Clint Stoker's Blog, page 4
September 7, 2013
Finished!
I finished draft 3 last night at 11:00 p.m. I was so excited I couldn't sleep.
I've already sent All for Owen off to one beta reader and I've contacted 3 others. If all goes well, all my readers will have a copy in their possession by next friday.
As for me, I'm playing the waiting game. Once beta readers are finished, I'll take their feedback and make changes. Hopefully, these changes won't be too intensive. Next is the typo hunt. I really want to hit typos hard.
Now, I also need to start the marketing machine. I'm planning a blog tour for October/November. And I need to make a book trailer. All that is coming.
For now, I'm going to spend a nice relaxing weekend with my family and forget all about writing.
I deserve it.
I've already sent All for Owen off to one beta reader and I've contacted 3 others. If all goes well, all my readers will have a copy in their possession by next friday.
As for me, I'm playing the waiting game. Once beta readers are finished, I'll take their feedback and make changes. Hopefully, these changes won't be too intensive. Next is the typo hunt. I really want to hit typos hard.
Now, I also need to start the marketing machine. I'm planning a blog tour for October/November. And I need to make a book trailer. All that is coming.
For now, I'm going to spend a nice relaxing weekend with my family and forget all about writing.
I deserve it.
September 4, 2013
Official Book Cover
I've posted several renditions of possible book cover's for All for Owen. Now I've settled on one. Here is the full cover, front and back. Keep in mind that the book blurb will probably need more attention, so it is likely to change. Other than the blurb and a bar code that will be added later, this is the completed book cover.
I'm happy with this cover. I even created basic matching covers for the next two books in the series. (More to come on book 2 later.)
I've been getting questions about when All for Owen will be published. All I can say is, as soon as possible. I'm pushing through the editing right now then I'll send it off to beta readers. I can promise, that I will keep you posted.
I'm happy with this cover. I even created basic matching covers for the next two books in the series. (More to come on book 2 later.)
I've been getting questions about when All for Owen will be published. All I can say is, as soon as possible. I'm pushing through the editing right now then I'll send it off to beta readers. I can promise, that I will keep you posted.
September 3, 2013
Back of Book Blurb
The one part I really loath about writing and publishing is writing the blurb for the back of the book. Trying to explain the premise of a book in a few short paragraphs and still make the book sound awesome is difficult. Seriously.
Since the world of publishing is beginning to move past Dystopia and post-apocalyptic novels, I'm probably going to have to self-publish All for Owen. This is fine, because I really love having all that control over the publishing and marketing process. The problem is, the book blurb is such a pain.
After a long Labor Day weekend, and a lot of brain strain, here is my book blurb:
Seventeen-year-old, Jason Lowe thinks he can hide forever in his forgotten neighborhood – pretending like the world had never ended. He is the only one to get the plague and live. At least now he’s immune.
When the masked creatures called Angsts discover Sunset Street, they bring the plague with them and infect most the residents.
The Angsts give the boys of Sunset Street one shot at saving their community – to travel across the barren valley and trade for vaccines. But everything rests on keeping Sunset’s least valuable resident alive, twelve-year-old Owen Rosner.
I'm not a fan of this summary. Really, I think this could be so much better, but I honestly don't know what else to do to make it better, without giving away important pieces to the story.
Any suggestions?
Since the world of publishing is beginning to move past Dystopia and post-apocalyptic novels, I'm probably going to have to self-publish All for Owen. This is fine, because I really love having all that control over the publishing and marketing process. The problem is, the book blurb is such a pain.
After a long Labor Day weekend, and a lot of brain strain, here is my book blurb:
Seventeen-year-old, Jason Lowe thinks he can hide forever in his forgotten neighborhood – pretending like the world had never ended. He is the only one to get the plague and live. At least now he’s immune.
When the masked creatures called Angsts discover Sunset Street, they bring the plague with them and infect most the residents.
The Angsts give the boys of Sunset Street one shot at saving their community – to travel across the barren valley and trade for vaccines. But everything rests on keeping Sunset’s least valuable resident alive, twelve-year-old Owen Rosner.
