Lane Diamond's Blog, page 10

The Problem with First-Person Narratives – Beware the I-Bombs!

As both a reader and an editor, I see more and more first-person narratives these days. It likely has something to do with the old guard – the “gatekeepers” – not influencing as many books, as the indie publishing revolution continues.

Once upon a time, while shopping my manuscript for Forgive Me, Alex around to agents, I encountered a number of agent websites on which they stated flat-out, “No first-person narratives accepted.” Such blanket “rules” frustrated the dickens out of me – right up there with “No prologues” and “No present tense narratives.” Still, in order to satisfy the gods of literature, I set about making my novel a third-person, past tense narrative, as instructed by the literati.

Then, about 100 pages into my manuscript, it occurred to me that much of it was flat, without emotional depth—lacking the impact, the punch in the gut I’d hoped to create. The answer? Simple: Change it to a first-person narrative, and just don’t submit to those agents who posted their dismissive warnings.

However, that decision spawned quite the learning experience, and it has particularly jumped out at me as I’ve been editing more first-person narratives. Indeed, the literary agents’ frustration over such pieces, the thing that clearly caused them to throw their hands up and surrender, and to apply those blanket rules, grew clear as air to me.

Let us call them “I-Bombs.”

Almost every first-person narrative to cross my desk has languished beneath a series of I-bombs: I did this. I went there. I thought this. I felt that. I heard another thing, and I did that other thing. I, I, I, I, I, I, I….

Yikes. Medic!

“I wanted to tell you this story in which I was the star, but…. Enough about me. What do you think about me?”

Yeah, that’s how those stories read: narcissism on parade. When I encounter 45 “I” on the first page, it goes right to the REJECT pile – whether I’m wearing my editor’s hat or my reader’s hat.

You may be asking at this point, “How do I write a first-person narrative and not use ‘I’?” The answer is simple enough: you don’t. The issue is the frequency with which you use “I.” Just as third-person narratives contain a bunch of “he” and “she,” first-person narratives necessarily contain a bunch of “I.” Precisely because of this, you must be vigilant to justify every single “I,” and to seek viable alternatives whenever possible.

Perhaps because we’re more likely to become the character-narrator in a first-person narrative, our minds get stuck in “I”-mode, and we revert to telling how everything affects “I,” rather than showing the story, allowing it to unfold in a series of scenes focused not on “I,” but on the people, places and events surrounding “I.” When you write, “I remember when John said he wanted to kill me,” you’re telling the reader of the character’s experience, rather than allowing the reader to experience it right along with the character-narrator. That shared experience between character and reader is the essence of a great read.

Most first-person narratives, laden with I-bomb after I-bomb, devolve into a telling, boring, look-at-me-world bit of torture that causes many readers to scramble.

My advice? Make your default approach a third-person narrative, and change it only if you decide it just doesn’t work, that it must be a first-person narrative.

Then, remember the primary commandment of effective writing: Show, Don’t Tell. And please, beware the I-bombs.

~~~~~~~~~~

2 Books I Edited Are Up for Awards – LEXIE WORLD, and WANTED: DEAD OR UNDEAD

I recently announced that my novel, Forgive Me, Alex, is a semi-finalist in the Kindle Book Review’s Best Indie Books of 2012, in the Mystery/Thriller category.

Well, one of the nicest aspects of editing the work of fellow authors is being able to bask in the glow of their success, too. They did the heaviest lifting, of course, as authors always do, but as editor, I got to play my own small part.

One of the books for which I had the pleasure of doing the final edit/polish is also a semi-finalist, in the YA category: Wanted: Dead or Undead by Angela Scott.

“Wanted: Dead or Undead” – Semi-Finalist in the YA category, Kindle Book Review’s Best Indie Books of 2012

And if that’s not enough, another of the books I edited, Lexie World by Kimberly Kinrade, is a finalist in the 2012 Global Ebook Awards, in the Children Literature Fiction category.

2012 Global Ebook Awards – Finalist in Children Literature Fiction category – “Lexie World” by Kimberly Kinrade

I have to say: All in all, I’m having a pretty good week.

