My Novel In A Game Of Tag
I was never very good at tag. Probably because it involved people touching me.
But recently, my archaeologist writing buddy, JM McDowell, captured me in a different kind of tag. The kind where a blogger answers eleven questions posed by the tagger, and then creates eleven new questions to pass onto eleven more bloggers.
Guess what my first reaction was?
But leave it to JM to come up with something creative and pique my interest. One would think a lifetime of dirt-digging might prompt overexposure to buried lead-paint chips and thus, cerebral deficiencies. But Indiana Jones McDowell is sharper than ever. I guess, unlike me, she knew not to eat the dirt.
JM’s eleven questions cater to novelists, allowing the writer to showcase his or her work. Since I have yet to offer details about my upcoming novel, her tag seemed a perfect opportunity.*
Of course, answering these questions assumes three things:
1) I consider myself a writer and novelist.
2) You give a baboon’s red hiney about my novel.
3) I don’t exceed 700 words in this post. (Remember my promise?)
I doubt any of the above three assumptions are possible, but here goes.
JM McDowell’s Author Interview Questions:
1. Which genre best describes your current [novel]?
A medical thriller with a side of science fiction. To—you know—add something new to an already overdone genre.
2. Who do you consider the audience to be for your work?
Any hapless soul who stumbles into my trap.
3. How did the idea for the work come to you?
The old “write what you know” phenomenon. Physicians endure years of education. Too bad we can only do one thing. Therefore, I could write about disease. Or I could write about disease. Or, I could write about disease.
4. Are you an organized outliner or a “pantser” when you write?
When I wrote the novel eight years ago, I was a pantser who was too ignorant to know what a pantser was. Painful plot excavation and new story development ensued. I am now an organized outliner.
5. Is this book part of a series/sequel or standalone?
A standalone. And no vampires, zombies, or bondage to be found. Sorry.
6. Did your research for the book lead you to new twists or scenes for the story?
Not really. But I did expose Mr. Rubin to a few nasty viruses just to see what would happen. Other than turning into a Mayan warrior, he was fine.
7. Some agents suggest comparing your work to that of a published author. Can you think of a good comparison for yours?
Robin Cook is too obvious. Besides, that restraining order he slapped on me precludes me from doing so.
8. Who is your greatest cheerleader/supporter for your writing?
Hmm, does that include the people who think I’m an idiot? I suppose Mr. Rubin, but with a head shaped like a vagina, what do you expect?
9. Seated next to you on a plane is one of your dream agents. Do you have a 3-sentence description of your [novel] ready to pitch?
After telling him or her to keep away from my limited personal space, I would pitch this single sentence:
In The Seneca Scourge, a young physician, caught up in the worst influenza pandemic of all time, teams up with a mysterious new research virologist, whose motivation to contain the deadly outbreak proves different from her own.
10. Book covers and ads often carry a short excerpt from the story. Would you share your choice with your readers?
Since my 700-word limit is approaching, I’ll save this question for an upcoming post. But suffice it to say my cover artist rocks.
11. When the book is published, how will you celebrate?
We visited a Mexican Tequila factory on our recent cruise. Two bottled purchases await the book’s release date. Nuff said.
Phew. Just under 700 words. Which means I don’t have any room left to continue the tag by creating eleven new questions and passing them onto you.
Now you’ll be the ones celebrating with tequila.
Images are from Microsoft Clip Art except for my tequila supplier, which is compliments of my iPhone.
*Thanks, JM, for this fun blog idea. And for once again putting up with my antics.
163 Responses to “My Novel In A Game Of Tag”
[...] now, if you’ll excuse me, I have some tequila to [...]
You have a wonderful, intelligent, informative sense of humor about your writing, and life in general. VERY rare in writers, and much needed to help us keep things in perspective. Thank you.
Thank you! What a wonderful comment to find waiting for me. It’s words like that that help keep me going in times of self-doubt. I appreciate you stopping by.
I love that you have special bottles waiting for the big day. Nice job !
Thank you! I’m not a drinker of anything but beer, but I thought an exception was in order.
Ha! I think some Godiva Liquor would be a good choice for me. Yummy. with a big slab of chocolate covered chocolate cake. Yummy.