I'm not a fan of this summary. Really, I think this could be so much better, but I honestly don't know what else to do to make it better, without giving away important pieces to the story.
Any suggestions?
August 5, 2013
Revise
Revisions feel like walking through knee-deep mud. Just when I think I've got a scene down pat, another issue sucks me back in. The good news is I'm getting better at it. The story is getting better too - much better.
Here goes another goal.
By the end of August, I will send "All for Owen" off to beta readers. By that time, this should be a pretty solid story.
I wrote a query letter already. It's a pretty awesome query letter too, if I do say so myself. I'm interested to see if the world of literary agents will agree.
I was tempted to post it here, but I don't want to ruin the story for you future readers.
Here goes another goal.
By the end of August, I will send "All for Owen" off to beta readers. By that time, this should be a pretty solid story.
I wrote a query letter already. It's a pretty awesome query letter too, if I do say so myself. I'm interested to see if the world of literary agents will agree.
I was tempted to post it here, but I don't want to ruin the story for you future readers.
July 12, 2013
2 Drafts Down...
A lot has happened in my writing over the past month. I didn't bother counting the hours I spent working out the last five chapters of All for Owen, but let me assure you, it was a lot. And I can say I am officially finished with the second draft.
So what now?
I need to take a break from All for Owen. I need to try to forget the story and work on something else. A couple Beta readers to read this draft and give me feedback. When they are finished, I'm going through it myself. This pass is going to be extreme. I'm using the "One-Pass Manuscript revision" technique. I'm not gullible enough to believe that one more pass is going to get the story to a publishable level, but I'm going to revise like this is the only revision. Character, plot, mood, dialogue, grammar, everything is up for scrutiny. The words "I'll fix that later" are not in my vocabulary.
After I butcher the manuscript, I'll fix it and send it off to as many beta readers as I can find. I guarantee, they will still find things to fix, but at that point, I'm hoping they will be minor changes.
After that pass, it's all proofreading, and more proofreading, and more proofreading...
The huge amount of work that lays ahead is daunting. It seems like writing is never finished. But for now, I need to forget it all and work on something else - maybe writing that murder mystery dinner I've always wanted to try.
So what now?
I need to take a break from All for Owen. I need to try to forget the story and work on something else. A couple Beta readers to read this draft and give me feedback. When they are finished, I'm going through it myself. This pass is going to be extreme. I'm using the "One-Pass Manuscript revision" technique. I'm not gullible enough to believe that one more pass is going to get the story to a publishable level, but I'm going to revise like this is the only revision. Character, plot, mood, dialogue, grammar, everything is up for scrutiny. The words "I'll fix that later" are not in my vocabulary.
After I butcher the manuscript, I'll fix it and send it off to as many beta readers as I can find. I guarantee, they will still find things to fix, but at that point, I'm hoping they will be minor changes.
After that pass, it's all proofreading, and more proofreading, and more proofreading...
The huge amount of work that lays ahead is daunting. It seems like writing is never finished. But for now, I need to forget it all and work on something else - maybe writing that murder mystery dinner I've always wanted to try.
June 18, 2013
The Plan
I've been doing some serious thinking on what I'm going to do with "All for Owen" when I am finished. The story is progressing nicely, and it will be ready in one form or another this fall.
Originally, "All for Owen" was outlined to become a serial novel. Somewhere in the process of writing, I bagged that idea. I fell in love with the story and thought to myself, "this is going to be big." I started thinking about publishing traditionally. Recently, I've taken a second look at my original idea of the serial novel, here's why.
Readers don't have as much patience as they used to.
I published "The Cause" in 2011. It was much more successful than I had anticipated. In fact, I actually have a small audience of genuine readers out there. But one book isn't enough to keep readers, well, reading.
The solution is to write more books. I'm working on it, bit it's hard to keep the attention of readers when there is a two-year lull between books. In today's world, that just doesn't cut it.
So what do I do?
"All for Owen" is returning to its roots as a serial novel. Expect part one to be published October 2013. Expect frequent updates. Expect to enjoy the story at the same pace that I'm enjoying writing it. Expect more stories, more frequently.
