Let me give you a quick picture
of what I have put on my writing plate for the next few months.
My first published novel, The
Dark Lady, became a trilogy last year. Now I’m trying to get the word out,
using a virtual book tour and trying to remember to update some of my blogs.
Readers who I’ve met face-to-face are asking for volumes two and three so that
is always a good sign.
My second published novel, The
Queen’s Pawn, is undergoing the same process. I’ve written book two (untitled)
and it is now in the editing process. I’ve started book three but been
sidetracked the last couple of months. That is something I have to get back to
shortly before I lose my train of thought completely.
When I wrote both of these first
two novels I had no idea whether they would ever go beyond a single volume. I
don’t do extensive pre-plotting but fortunately had enough ideas to carry the
story forward. My advice to beginning writers who are not plotters is to make
certain you have plenty of notes as you go on to subsequent books in the series.
You don’t want to have to re-read your first book to catch up on the details
you will need for the second and third volumes.
I also write a series of fantasy
detective novellas, The Housetrap Chronicles. Number seven will be out in a few
months and last winter I started on episode eight. I haven’t touched it in
months. I suspect I will have problems getting back up to speed. The danger in
allowing a story to languish while you work on others is you may lose interest.
Already I am brewing up the plot for number nine. As a caution I’d recommend
working on one thing at a time, unless like me you are easily distracted and
thrive on confusion.
While all of this is going on I
have several manuscripts that have been accepted by publishers and now will be
going into the editing process. I’m aware that some writers view this as a form
of torture, where “other” hands tear and shred their precious work. Think of it
more as a co-operative process. Do you have a very good reason for leaving in a
particular scene? Then say so, outlining your reasons. If the editor disagrees,
accept the verdict and move on. No matter how many times I review my own work I
am always amazed about the number of my serious sins an editor will uncover.
Difficult as it may be, attempt to learn from the comments and try not to repeat
your mistakes. Each publisher may have a slightly different philosophy. Your
editor knows what these house rules are and will help you work your manuscript
into an acceptable format.
Lastly, one of the best pieces of
advice I ever received from a well-established author had to do with how well we
treat those involved in our industry: authors, publishers, editors, critics,
readers, etc. Don’t get argumentative, feud, or fight with others. The
aggravation and damage to your reputation is not worth it, demeans you, and
will ultimately hurt your reputation. This doesn’t mean you can’t have or state
an opinion, just be careful how you go about it. If you can’t take outside
criticisms, don’t read them.
Enjoy writing and reading, I
certainly do!
R.J.Hore
www.ronaldhore.com
www.facebook.com/RonaldJHore
The Dark Lady Trilogy (Volume 1,2,3)
The Queen’s Pawn (Volume 1)
The Housetrap Chronicles (Volume 1 to 7)
Alex in Wanderland,
Knight’s Bridge
