Just thinking.

Just digging through some old files and I came across another book that I'd started after I'd finished Marysvale. When B'lue, and a few others found out that I'd stopped writing Alyth in favor of something else, I had a mini riot on my hands. In my defense, I didn't think anything would happen with Marysvale. I didn't even know if Marysvale was good. I believed it was, but I didn't know for sure. I mean, everyone thinks their kids, and books, are the cutest. Anyway, It got me thinking, which I know can be dangerous, but I'm not ready to give up on it just yet. I enjoy it, especially without distractions, and especially in Moab in the winter. I know what your thinking. "Does everything break down to Moab?" Why yes, yes it does. Although, I'd accept a few other southern Utah destinations in place of Moab, but I digress. So, what was I thinking about? Well, I'm not sure what to make of this whole writing experience. It definitely is a stretch outside my comfort zone, which is good. I suppose it's like anything when you're trying something new, it has its ups and downs. I don't know where this writing thing will take me. I've committed to finishing up the Marysvale series, but after that I'm not sure what I'll do. There are days where I long for the simplicity of the way things use to be, meaning I actually have free time, but I also love creating, getting positive feedback, and meeting people who enjoy the story. I think I'll continue writing, at least for fun, perhaps I'll share them when I'm done. I have three more stories building in my head and I have to keep shoving them out of the way so I can finish Alyth. Quite frankly, I'm okay with whatever God has in mind for me...or at least that's the way I feel today.

Just Writing

I'm home writing Alyth and looking out the window upon a very dismal day. I miss Moab. It's usually sunny and dismal free, even if it is cold. The camera at Red Cliffs Lodge is showing gorgeous red rock just begging to be hiked or ridden all over, and they sky is sooo blue. The sun is just setting, bringing to life that deep red color. I love it. Okay, this isn't what I really wanted to talk about. So, back on topic. I'm well over half way done, in fact I only have about a third left of Alyth to finish. What I find interesting, is that I've written two thirds of the story, but I'm at a point where I though it would only take a few chapters to get to. I'm on Chapter 19 if you counting...assuming the chapters stay intact at their current breaks. So does that mean that I'm not really two thirds done? Is it going to be longer than Marysvale? I was thinking it was going to be a few thousand words shorter, but now I'm not sure. And last time I added in all the change requests to the Marysvale manuscript, I added nearly 10,000 words! In case you're wondering, the average length of a novel is roughly between 80,000-120,000 words. This is generally speaking. It varies depending on who you are and what category you write in. Marysvale clocked in at 101K words after editing.

How many books?

So, how many books are going to be in the Marysvale series? Well, I don’t know exactly. When the concept of Marysvale came to me, I always thought that I would just write the story. If it took one book, then that would be it, if it took four, then it would be four books. I’ve always had it in my mind that I wouldn’t try to drag things out in the interest of just creating another book to sell. I also wanted to make sure that things clip along and that the books don’t get muddled down in boring things that don’t advance the plot. At least that’s my goal and I think I kept true to those goals in Marysvale. I was concerned about the parts when John was in the forest both on his way to Sarah’s, and to Marysvale. I didn’t want it to feel like the never ending journey. So far, Marysvale feels like it’s going to take three books to tell the story. Why yes, I do know how it ends, and the major plot points in between. And no, I won’t tell you.

Marysvale is available!!!

Yep, that's right, my first book is available for purchase. You can get by clicking here. It's also available for the Ipad, Kindle, and just about any ebook reader. The ebook for Barnes and Noble might not be available yet, they are slow. Ditto for getting the print book through them. As for walking into a book store, I doubt that anyone has it yet. However, my distributor partners with Ingram, so just about any book store should be able to get it for you. Between now and January, it should become available locally through Deseret Book, Smiths, and Costco. In January I will be doing book signings at some of these locations. However, I'd love to come do a signing and talk to your book club, if you would like me to. I even got a hair cut! And I promise to shower. I might even bust out the cologne that B'lue bought me. Oddly enough it's called Blue.

