mental mumblings, the morning-after-deadline....

[lagilman]

And so, the authorial second-guessing begins. Flesh & Fire is not a Cosa Nostradamus book. It's not a caper, not a contemporary, not even slightly romantic, and although there are suspense/mystery elements to the plot, not anything like any novel I've written before. It's a more traditional coming-of-age story than I've ever written before, even in my YA, and while complete in itself is also unapologetically the start of a larger story.

Will readers, accustomed to the faster, snarkier feel of the Cosa books, be willing to sink into this world and let the characters move at their more deliberate pace? Or are there going to be readers who will, two chapters in, throw the book against the wall in disgust?

I haven't a clue.

The urge to make things more tricksy, more caper-ish, occasionally surfaced. But the book didn't want that. It wanted to unfold at a certain pace, introduce characters in a certain way, and every time I tried to change that, the story balked. It is what it is, and I'm, as much as I can be at this point, pleased with the way the revisions turned out, and how the long-story is unfolding. That's all and the very best any writer can do: write true, and with heart. Now I just have to sit back and hope it pleases others, too.

Well, actually, there's no sitting back allowed. My little schedule reminds me that PACK OF LIES is due to m'other editor on May 4th. Three months. Right. More coffee, back to't!

Comments

[wishwords.livejournal.com]

You have to be true to the story. I'm sure some reviewer will mention the difference in a way that will remind your fans that this is a story with its own voice.

[lagilman]

Oh, if I started worrying about what reviewers said, I'd never get out of bed in the morning, much less turn on my computer! :-D

[wishwords.livejournal.com]

I can understand that. Hopefully one day that will be a policy I have to adopt. ;-) Not sure why I decided to post "advice" when I know that you already know. Blame it on not being able to drink coffee this morning. *eyes your icon with envy*

Btw, I really enjoy your journal. I very seldom skim over your posts.

[lagilman]

Advice is always welcome. The fact that you felt moved to respond (even if it's only to whap my nose with a rolled-up newspaper, as required) is always appreciated. Maybe not graciously *grin* but appreciated.

[mizkit.livejournal.com]

Will readers, accustomed to the faster, snarkier feel of the Cosa books, be willing to sink into this world and let the characters move at their more deliberate pace? Or are there going to be readers who will, two chapters in, throw the book against the wall in disgust?

And the answer to this is: Yes. :)

[lagilman]

Yeah yeah, I know. Pbbbttthht.

[fakefrenchie.livejournal.com]

I for one like slower moving books that unfold themselves as you move through them. I also like you Cosa books. *shrugs*

[lagilman]

You, m'dear, just like BOOKS. That's why we love you. :-)

[neadods.livejournal.com]

It's always been my experience that when the story talks back, it's finally fully baked.

[lagilman]

as opposed to the author being half-baked?

(straight line, meet Bender)

[neadods.livejournal.com]

*resists the urge to say something about half lit*

[lagilman]

"any place, any time, our single malts can drop you."