Oh, yes. That would work for me, too.
lmao – I hope some of your dry sense of humour appears in The Book as well, despite it’s rather serious subject matter! I’m a sucker for medical thrillers, especially if they come with a twist of sci-fi so I can hardly wait!
Well, that’s great to hear! But sadly, there is little humor in the novel. I had never thought about writing humor before I started this blog. And my current WIP won’t be a ball of laughs, either. Guess that’s what my blog is for.
As always, thanks for stopping by and commenting. I appreciate it!
I don’t write ‘funny’ either but I think you could
This IS a good blog idea! I hope the editing is going well. Keep us posted on your ‘done’ date!
Thank you. The editing is over. Now I wait for the release next month. I’ll be posting some entries on the whole process soon.
What a fun post! And I love your answers! Your sense of humour just makes my day! Can’t wait to read the book jacket blurb!
Thank you! Is nice to hear.
Can’t wait to hear what happens when you crack open the tequila! My Kindle is itching to download…
Thank you.
And considering I usually only drink beer (and not even that much of it), breaking out the tequila should prove interesting!
Maybe worthy of a blog post!!!
I suspect you’re right.
amazing! I totally want to read it! How do I get a copy? Wooo!!! LOL..
Pink.
Thanks, Miss Pink! It will be released next month, either on Sept. 1st or 15th. The publisher hasn’t confirmed the date with me yet as it can be “subject to change.” I suspect the e-book version will be released first. Thanks for your interest. But sorry. No kitties in it.
LOLOL!! I’m soo interested in reading it! Wooo!!!! I can’t wait to get the link and to purchase my copy! Woooo!!!! Me, big fan, of you!
Pink.
You are very kind. I wish my kids spoke to me like that.
Thanks for introducing me to a new term. Now that I know it, I can probably call myself an outlining pantser
So, how long until your upcoming disease-based novel is available to the masses?
Oh yeah, and I’m back by the way, just arrived to DK this evening.
Welcome back! Hopefully you survived your travels unscathed. My book comes out in September–either on the 1st or the 15th, althought that is subject to change according to the publisher. So at this point, it’s a mystery to me as well.
Definitely promote yourself! You are very bright and witty. The book sounds very interesting!
Thank you for the nice words. Kind of you to say. And I’m waiting for your next post, by the way. No pressure, of course.
Thanks for taking the plunge and telling us more about your book. It sounds fascinating. I love how your voice takes over the Q&A!
Thank you. It’s hard to know where that line is between telling people about my book and overdoing it ad nauseum. I hope I don’t cross that line, though I do have a few more posts coming.
May I say that it’s genuinely exciting to see someone ‘making it’, especially independently and on their terms. Many people talk about it, and some practice, but few actually get up off their arse and do it. Your blog is particularly great because you’re a fair way along the process, and your insights and experiences are invaluable. Anyway, enough fawning. Great post, and good luck!
Thank you! I’m not sure if I’m “making it,” but at least I’m finally getting published. Now I have to find that fine line of blogging about my experience for those who are interested without writing endless posts that are all “MeMeMeMe” and “ReadMyBook” entries. No one wants that, especially me.
I loved the pitch for your book, I’ll have to check it out as soon as it comes out!
Thank you. I appreciate that.
hahahha I’ll gladly be the ‘hapless soul’ that fell into your trap! x
Thank you! That’s wonderful to hear. I’ll try not to make that trap too painful.
crap! it’s not a rat trap right? Those things hurt! *inquisitive look*
Oh, no. This trap is soft and cushy and full of chocolate.
ok! I’ll take it! chocolate *nom nom*
Woo hoo! Now I’m even MORE excited for your book to come out.
Thank you, Missy!
I’m so excited for you; Sept is practically on top of us! Now POD or ebook? Ebook or POD? Both would be new formats for me. Hmmm, wonder which one would a stripped-ass baboon chose?
because you certainly have me intrigued.
Well, an e-book would be cheaper. And striped-ass baboons are pretty frugal.
I’ll have you know you just lost a reader! I was totally on board with your book until I found out there were no zombie vampires performing ludicrous acts of bondage. What a freakin let down! I’m so disappointed now.
I know. Sucks, doesn’t it? What was I thinking? Perhaps I could sneak in some mutant zombies with their own special brand of influenza. My editor might not notice.
brilliant!…do it!