Originally, "All for Owen" was outlined to become a serial novel. Somewhere in the process of writing, I bagged that idea. I fell in love with the story and thought to myself, "this is going to be big." I started thinking about publishing traditionally. Recently, I've taken a second look at my original idea of the serial novel, here's why.
Readers don't have as much patience as they used to.
I published "The Cause" in 2011. It was much more successful than I had anticipated. In fact, I actually have a small audience of genuine readers out there. But one book isn't enough to keep readers, well, reading.
The solution is to write more books. I'm working on it, bit it's hard to keep the attention of readers when there is a two-year lull between books. In today's world, that just doesn't cut it.
So what do I do?
"All for Owen" is returning to its roots as a serial novel. Expect part one to be published October 2013. Expect frequent updates. Expect to enjoy the story at the same pace that I'm enjoying writing it. Expect more stories, more frequently.
May 20, 2013
I'm Still Writing, Really, I Am.
Is it May 20 already?
It should be no surprise that I missed my last goal. The second draft is turning out to be more of a creative fight than I have expected. I'm on chapter 18 of 35 now. That's right, I've added about four chapters, but it is so necessary.
All for Owen has really come alive this time around. The characters are much better. The description is much better. Everything is much better.
Since I've picked up the pace again, I'm going to give myself a new goal. (Beta readers be ready)
June 10.
This date has no significance, other than I honestly think I will be able to have this draft finished by then, and I should be ready to finally to send it to readers.
Here we go again.
It should be no surprise that I missed my last goal. The second draft is turning out to be more of a creative fight than I have expected. I'm on chapter 18 of 35 now. That's right, I've added about four chapters, but it is so necessary.
All for Owen has really come alive this time around. The characters are much better. The description is much better. Everything is much better.
Since I've picked up the pace again, I'm going to give myself a new goal. (Beta readers be ready)
June 10.
This date has no significance, other than I honestly think I will be able to have this draft finished by then, and I should be ready to finally to send it to readers.
Here we go again.
April 10, 2013
Book Bomb
I wanted to post something special today.
I've learned a lot of writing techniques and approaches from reading David Farlands "Daily Kick in the Pants." I've never met David, but I've been reading his writing posts for years. I feel like I know him. I really respect his ideas and his willingness to help new authors. I can't express how much I've learned from him.
He is in a little trouble now. His son was in a terrible long boarding accident and the medical bills are going to be astronomical, especially because he doesn't have health insurance.
This is a picture of his poor son, Ben. He is in a coma right now and they are not sure what he is going to be able to do after he wakes up.
Today, several authors are sponsoring a book bomb for David Farand's book "Nightingale." For those of you who are not familiar with a books bomb, it just means that everyone is buying his book on the same day - today. This will push his book up the charts and hopefully, get the novel more recognition. And that means more money to cover the bills.
So if you are on the look for a new book and you also want to help out a great guy, go to Amazon.com and purchase a copy of his book HERE.
I've learned a lot of writing techniques and approaches from reading David Farlands "Daily Kick in the Pants." I've never met David, but I've been reading his writing posts for years. I feel like I know him. I really respect his ideas and his willingness to help new authors. I can't express how much I've learned from him.
He is in a little trouble now. His son was in a terrible long boarding accident and the medical bills are going to be astronomical, especially because he doesn't have health insurance.
This is a picture of his poor son, Ben. He is in a coma right now and they are not sure what he is going to be able to do after he wakes up.
Today, several authors are sponsoring a book bomb for David Farand's book "Nightingale." For those of you who are not familiar with a books bomb, it just means that everyone is buying his book on the same day - today. This will push his book up the charts and hopefully, get the novel more recognition. And that means more money to cover the bills.
So if you are on the look for a new book and you also want to help out a great guy, go to Amazon.com and purchase a copy of his book HERE.
April 4, 2013
The Sounds of Writing
I've found that I write best when I have setting into the right kind of mood. Music is crucial for getting myself in the zone. The problem is that there are different moods for different scenes.
For example, in one of the first scenes of All for Owen, I want to convey a very specific feeling to the reader. I found this song "In Heaven" by The Pixies that set the right tone. You have to listen to this specific live version because it has a very unique quality. Kim deal sings it in this version rather than Frank Black, who usually sings this song.
