Monday, July 10, 2017

From Beginning to End



The two most fulfilling moments while writing a book, at least for me, are the beginning and the end. Big surprise, right?

At the beginning I’m full of enthusiasm and ideas. It seems like everything around me is an inspiration.
Then comes the dreaded (for me) middle, where I’m trying to keep all of my ducks in a row, trying not to lose sight of where I’m going, and hoping I don’t leave any loose ends. I have notes all over my desk. That’s about the time I think, “Oh. I think I want to go in this other direction. Will it work? Should I do it? What does my protagonist want?”

Yes, I think about what’s going to work best for my protagonist. Sometimes I think she knows more than I do. Scary thought.

I have to admit that my latest book, Entrance to Nowhere, took a few turns that I hadn’t anticipated. In this case, I wasn’t surprised. The story touches on topics I hadn’t thought about too much. Okay, that’s not true. It touches on topics that I’ve thought about and read about and that we hear about frequently on the news, but hadn’t applied to my own life.

Sandi Webster gets caught up in kidnapping, Internet technology, hacking, cybersecurity, and a domestic terrorist crosses her path. Oh, and her Aunt Martha comes for a visit at the most inopportune time. This is the same moody Aunt Martha who’s been mentioned in other stories, but this is her first actual appearance. Sandi is most definitely out of her comfort zone.

This story taught me a lot about what’s going on in today’s world of technology, although you don’t have to be a computer nerd to understand the story. It’s simple. Someone wants to bring down the electrical grid in America, and he needs the brilliant mind of Andrew Trapper to help reach his goals.

I wrote, I learned, I added a touch of humor where necessary, and I finally completed the story on July 7th.
That’s where The End comes in. There’s something so fulfilling about typing those words. As a writer you (the general “you”) worry, you fret, you wonder if this story will appeal to anyone, and you’ve done the best job you can while hoping for results that will make you smile.

Unfortunately, it may be the end of the story, but the work isn’t done yet. Now it’s time for final editing and creating a book cover. The cover won’t be too much of an issue because I found the perfect Entrance to Nowhere just down the street and took pictures. You’ll see what I mean when I post a picture of the cover, coming soon.

I have to admit that it’s difficult to make a sharp turn from writing to marketing and promoting. I’m not good at these things and it’s been a long time since a fresh idea slapped me in the face and said, “Do it!” Oh, well, something new will come to me.

Do you get the feeling this talk about The Beginning and The End is just an attempt to self-promote tactfully? Okay, you’re onto me. I’m self-promoting. It’s all part of the marketing experience.

To writers, feel free to promote your latest title or an upcoming book.

To readers, what types of books do you enjoy reading? Is there something in particular you look for in a story?

Until next time, remember that summer reading can be soooo relaxing.

CLICK HERE to visit Marja McGraw’s website
CLICK HERE for a quick trip to Amazon.com

COMING SOON: What would you do if faced with a nationwide disaster? Get a few tips from a man named Griz in Entrance to Nowhere – A Sandi Webster Mystery.


14 comments:

  1. Congratulations on finishing your book, Marja! I'm looking forward to reading it!
    Since you asked writers to post their latest book - My fifth Malone mystery, Marnie Malone, was published in March and is available at http://tinyurl.com/8sd2cz4. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Congratulations on your book being released, Pat! Keep 'em coming because I love your series! Thank you so much for commenting!

      Delete
  2. Great post. I'm never sure where I'm going when I'm writing a new book.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm not sure either, Marilyn. Somehow we seem to create an entire story, though. Both of your series are most enjoyable. Thank you so much for commenting!

      Delete
  3. Each one is a new challenge. And I agree, the marketing is the toughest part. I have another Western coming on July 26 from Sundown Press--The Tithing Herd (a reissue--the original published several years ago by the now defunct Western Online Press).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Congratulations, John! That date is just around the corner, and I look forward to reading another good book. Thank you so much for commenting!

      Delete
  4. I'm so happy for you! It feels good to type "The End" even though it's not really the end. I'm very intrigued about your new cover and can't wait to see it! Looking forward to reading Entrance to Nowhere.

    My latest book is The House on Candlewick Lane, published in February. You can find it at http://amzn.to/2ruijTR. Thanks for asking!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Amy! The book you mention is another intriguing story and I look forward to more from you. Thank you so much for commenting!

      Delete
  5. Great work as always Marja. Since I am so often surprised where the book is going even the middle sometimes feels like the beginning. For me the end is only really good when I know I also have a couple more book projects to get into to keep writing. Yes, a bit crazy for sure. My latest has been published, two in one, "Dying to Be Beautiful" Fake Beauty and Fat Free. Thanks, Marcia,
    M.Glenda Rosen

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Marcia! Your book is on my TBR list, and I hope to get to it soon. Love the title. And, yes, we all need a project to look forward to when we finish a project. Thank you so much for commenting!

      Delete
  6. How nice that you've finished your book. It takes time to get there and then all the editing and re-editing is timeconsuming too. I'm looking forward to seeing your book cover. I'm working on my second in my series. It's called A Promotion to Die For and I have the beginning, middle, and ending chapter done. I'm working on those last 6 or so chapters prior to the ending.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Linda! I don't know about you, but in some ways the last few chapters are the most difficult for me. I reach a point where I just want to get it done and move on. LOL Love your title and I'll add it to my TBR list. Thank you so much for commenting!

      Delete
  7. Sounds like you've got your pulse on what's going on in the world. Interesting concept for your story, especially the visiting aunt. Relatives always seem to drop by when you're busiest and they can cause the most inconveniences. LOL! I'm looking forward to reading it. Your books are always fun.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Evelyn! This story ended up being an adventure, although Sandi keeps telling her aunt not to think of it like that. I had fun with it. Thank you so much for commenting!

      Delete