It goes without saying that I can’t wait to read your book! However, the subject matter is one that literally scares the hell out of me. I could barely get through the movie “Outbreak” without needing to go online and buy a non-rebreather, a gallon of Lysol, extra food supplies, taping my windows and doors, etc. – you get it. It’s funny because I’m one of those hellion rebellions who politely opts for fewer vaccines and more natural alternatives to immune building, combined with avoiding crowds during peak flu season. With the current Ebola outbreak in Uganda it goes to show that we are never really safe – oh geez, now I’m freaking myself out. I think I’ll have to read your book while wearing a Hazmat suit
By the way, when you break out the Tequila let me know and I’ll break out the Vodka. Heck, make a WP announcement and we’ll all break out our fav drinks and have a blog book release party together!
Now that sounds like a great idea! A boozy, drunken, online-blog book release party. I like it.
Sorry to report I have no hazmat suit for you, but if I can convince you to get your flu shot, then I’ll be a happy camper. Not that a flu shot would help with the virus in my book. Oops, did I just freak you out more?
Ha! That would definitely take some convincing especially with that last line! lol
But heck yeah, I’m all for the blog party!!
Can’t wait to read it, Carrie!!!!
Thanks, Anne. That’s nice to hear.
Carrie, apologies if you’ve answered this already, just don’t have time to go through all the comments here (wow! what a lot of interest! great!) but will the release date be the same in the UK or will we be able to order a copy of your book online on the day it’s released?
Great blog ~ roll on release date!
Actually, I don’t know the answer to that. Although my cover artist and editor have been great with the communication, I haven’t heard as much from the publishers themselves, so I’m not sure. If I find out, I’ll let you know. Thanks for the interest.
You know me, I’m always out for an excuse to celebrate with tequila.
Ha ha! The funny part is, I actually thought of you when we were at that factory. I’m not much of a Tequila drinker myself, but they did have some tasty flavors.
I admire your determination! That photo up there could easily be me shouting into my computer in utter frustration as I pursue my goal towards humor column syndication. The state newspaper publishing is in these days, it’s like trying to climb a mountain during an avalanche.
Do you already write for a newspaper? Do you have a regular column? If so, that’s pretty cool.
I do, and I do enjoy it but I’d like to expand. Though it feels pretty hopeless. Newspapers only seem to want to hire local columnists nowadays. I’ve afraid I missed the syndication boat.
I imagine the whole newspaper experience has changed because of the Internet and the many different ways people can get the news. Still, kudos to you for having a regular writing gig.
Wow, 8 years is a long time but I guess it was waiting for the right time, now the world is ready for that great unveiling.
“For a gallant spirit there can never be defeat.” ~ Wallis Simpson.
Oh, I like that quote! But don’t let the eight years mislead you into thinking it’s some epic novel. It just sat unattended in my computer for a long time while I toiled in the real world. Every so often I’d dust it off, rewrite it, and send it off to an agent, only to be rejected. I gave it a final go last year and found a small publisher willing to take it. A Pulitzer it is not, but hopefully readers will at least want to keep turning the pages. That is my only goal.
Do zombies, vampires and bondage come as a set? Because if so we’re in for 50 Shades of the Undead. Kudos on pursuing the dream!
Thanks. And I’m sure that trio of vampires, zombies, and bondage is in the next soon-to-be-released trilogy by some lucky author. It just won’t be me.
You are a doctor? Holy hell woman…how is it that I never knew that? Or maybe nobody did? Or maybe I just don’t pay attention? Can’t wait for your book release. Why is it only being published now when you wrote it so many years ago? Sorry for all the questions…just what you needed, huh?
I’ve been rather vague about my professional background as I wanted to be seen as Carrie the writer and not Carrie the health care provider who writes, so I’ve only mentioned that I worked in health care in the past. But I suppose it’s important to reveal so that I appear credible in penning a medical thriller.
I wrote the book 8 years ago, sent it out, got rejected, shelved it, rewrote it, resent it out, reshelved it, and so on and so on. It spent years at a time sitting dormant in my computer because life and work got in the way. But in 2011 I dusted it off again and sent it to a small, e-book publisher, who accepted it. I suppose I should chronicle all of this in a future post, because nobody read my blog back when I wrote about my journey in my very first few blog posts.
