The First Lie: Writing a Short Story inspired by a Novel (Plus a Contest!)
The First Lie, an e-original short story, is available today! It’s just 99¢ in the United States and 99p in the United Kingdom. I had a blast writing it, though it was a challenge. I wasn’t sure I could “write short” after writing novels for so long.
I knew I wanted to come up with a story involving the characters from my upcoming September release Necessary Lies, but how to write it without giving too much away? How to grab my readers and leave them wanting more? I hope I’ve accomplished both those goals with The First Lie.
Necessary Lies, the novel, is set in 1960 rural North Carolina. I set The First Lie two years earlier in 1958 when my characters Ivy and Mary Ella Hart are just thirteen and fifteen. They live in poverty with their grandmother on a tobacco farm. Ivy is still more child than woman, but Mary Ella is pregnant, holding tight to the secret of her baby’s father. In the middle of a windy, eerie night, Mary Ella goes into labor. Ivy’s mystified as to why her grandmother tells her to call their social worker instead of their public health nurse for help. The answer to that question sets the stage for the story in Necessary Lies.
I can’t wait to hear what you all think of The First Lie. Feel free to share your comments here. I’ll randomly pick three comments (whether they’re about The First Lie or not) to win one of my newly minted audio books!
The post The First Lie: Writing a Short Story inspired by a Novel (Plus a Contest!) appeared first on Diane Chamberlain.
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I read The First Lie last night. Can't wait for Necessary Lies to find out the rest of the story.
I read The First Lie last night and you succeeded in having me wanting more. I normally don't read short stories but I enjoyed that one
Thank you Laura and Peggy. I'm so excited that people are enjoying The First Lie!
The First Lie is only the second book of yours that I've read- but I'm hooked! I can't wait to read more of them. I always end the books feeling like I know the characters- and that's the best kind of book!
The First Lie sounds intriguing ... I think the title alone would make me pick up this book! I've read many many of your other novels and enjoyed them immensely.
I really really want to read it but am trying to hold out as long as I can. This is because if you leave me waiting for more then I have to wait until September. I am a great believer in 'Patience is a virtue' but it just doesn't happen when it comes to your books.
Can't wait to read it sounds like an interesting read and I love the name of your character Ivy thats my daughters name she's 3 but I spell it Ivee I loved that name and her paternal grandmother's middle name was "Vee" so that worked out...Thanks for all the amazing books...well the ones I read so far.