Take a listen.
Awesome, right?
There is this creepy eery feeling that contrasts with the almost innocent lyrics. This is the essence of All for Owen, especially in the beginning.
Without giving away too much, there is an important task that the main characters need to accomplish. This journey (literal and figuratively) is captured in the moods of "Doors Unlock and Open" by Death Cab for Cutie.
Again, this has some really unique emotions in the song.
I like to create a mental soundtrack for my writing because it helps me write in the proper tone.
All for Owen should convey the innocence of some and the pure evil of others. Listening to songs like these really helps me get into the proper frame of mind. I'll try to post more inspirational songs as I go.
For example, in one of the first scenes of All for Owen, I want to convey a very specific feeling to the reader. I found this song "In Heaven" by The Pixies that set the right tone. You have to listen to this specific live version because it has a very unique quality. Kim deal sings it in this version rather than Frank Black, who usually sings this song.
Take a listen.
Awesome, right?
There is this creepy eery feeling that contrasts with the almost innocent lyrics. This is the essence of All for Owen, especially in the beginning.
Without giving away too much, there is an important task that the main characters need to accomplish. This journey (literal and figuratively) is captured in the moods of "Doors Unlock and Open" by Death Cab for Cutie.
Again, this has some really unique emotions in the song.
I like to create a mental soundtrack for my writing because it helps me write in the proper tone.
All for Owen should convey the innocence of some and the pure evil of others. Listening to songs like these really helps me get into the proper frame of mind. I'll try to post more inspirational songs as I go.
March 12, 2013
Deadline
I'm rather disappointed in myself. I had been writing like crazy in the fall and the early winter, but January came and I lost that fire.
Maybe it was the grey of winter or the cold or maybe I just needed to take some time to think about something else. Regardless of what caused my pathetic streak of laziness, the sun is out again and I need to put the pressure on my inner writer.
Since I'm not accountable to anybody but myself, I need to make a deadline.
Here it is.
May 4th, 2013
This is the day I am going to have my manuscript written and rewritten and edited and re-edited. This is the day I am going to send out my first query letter. This is the day I'm going to begin my traditional publishing trip. I'm not going to work on All for Owen any more.
So why May 4th?
This gives my time to set shorter and closer goals within that time. I need to have beta readers read and give me input, I need to polish the blemishes. I need to rework the ending. There is a lot of work to do between now and May 4th.
Another reason I'm setting May 4th as my deadline, is because on May 5th, my brothers and I are going to hold our second annuall "Dude Fest." This year we're calling it "Cinco-De-Dude-Fest." We basically get together and do all the stuff our wives don't like to do, like play video games, shoot stuff, be slobs, and play long games like Risk. It will be a good way to celebrate the completion of All for Owen.
I'm rolling up my sleeves again and kicking my lazy self in the pants. I'm getting back to work.
Maybe it was the grey of winter or the cold or maybe I just needed to take some time to think about something else. Regardless of what caused my pathetic streak of laziness, the sun is out again and I need to put the pressure on my inner writer.
Since I'm not accountable to anybody but myself, I need to make a deadline.
Here it is.
May 4th, 2013
This is the day I am going to have my manuscript written and rewritten and edited and re-edited. This is the day I am going to send out my first query letter. This is the day I'm going to begin my traditional publishing trip. I'm not going to work on All for Owen any more.
So why May 4th?
This gives my time to set shorter and closer goals within that time. I need to have beta readers read and give me input, I need to polish the blemishes. I need to rework the ending. There is a lot of work to do between now and May 4th.
Another reason I'm setting May 4th as my deadline, is because on May 5th, my brothers and I are going to hold our second annuall "Dude Fest." This year we're calling it "Cinco-De-Dude-Fest." We basically get together and do all the stuff our wives don't like to do, like play video games, shoot stuff, be slobs, and play long games like Risk. It will be a good way to celebrate the completion of All for Owen.
I'm rolling up my sleeves again and kicking my lazy self in the pants. I'm getting back to work.