Wow, being a doctor would certainly help in writing the novel. I’m glad you took your manuscript back out and that someone saw it’s value.
Oh…and save that post for when your book gets released…a backstory. 
Good thinking.
Once in awhile I use my head for more than a paperweight.
I will deliberately fall into your trap and read your books. Looking forward to it.
Thank you! Hopefully my trap will be gentle. I don’t want any broken bones on my behalf.
Your book sounds exciting. I think you are talented in writing those mini paragraphs pinpointing the juice of a book succinctly…while I drool and dribble (is that a word?) all over the place trying to do that.
Well, that’s good to hear, because if my book goes sour, I can try to find a job as a book blurb writer.
Thanks for the kinds words. By the way, I did a workout DVD this morning, and one of the women in it reminded me of you. Well, of your Gravatar image, anyway, since that’s what I have to work with. That gal sweated my fanny off!
Well, I can assure you her body didn’t look like mine. The only thing tone on me is my voice, and it’s tone deaf (not really, at least I hope…although I don’t go singing in public to find out). Good job though for sweating your buns off. My daughter keeps encouraging me to be good, but it’s so much easier to be bad.
Isn’t it always? In fact, I just polished off a DQ M&M/brownie Blizzard a few minutes ago. But thanks to your aerobic doppelganger, I don’t feel to guilty about it.
I’m jealous! Don’t talk to me about DQ…it’s like my heaven on earth…when I can’t be reading a book on a beach in the mountains.
The good thing is, they have the mini-blizzards now. They’re tiny, and my kids like to make fun of me when I order them, but they’re about half the calories of a small. See? There’s always a silver lining.
I love that size…perfect fix.
This was a cool post and I’m happy to hear more details about your book. Can’t wait to read it!
Thank you. It means a lot to know there’s interest out there. Always difficult to promote one’s self, you know? But I guess I must get used to it.
You just reminded me that I was also tagged in this game. Oh well I can sort of copy your answers (Only joking, possibly, of course).
Anyhoo the novel sounds interesting. Does it include, um, I’m not sure how to say this nicely, but “unexpected benefits to the economy”?
If by“unexpected benefits to the economy” you mean lots of people will die, thereby decreasing the unemployment rate, well, then possibly.
I would look forward to reading your responses to the same set of questions. Perhaps you could answer each in a Haiku. Now there’s a challenge!
Yes that is what I meant (Pension funds will not decrease as quick, after the short term less stress on the medical system, and I’m assuming many “young uns” must die thus helping the unemployment rate).
I’m not sure I would answer them all in haiku but I could give some answers a go.
Wow, you’ve really got it covered in terms of the economic demise. Luckily for the readers, I didn’t tackle any of that. My understanding of economics is about as strong as my poetry skills, which is to say, quite dismal.
I used to work for a pensions company some years ago, and ironically they make more money when people pass away “earlier”. The company targeted people who had illnesses and therefore had a lower life expectancy, however, they were able to offer more money to the customer because of this, so it was a win to both sides.
Ooh, a bit macabre. But I suppose necessary in a business sense.
And also honest. They would offer a customer a higher income than they would get elsewhere. It sounds a bit macabre, but that is the reality of it. If a customer had certain illnesses, etc, etc, then they had the chance of better income or go elsewhere.
I’ll echo all the other comments here, just to be boring and unoriginal, but your book sounds awesome and I can’t wait to read it! JM was pretty brilliant in this tagging game, which makes me happy. I’m getting a wonderful glance into what some of my favorite bloggers have been up to behind the scenes.
Yes, JM came up with a good set of eleven questions. I probably should have continued the tag, but I think it’s safe to say my questions would have been obnoxious. And I did make a promise to keep my posts between 300-700 words. What is a (wo)man without his/her word?
Thanks for the warm fuzzy on my book. It’s a treat and an honor to learn people are interested.
Aww, thanks. *blushes*
Great post!
Good luck with the novel! Hope it sells a million copies or more.
Oh, boy, you and me both!
But in seriousness, thank you.
I’ll just jump back in here again. You’ll probably get more than 100 sales just from your blogging buddies. We know that behind your Midwestern modesty lies a really good book.
I’m not waiting for the paper copy—I’ll be downloading the e-version as soon as you tell us it’s available.
“We know that behind your Midwestern modesty lies a really good book.”–Oh, good. I’ve got you fooled then.