~~~~~~~~~~

“Forgive Me, Alex” Gets a Great Review, and Is a Semi-Finalist at Kindle Book Review’s Best Indie Books of 2012

Yeah, I had a pretty good day yesterday. First, I started a month-long book tour for Forgive Me, Alex, through Novel Publicity. Stop by and check it out: 3 $50 Prizes are up for grabs.

The first review out of that tour was done by Anne Chaconas. She had many nice things to say, and I hope you’ll drop by and post your own comment.

Excerpt: “Diamond does in Forgive Me, Alex what I wish more contemporary authors would do: He brings me right into the story, forcing me to identify with the characters. I didn’t have a choice–I would feel Tony Hooper’s wrath and need for revenge, I would wallow in Mitchell Norton’s desperate inability to ward off his demons. I would cheer for Diana Gregorio’s unbelievable ballsiness in the face of seemingly unbeatable odds. I would weep, shedding actual tears, for Alex Hooper’s childhood.”

Then, just as I was basking in that good news, I received notification from Kindle Book Reviews that Forgive Me, Alex is a semi-finalist in their Best Indie Books of 2012 – Mystery/Thriller Category.

“Forgive Me, Alex” – Semi-Finalist in the Mystery/Thriller category, Kindle Book Review’s Best Indie Books of 2012

So yeah, I had a pretty good day. ***Me smiling*** I wonder how today will go?

~~~~~~~~~~

Authors Hope To Connect with Their Readers

In this day and age, in a world where everyone is online and engaged in social media and blogging, it’s easier than ever for authors and readers to connect. More than that, however, it’s more important than ever for them to do so, given the new market dynamics.

Two pieces recently posted at the Evolved Publishing website speak to these issues. I would encourage readers to drop in and take a look.

5 Ways To Show Love To Your Favorite Authors – by Kimberly Kinrade

The Art and Necessity of Posting a Book Review – by Ranee Dillon

Indeed, it is becoming increasingly difficult for an author to break in and succeed if he does not engage in the effort to connect with his readers.

As one of those emerging authors, I view this not so much as a nuisance, but as one of the more enjoyable parts of what I do. Sure, it gets to be a burden at times, when struggling to find time to get it all done, but nothing beats talking to a reader who enjoyed what I wrote. It reinforces me, convinces me that I didn’t make a mistake giving up the “day job.”

~~~~~~~~~~

Six-Sentence Sunday #2 – Forgive Me, Alex

Welcome to Six-Sentence Sunday (one day early).

The idea is to give you a small taste (6 consecutive sentences) of one of my pieces, but a compelling one. You can find previous Six-Sentence Sunday excerpts by searching under the Category by that name.

So, is the excerpt below effective? Only you can tell me that.

Six-Sentence Excerpt – Forgive Me, Alex (A Psychological Thriller Novel)

I killed my first man in 1975, at the age of fifteen.

Norton’s actions three years later would push me deeper into my transformation, and aim me toward this place. The life I now lead. The me who isn’t me.

Some things I’ve lost forever. Other things… well, other things I’d like to lose, but can’t.

Click Cover for Amazon Link

~~~~~~~~~~

There’s More Than One Kind of Publisher

Well, I’ve engaged in an interesting discussion at AbsoluteWrite.com. People love to throw stones, as you well know — especially on the internet. Some have decided to make Evolved Publishing, which I co-founded, and for which I wear hats as Publisher, Executive Editor, and Author, the target of said stones.

You can judge their motives for yourself, and perhaps weigh in with comments of your own. Particularly if you’re an aspiring author, you may find the discussion worthwhile. Here’s the link to the specific discussion thread: http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=232520

~~~~~~~~~~

Cover Reveal for “The Devil’s Bane” – The Sequel to “Forgive Me, Alex”

I’m excited to share the cover for my upcoming psychological thriller, The Devil’s Bane, which is a sequel to Forgive Me, Alex. The cover was created by Sam Keiser, an artist with Evolved Publishing.

Yep, Tony Hooper and Mitchell Norton are each making a return appearance, along with some of the supporting characters from FMA. Naturally, The Devil’s Bane will be introducing some new characters as well, as the cover may hint at.