I have a huge favor to ask of you all. When you buy Marysvale, and if you like it (which you will), please recommend it to your friends though a facebook, or blog post. And if you purchase it from a website that allows reviews, please take the time to write one. I can't tell you how much I appreciate it. The only way Marysvale will grow is by you through word of mouth...And someday I hope to be able to purchase a Cafe Rio pork salad from the proceeds...Or perhaps my very own private island, or an under water marine base, I can't decide between the three.

The flavor of Marysvale.

In light of the interest Marysvale is generating, and its eminent release, I thought I'd tell you a little more about it. What's its flavor is, genre, etc... Marysvale is a paranormal novel. I didn't know what that category is either. Paranormal novels usually fall under fantasy. Did I loose your interest? Some people don't like fantasy. But stick with me, it's not what you think. Paranormal stories happen in our world, everything is as we know it to be. We don't have six moons, elves, dwarfs, or the kingdom of Gondor. Gravity still tugs on my gut. Cheesecake still aids the gravitational pull on my gut, and so on. However, there is something supernatural about these stories. Say, like vampires. Vampire novels are paranormal. Marysvale is paranormal because it has a monster problem...Soulless beasts that the protagonist thinks only exists in nightmares.

Marysvale takes place in a setting similar to the puritan/early colonial days era. I didn't nail down a time frame, because it's not historical fiction. I didn't intend for it to be. The language my characters use is not authentic; their mannerisms are also not authentic, but they aren't too modern either. If they were authentic, Marysvale wouldn't be an easy read, and it is. It's a fast paced story that clips along with lots of action. It contains the building of friendships, a budding romance, and a bit of mystery. The female characters are every bit a part of the solution, and were not written to be damsels in distress. The story is also clean, although there are some intense parts. I try to convey the horror, without the gore. Marysvale is a perfect story for your Halloween fix.

Marysvale Cover

Here is my book cover. I came up with the idea, and everyone liked it. So, the graphic artist put it together. The original flower proof was made of metal and iron, but it didn't have the desired effect. Some other concepts were batted around. When we saw this rendition, everyone said, "That's it." I think this one is much more...Striking? Intriguing? Creepy? I can't think of how to describe it, but it captures the essence of the story.

News

It's getting close! Just a few more weeks until Marysvale is available. I have, what I consider good news, although some may consider it a bit of a delay. My book will be ready to purchase the beginning of October. However, I'm not sure in what book stores you'll be able to physically go in and pick up a copy, at least not until January. Here's the deal. I carry as much weight in the publishing industry as a gnat, maybe less. Our advertising budget isn't much better. So, I'm told that all the 900 pound gorillas are all competing for your glorious holiday dollars and using what weight they can throw to get it. This tends to make if difficult for an unknown, such as myself. I know, it's a shock for you all to find out that I'm an unknown, and at the risk of bursting your image of me, I have to confess it's true. It's hard for an unknown to get shelf space, ad space, etc.. In January, they've all blown their ad money, and book stores are looking for fresh stuff. I've been told that quite a few new authors have had success at that time.

Our plan is for a rolling start. Ingram is one of my distributors, so you should be able to walk into just about any book store and ask them to get it for you in October. But then, if your going to do that, why not just order it through Amazon? Of course, you could support your local book store, which is the method I prefer. But it may be a pain to wait for them to get it in, so I'll understand if Amazon is your thing. In January it will be more widely available.

So, how is this good news you ask? Well my loyal followers, it's because I was sooo stressed out over October. They want me to do at least 3 signings a week, or as many as I can do without ending up in the corner and wrapped up in a blanket chanting "All work and no play makes Jared a dull boy." It's not that the book signings are worrying me, its the book signings, on top of work, and on top of getting book 2 finished, on top of all the other life stuff, that worries me. Putting those signings off until January means I'll have three months to finish Alyth. Thereby, removing one thing from my plate so I can enjoy the fun of meeting you all.