But thank you for the kind words. It means a lot. This truly is a scary (but exciting) process. I think maybe even more so for people like you and me who started out in very different worlds than writing fiction. You know, the old, “Who in the world do I think I am?” and “What in the world do I think I’m doing?” mindset.
Oh, yes, I know that feeling well. And I hope it will have a positive outcome in a published form….
I have no doubt you’ll get there.
Oh, and for the record, I’m so pleased you now possess the capability to download an e-book.
What’s even more amazing to me is that my husband likes the Kindle, too! So much so, that he’s thinking of getting not just an e-reader, but a tablet that could do double-duty as a reader. Strange days….!
Well, in that case, he should move right on to the iPad. Then he can have a Kindle and iBooks, and all of the other wonderful things the iPad can do!
Woohoo – September! I can hardly wait to read your book.
Thank you. Very kind of you to say.
Great, fun post, Carrie, and we’ll all be drinking cyber-celebrating with you on launch day. Be ready to pass the tequila. Your pitch is perfect, by the way. Sounds like this will be a terrific read!
Thanks so much! I appreciate hearing that. Especially considering that with every day closer to the release date, my confidence sinks a little more.
But, NO! Do not let that confidence sink. That confidence should be *building* my dear. You have a book, you have an editor, and a publisher, and a jacket artist, and a goal that’s becoming a reality. These are all very big, very confidence-building deals.
Now, stand up straight and hold your head high.
Good.
Whew. Thanks. I needed that!
I’ll read your book when it comes out. Yours will be the second medical thriller I’ve ever read. It would have been very appropriate two weeks ago when I caught the flu at a Wiggles concert–from Australia with the blickey!
Although it kinda bugs me, I wonder if part of Robin Cook’s success is having an androgynous name. Have you thought of changing the spelling on your name to “Carey?” Give the folks something to think about.
2. Who do you consider the audience to be for your work?
Any hapless soul who stumbles into my trap.
See, I think you could tie it in to the subject. “Just as influenza is an indiscriminate ensickener (why is ensickener not a word?), so is this book! Tonight, why not get infected with Carey (see above) Rubin?”
Great hook line! In fact, you can write a forward for me using that very line. And invent a new word in the process (“ensickener”).
I thought about using an androgynous pen name, but then I realized, it will be hard enough to recruit readers, why make it even more difficult by using a different name? I read somewhere that 99% of books published sell less than 100 copies. So if I can reach 101, I’ll be happy. And if men don’t want to read me, that’s okay. But at least I can promise the Y chromosome no sappy romance. I’ll leave that to other writers, those who can do it much better than me.
As for catching the flu from a Wiggles concert? Bummer. But better than catching a proclivity for bright-colored shirts and silly lyrics.
But better than catching a proclivity for bright-colored shirts and silly lyrics.
Too late. Murray, the Red Wiggle, is my favorite–and he’s retiring this year along with two other of the original Wiggles. They broke it to us at the concert.
And there’s nothing wrong with a little name deception. My writing name will be Rock Rutledge.
Better than Stone Slapper.
How sad. And now you must watch this You Tube clip from 30 Rock, spoofing The Wiggles. It’s only 30 seconds. Really funny. Well, at least to those who like “Dumb and Dumber.” In fact, I think I’ll use it for a lazy blog post someday. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mG9tpCkVyHE
Yeah, that’s pretty much it. Except with the real Wiggles, the sexual messages are much more overt.
Ha ha–yes, I imagine they are. Just like they were with the Teletubbies.
Fun game to play! So you’re killing off half the world’s population in your book? With no help from the vampires? This (remotely) reminds me of the book I Am Legend by Richard Matheson, where all the earth’s population dies. Well, at least the main character thinks they did since he can’t find anyone, besides the vampire guy types they turned into. The movie was good too but they changed the ending (so they could do a sequel). I was a nice mix of medical/sci fi/vampire type book. Very good. Very scary too. Not a good bedtime story.
I saw the movie “I Am Legend.” Yes, I know it looks bad to keep saying I saw the movie rather than read the book. But I don’t normally read books about vampires and zombies, though I will see movies on the subject. Kind of a weird quirk I guess.
