Writing a trilogy isn't easy. An understatement for sure, but while I will write several more Detective Quaid novels, these first three books, this trilogy, is my ode to love. All along, I meant to write three separate murder mysteries tied together by a love story. All stand alone books but with a running theme. I almost gave up.
To help get my head back in the game, I read Stephen Kings. On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft, and it helped to inspired me to continue. On Writing, and the content edit that Barbara Sachs Sloan did for all three books made all the difference. Without her patience and advice, these books might never have been written.
But Stephen King's book inspired me to continue!
The scariest moment is always just before you start.”
“you can, you should, and if you’re brave enough to start, you will.”
“Description begins in the writer’s imagination, but should finish in the reader’s.”
“Write with the door closed, rewrite with the door open.”
“Writing is not life, but I think that sometimes it can be a way back to life.”
“You cannot hope to sweep someone else away by the force of your writing until it has been done to you.”
“Bad writing is more than a matter of shit syntax and faulty observation; bad writing usually arises from a stubborn refusal to tell stories about what people actually do― to face the fact, let us say, that murderers sometimes help old ladies cross the street.”
*****
This is my 'murder trilogy'!
Light is a fleeting moment in the
frozen north that is Alaska. Although the light shines brightly during the
Summer Solstice, Detective Steven Quaid struggles to hold on to what he holds
dear during life's darkest moments, his love for family, and professional
achievement.
Will a murderous stalker, a
self-proclaimed Lucifer resurrected, or insidious obsession prove more powerful
than this dedicated detective? Three separate life-threatening situations. One
determined man.
*****
Remember every comment during the A to Z will be an entry to win a
paperback copy of the trilogy!
(signed if I can send by mail)
58 comments:
I like the 'Write with the door closed, rewrite with the door open' - that really makes sense to me as a writer.
Sophie
Sophie's Thoughts & Fumbles | Wittegen Press | FB3X
I tend to shun Stephen King's books but this book on writing I will definitely purchase. I especially relate to his quote, “You cannot hope to sweep someone else away by the force of your writing until it has been done to you.” And, “Description begins in the writer’s imagination, but should finish in the reader’s.”
I have his book but need to read it.
I hadn't realized that Stephen King wrote a book about writing. That sounds like it would be well worth checking out.
Cheers - Ellen | http://thecynicalsailor.blogspot.com/2016/04/w-is-for-watch-nancy-drew-investigates.html
Each of those quotes is worth framing, King's nonpareil in his field.
Maybe it's time to go find my copy of On Writing. It's been awhile and I always enjoy reading that one. I have an idea for a trilogy rattling around in my head. I hope I actually type it someday.
I'm not sure I could write a trilogy, but a stand alone series is a possibility. My favorite book on writing is by Ray Bradbury, Zen in the Art of Writing.
Writing a trilogy is hard work indeed. I'm on book 8 of my 12 book series, so many moving parts it is sure a bit harder than just a one off.
But you've got it all under control, I've no doubt! Maybe after the first three it gets easier? Please say yes! :)
I haven't read that one. I'll have to pick it up! Thanks, Bish!
Hi, Tamara, one day you'll almost have no choice in the matter!
I agree 100%! Hi, Nila!
It's a great read! Hi, Ellen!
I'd move it to the top of the list! Hi, Alex!
Hi, Pat, it really is inspirational. I've always admired his writing, his imagination, but this book especially.
I agree, Sophie. Thanks for all your visits this A to Z!
I enjoyed reading King's On Writing. I think one of my favorite sections from the book was about writing with the door closed and rewriting with the door open.
Write away. You want to. You can. You will. Great post *smiles*
King's book was one of the best I've read on writing. I didn't expect it to be, either.
Many a writer's favorite! Thanks, Cherie!
Thanks, Shadow, appreciate your kind words.
A nice surprise for sure. :)
Stephen King is one of my favorite authors. So glad you chose to refer to him for W! And yes, even writing one book is a major achievement - a trilogy - 3x! :) My goal for May is to read your books, Yolanda. Your A to Z series is so delightful!
Stephen King is a hero of mine, and his writing text is wonderful, isn't it?
Yes, surprisingly good book on writing. PS- I love your book covers.
All these quotes are so deliciously on point. I also share your love of a good content editor. They make everything go.
That was the most useful Writing book I've read to date. I love it how SK pulls no punches and says it as it is. I enjoy watching his seminars on the video channel too. Great W post, Yolanda. Thank you.
I'm a big fan of "On Writing"--I think because it is much more on the HABIT of writing than the rights and wrongs. I think style is something we need to find on our own and I get really annoyed with advice that is too specific on actual craft, but advice on how to develop ourselves habitually? Good stuff.
Sounds like good advice from Stephen King and I'm glad it helped you through you blockage. Just saw an interesting programme about Wild Alaska. Actually had seen it before but worth watching twice.
I love Stephen King's book On Writing. I learned a lot from reading it.
I've got his book and I've read it twice - those quotes you've picked out are excellent!
Susan A Eames from
Travel, Fiction and Photos
I love Mr. King's book and have used it often to inspire me. That is what's so wonderful about IWSG and so many of the online writing sights. Hanging out with writers tops the list. Great post, Yolanda. Very inspiring.
I love Stephen King! He is an inspiration.
And your trilogy sounds hair raising. Love the covers.
Those quotes are gold.
I love Stephen King and these quotes speak volumes-the ones we should write ;D
Thanks for the inspiration, today! I need it~
I recently re-read this, too! He's always an inspiration. And great idea to write a series brought together by a love story.
That is a really good collection of advice. I should read it again!
@mirymom1 from
Balancing Act
I have Stephen King's On Writing on my bookshelf too. I liked it better than many others, and it gives an insight into what motivates King. Didn't writing bring him back when he had his horrific accident? I like the idea of a love story that threads through three murder novels. Best wishes for the success of that trilogy.
Love the quotes and it is great it helped you finish the trilogy. Great job, I cannot even imagine how much energy and inspiration is needed for something like that. I've started a 2 year memoir (just summing the actual events) and feel like I've never going to finish it.
I have Stephen King's On Writing - now I just have to move it to the top of my TBR ;-) It should help for those meh moments editing brings... Thanks for the reminder :-)
Awesome, Vidya, thank you! Stephen King has long been an influence. His book on writing even more so.
Hey, we're almost at the end. Yay!
Truly inspirational!
It is, and thank you! All done new this year in celebration of finishing the trilogy!
They do, lets you know exactly where the work needs to be done. Excellent, couldn't do it without.
Hi, Nicola, he does. Thank you!
It was very personal and on point. I agree!
Thanks, Jo. It was a great help. Wild Alaska is a great documentary!
Hi, L.G. he did an amazing job!
I love them, they spur you to action!
Thanks, Joylene. I agree, so necessary and helpful!
Thanks, Sandra!
I agree!
Me too, comes at the perfect time! Hi, Ella!
Hi, Shannon! Great news for you. He is, and not just for horror writers!
Hi, Samantha, he does inspire!
Hi, D. G. it is very personal. That accident was horrid. Thanks!
Hi, Zeljka, you'll get it done, when the time is right! Good luck!
Exactly, especially during those moments! Thanks for visiting!
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