I’d love to know what you think about the cover (my fellow EP-ers needn’t weigh in here.)

~~~~~~~~~~

12 eBooks To Entertain You for Hours – A 3-Day Event from Evolved Publishing!

Evolved Publishing is making is easier for you to enjoy their eBooks. Get 12 of them, each with fantastic reviews, some awards, and legions of fans… for just $2.99 each (SAVINGS of $1-2 EACH). But hurry! This special event lasts for 3 DAYS ONLY – May 22-24.

Check out what they’re offering:

An Epic Fantasy unlike any you’ve read before, sure to redefine the genre forever
A riveting Psychological Suspense Thriller that delves into the mind of a serial killer, and of the man who hunts such monsters
2 YA Paranormal Thriller/Romance from the Award-Winning Forbidden series, featuring kids from the notorious Rent-A-Kid school
A YA Paranormal Fantasy featuring Norse Gods and Valkyries
A YA Romantic Adventure featuring Zombies and set in the Old West
A Historical Fiction novel with a rare, uplifting, authentic glimpse into Native American Indian culture
2 Lower-Grade Chapter Books (Color-Illustrated) with important life lessons for kids 4-9, featuring Unicorns and Garbage Goblins and Dragons, oh my!
A Children’s Picture Book for kids 3-6 years old, with charming illustrations sharing the wayward adventures of an intrepid bird
A Memoir to inspire and motivate teens and young adults
A Short Story Anthology with 10 terrific tales from 10 talented authors

Don’t miss this chance to load-up your Kindle! Click the link below for list of selections:

Evolved Publishing – Current Promotions

And please enjoy!

~~~~~~~~~~

We Must Strike a Balance between Writing and Everything Else

If I may resort to a tired old cliché, I’ve been burning the candle at both ends for some time now. As an author, I’m always desperate to find time to write, of course. Most of us, as authors, have one big problem to deal with in that regard: the day job. In my case, the day job is Publisher & Executive Editor at Evolved Publishing.

I have it easier than many, however, not having the added responsibility of a spouse and kids, as many of you do. My disadvantage is the sheer number of hours required each week by my day job, which is getting a wee bit nutso.

I scramble every day and every night to find time to get it all done. Yet despite this constant pressure—actually, because of it—I must break away on occasion to refresh. I do that in a couple different ways. I ride a bicycle to get some exercise, and to enjoy the outdoors. (Man! I really must get out of the cave once in a while.) My 20- to 30-mile rides through hilly terrain are always a physical grind, because I’m not just out cruising around—I push it hard. At other times, I just turn on the TV for an hour or two while I take a meal break, or kick on the stereo, crank up the volume, and sing along. Maybe I’ll just step outside and take a walk downtown, stop in at the local eatery, and enjoy some lunch and a beer (uh… that’s one beer).

The point is that I de-stress. Every time I do, I feel better, more energetic, and that makes me more productive. I get more work done as a result, more than I would if I took no breaks at all. That may seem counterintuitive, but I believe it to be true. Burnout is a dangerous thing in our business. It’s so easy to let the time commitment required to become a successful author overwhelm us. The process takes years, so when we grind away, trying to find a few hours here and a couple hours there to pursue those goals, we often become disheartened.

The first thing to do, I believe, is to accept our career goals for what they are. We can’t take shortcuts, which means compromising on quality of work, because that will kill our career before it even begins. Settle in. Accept that you’ve made a long-term commitment. The future will be bright.

The second thing to do is to treat your self to an occasional “mini-vacation” – two or three hours to refresh yourself. I recommend exercise first, as nothing will boost your energy quite that way. But whatever method you choose, don’t feel so pressured to complete that piece right this minute, that you burn yourself out in a devastating crash. Even if you can only eek out a half hour to exercise, do it! You’ll be a better, more productive writer for it.

~~~~~~~~~~

My Take on the Indie Publishing Industry

Today, I put on my hat as Publisher and Executive Editor at Evolved Publishing, and posted a rather lengthy piece on the state of our industry, and how aspiring authors, or emerging authors, or floundering authors, can still make a go of this business. Come on over and take a look.

It’s not all kittens and roses, but it’s an honest assessment.

The Future of Publishing: How to Survive and Prosper as an Indie

~~~~~~~~~