The book is short and quick to read, and so much more than a vampire story. It really is a horror story, a glimpse of how humanity can be lost so quickly and how hope can be defeated by despair. The book’s ending really surprised me.
If I remember correctly, the movie’s ending is a surprise as well. Maybe they actually stuck close to the novel. Sometimes screenwriters change the ending to make it “happier.”
Let’s just say the movie ends a lot better for the main character than the book…
Okay, now I don’t think I want to read it.
No, no, it’s really, really good. Just for the writing, it’s really worth it. You can’t help but flip the pages to see what happens next. To me, that’s what a good book is all about.
I agree.
Carrie, I think your next book should be a comedic one. You crack me up. What the hell is a panster? Obviously, something I should know, me calling myself a writer and all. I must google it.
And oh, yeah, I want to read your book. Robin Cook, move over, there’s a new kid in town.
You are too kind. And believe me, Mr. Cook has nothing to worry about.
A pantser is someone who just sits down and writes the novel by the seat of his or her pants. In other words, no outline is used. Just lets the story write itself. Sounds lovely and adventurous, but as I learned, it’s a good way to set yourself up for plot holes. I’m sure some people do it brilliantly. I am not one of those people.
Oh dear, I’m a panster. I just googled it and it said what you said. That must be my problem. I hate freakin’ outlines. Sigh.
I’m sure it surprises no one that a Type A like me enjoys her outlines.
I’m still a pantser after all these years. One day maybe I’ll learn.
And your plane blurb makes me want to read your book Right Effing Now.
Absolutely Effing Awesome. Thanks.
JM is one smart cookie!
That she is. As I said, she knew not to eat that dirt.
I’m blushing over here!
No blushing allowed. It is true!
Well, it’s true; you are a smart cookie. But if the blushing worries you, you can always smear dirt on your face to hide it. Then you’ll just look like you’ve been out working. (And yes, I know you don’t spend all of your time in the dirt, but I enjoy imagining you all rough and tumble like that. In my mind, you even wear a Fedora.)
I’ve mentioned this to a couple other bloggers. I really need to “dig” out my old field hat and post a photo (but I need some cool sunglasses…). You’re not far off with the fedora.
Yes, you should dust that hat off and snap a photo! Then I’d have a new image of you for the next time you infiltrate my dreams. That way, maybe you’ll be doing something more adventurous than making salad dressing.
“the worst influenza pandemic of all time” Oh Dear Lord I’m already freaked out I’ve promised to read but I may have to read with one eye closed.
Fun question and answer game. I appreciated your photo of terror your reaction very funny stuff.
Thank you.
And yes, if you decide to read my book, be sure to get a flu shot first.
I’m already creeped out. I will read it, but I’m a little Monkish so it doesn’t take much to freak me out. :+)
Oh, I used to love that show! The actor who played Monk was so good. Tony Shalhoub, I think his name was.
It was a good show I like Big Bang Theory as well. Sheldon has his issues.
Well, then I won’t tell you that my family calls me Sheldon. Not because I’m super smart, but because I’m annoying. I like my spot on the couch. And at the counter. And I don’t like to share drinking glasses. And I…
Well, I’m not quite as bad as Sheldon. My family still loves me though. I think.
That’s funny! I think Shelly must be an intorvert I can relate to him as well. His” I hate change some people think it’s good but it never is” quote. funny stuff. We watch that show a lot. And when we are sick we sing soft kitty it does help. He cracks me up.
It’s our favorite, too. I suspect he has Asperger’s Syndrome, though the writer’s won’t admit whether he does or not. I suppose they don’t want to offend anyone. But he certainly has many of those attributes, though the arrogance and rudeness are Sheldon’s alone.
Good point Asperger’s Syndrome I knew I had thought about that before boy short term memory. Yes I do think so Asperger’s Syndrome. Funny how he can make rudness and arrogance not so glaring. I’m not sure how he gets away that. It’s easy to say “Oh that’s just Sheldon.” It’s the one show that Navar loves to watch when he comes home from teaching school it always gets him laughing. And he really has a good laugh. :+)
I try to explain to my children that watching characters like Sheldon is great fun on TV, but acting like that in real life will bring nothing but disdain from others.
I love my hubby’s laugh, too. Nothing will get me laughing quicker. Which is a good thing to still have after almost 24 years of marriage.
