomachs will be satisfied, if only for a little while. One elderly man can only be considered a mere morsel when spread between so many with ravenous cravings and empty bellies.
I only want to close my eyes and see my Vicky for all eternity. I want to walk with her in the memories of the greatest love I have ever known. She will not be there waiting for me, not yet. She told me so, just this morning. She also told me that it was time for me to leave. I would die if I stayed put. Funny, I am going to die anyway, and horribly. I have never doubted her before, ever. I will not start now. I must believe that I will live.
ISOLATION
by
Brian L. MacLearn
Introduction
I am an idiot and I am going to die. These are both factual statements, and I have all the proof necessary to show them to be true. The coldness is overtaking my body; it is only a matter of time before I feel the welcoming warmth of death. Every step that led me to this final resting place has been a mistake. It's so easy to see it now. Call it what you will, the final recognition, the life flashing before your eyes, or the clarity to see the reaper waiting for you. It makes no difference; at least not for me, not any longer. I understand and accept the end, but I will not go without a fight.
The blood that once gushed from the wound above my eye has temporarily ceased. It stopped sometime while I was swept away in my dreams, dancing with Vicky under the stars on a warm August night. She was the one who ended our dance and told me to wake up, even when I pleaded with her for one more dance, one more kiss. For the moment, I am still of this world. I will fight to my last breath, I owe her that much, no, I owe her everything.
The wolves are baying at my door. I am not trying to be sarcastic. I don't have a door, but the wolf pack that has been diligently circling me is closer now. They have more patience than I have time. Their song is united, and under other circumstances, I might have considered it hauntingly beautiful. It echoes off the hills and through the valley all around me. They are the greatest choir the wilderness has ever heard, always in perfect pitch and harmony, braying the sorrowful melody of their courageous existence. Today, they sing about the man who finally found his way out of despair only to die when there was still so much to live for. They sing, because tonight their stomachs will be satisfied, if only for a little while. One elderly man can only be considered a mere morsel when spread between so many with ravenous cravings and empty bellies.
I only want to close my eyes and see my Vicky for all eternity. I want to walk with her in the memories of the greatest love I have ever known. She will not be there waiting for me, not yet. She told me so, just this morning. She also told me that it was time for me to leave. I would die if I stayed put. Funny, I am going to die anyway, and horribly. I have never doubted her before, ever. I will not start now. I must believe that I will live.
February 7, 2013
Ridicule
The first draft is done!!! I always wish that I could start my books with the same magic I finish them with. I'm working on the first of many edits. I have a feeling that I will be moving part of the first chapter and third chapter. If you like evil villians and unexpected heroes, then you will enjoy this story.
I'll let you decide...Matt Sinclair and Jeff Peyton, the two main characters, one good and the other evil. Which is which? The women who brings romance to the story...Summer Willow, half Native American and half Irish. Watch out for her...
I'll keep you posted as it progresses.
Brian
I'll let you decide...Matt Sinclair and Jeff Peyton, the two main characters, one good and the other evil. Which is which? The women who brings romance to the story...Summer Willow, half Native American and half Irish. Watch out for her...
I'll keep you posted as it progresses.
Brian
January 21, 2013
Almost there.
It's been a busy month. I'm working on the last couple of chapters to "Ridicule." I'm one of those writers who is never quite sure where the story is going to go. Ridicule has taken me off in different directions. I had an ending all laid out in my mind, and until this last chapter, I wasn't sure it would progress that way.
The hard part is coming up--edit...edit...and edit some more. The story builds until it becomes a thrill ride the last third of the book. My goal is to bring that intensity into the early part of the story.
The bad guy in my story is no one I ever want to meet, but his type is real, and that is what makes the story so intense. When you can write probable suspense vs pure action, I think it resonates more with the reader. If you turn out the light, and then turn them back on because you heard a noise...I did my job well!
The hard part is coming up--edit...edit...and edit some more. The story builds until it becomes a thrill ride the last third of the book. My goal is to bring that intensity into the early part of the story.
The bad guy in my story is no one I ever want to meet, but his type is real, and that is what makes the story so intense. When you can write probable suspense vs pure action, I think it resonates more with the reader. If you turn out the light, and then turn them back on because you heard a noise...I did my job well!
December 6, 2012
How I write.
I'd love to hear from you on how you write. As for me, when I write it's by the seat-of-my-pants. I don't do outlines, but sometimes think they would help. It makes me wonder if the character voices that talk to me would be mad that I have constrained them. Even when I know how the chapter is going to start, and what I perceive is the direction, it still changes. The rest of my thoughts fall to the wayside and the story unfolds with every keystroke. The picture in my mind is stop-n-go as I write. I test the direction and then put it to paper. In my last story, I planned on Kirk being a bad guy, now he has a big role to play. It never would have happened in an outline. What do you think?
November 30, 2012
Authors Holiday Open House
It was a fun night sharing space with 17 local authors at University Book & Supply in Cedar Falls. It was a chance for experienced writers, new writers, and all of us in between to swap our stories. Not just the characters in our books, but the ups and downs of being an author.
It is always great to have an opportunity to talk with readers, they don't always buy, but they always like to talk books. The world of reading is changing. The e-book is growing and altering the way marketing is done. I still like to see my collection of favorite author's books on my shelf...how about you?
It is always great to have an opportunity to talk with readers, they don't always buy, but they always like to talk books. The world of reading is changing. The e-book is growing and altering the way marketing is done. I still like to see my collection of favorite author's books on my shelf...how about you?