Yes that’s a wonderful thing :+) and 24 years is a long time. We are almost at the 13 year mark. I think enjoying his company and his friendship in general has made time fly.
Good post. When do you think this book will come out? So excited to see it and read it. So glad no one will have to answer questions. Interrogations make me nervous.
It’s release date is set for September, and my publisher releases books on the 1st and the 15th of the month. Everything is now submitted (the final line edits, the cover art, the acknowledgements, etc.), but I’m not sure which date it will be. I suspect the e-book version will come out first; the POD paperback later. At least that’s just my guess.
Thanks.
So exciting!!!
medical/sci-fi and no zombies! Well, that leaves more zombies for the rest of us!
Well done – here’s a baboon’s shiny hiney!
Oh, good. I was hoping an interested ape hiney was out there somewhere. Thanks!
I enjoyed reading your answers
Thanks!
I dig your pitch and hope you enjoy the tequila. My request is that you use your current Avi for the author profile section, the hat rocks. Congrats
Yeah, I kind of like the hat, but it probably lacks the professionalism required for a book photo. Then again, my actual author photo came from a J.C. Penney’s photo studio, so what do I know about professionalism? (But I do know how to save some dollars.)
Thanks for dropping by!
HaHa, that is great.
Great post. About a subject about which I am most interested. That being the writing of novels, and especially those with no vampires or druids or “faeries” and certainly not bondage. We can learn a good lesson from E.L. What’s-his-or-her-face, that one does not necessarily need to write well to succeed, but then, is that success?
Thank you.
I haven’t read the Shades of Gray series, so I can’t comment on the writing. But then again, I’m probably not in a position to say anything. My novel isn’t exactly a Pulitzer. My goal was simply to write something that would make people want to keep turning the pages. Hopefully, I accomplished that, but I’m not making any promises on the quality.
But in the “Shades” author’s defense, she definitely struck a nerve and found a subject people wanted to read about. More power to her, and I’m sure she’s laughing all the way to the bank.
Thanks for stopping by, Lynn!
I knew you’d have a fun take on these questions! And your elevator pitch is definitely intriguing. I’m looking forward to reading this novel!
Most archaeologists try not to eat the dirt—especially when excavating historic privies.
But should I tell you and your readers about the “tongue test” to distinguish whiteware vs. ironstone ceramics? 
The “tongue test”? Oh, yes, you most definitely need to post about that in one of your poetic archaeology entries. I had a sneaking suspicion you might be a ceramic licker.
Thanks for the nice words about my pitch. It’s donning on me that people may actually read what I wrote, and I’m not ashamed to admit that’s a terrifying thought. In fact, I think that topic will be an upcoming post.
Thanks again for the tag and for tolerating my shenanigans.
Carrie, I’m surprised. I really thought you were a bondage kind of gal (just kidding, just kidding).
A pantser…looks like I need to make an outline then? A bunch of ideas just pour out though, and I don’t know what to do with it. Maybe that’s just something that happens at the beginning. Thanks for sharing this!
Well, just because I didn’t write about bondage doesn’t mean… I am married to a Mayan warrior, after all.
Well, if you enjoy being a pantser, you are in good company. Stephen King is one. Then again, he’s far more talented than me and can probably visualize everything in his head. Must be those paint chips I ate…
As always, thanks for stopping by!
This is great for me to see. In exactly eleven days I’m going to start working on my book again in earnest. Of course my mother-in-law comes in on day one, and my stepmother on day 8, and there are a lot of things I need to fix around the house, and then there’s my blog of course, and it’ll be a full moon soon enough so I probably can’t write then, and there’s also my period which magically comes every 24 days instead of every 28 now so take a couple off there, and football season is ramping up, and I’ve got a lot of recipes I need to clip and store in my file to cook after the kids go to college, and laundry just keeps magically appearing in my washer, and I’ve got a hang nail…..
Life just never quits interfering, does it? I still have to update my kids’ scrapbooks. I stash a few things througout the school year in a bin that I want to save for them, and then in the summer, I stick them in a book. Nothing fancy. Tape is all I need. But I haven’t even done this yet. And now that a new school year is starting soon, I guess I better scratch it off my list today.
Good luck with your 11-day target.
Such fun…and such generosity on your part in not pinning the Black Spot on anyone….
Yeah, I thought you’d all appreciate that.