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I have not posted a blog since early November 2012 because I was waiting to hear from my publisher when Murphy’s Troubles would be launched. In late November I received an e-mail telling me while originally planned for publication in 2012 it would not be published until early 2013. The 2rd week of January I wrote my publisher at e-mail asking when my novel would be scheduled for publication since I submitted edits to the galley August 1, 2012. I received a terse e-mail response that the publisher hadn’t received the galley back from the editor (I was not allowed to have contact with the editor – the publisher claimed it was their policy to retain the independence of the editor). The publisher refused to offer a publication date stating: “. . . when a book is ready to be published it tells us.” The publisher also informed me that more money has been spent on my novel than any other title in their catalog and I needed to be patient. My journey with the micro publisher in California began in December 2010 and now it was time to end it. On January 28th I sent the publisher a registered letter terminating the contract. It is now time to follow a new path. I would never consider using a vanity press but do want to explore self-publishing with either Create Space or Ingram. Recently I learned that I can use Create Space for publication, distribution and marketing and still submit the book to Ingram for distribution because I retain the rights of the work. So, I am embarking on the self-publication journey. When you take on a task such as this you find out who your friends are right away. One friend, a retired Journalism professor has agreed to be my editor. Another friend has agreed to design a new book cover. When asked how I felt about terminating a contract with a traditional publisher and venturing on the self-publication path my immediate response was – relief. I am now totally responsible for all aspects of bringing my historical novel to the world, I am up to the task and energized. My target – a September release of Murphy’s Troubles. Join me on the journey. Give me your comments, suggestions, thoughts, what to avoid and what not to avoid.
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Authority in Writing
When writing historical fiction I believe that the writing needs to have authority. By authority I mean that from the writing alone the reader gets the impression or sense that it is accurate. Perhaps rather than authority it could be said it is authentic. Two historical novelists that demonstrate this concept are Susan Vreeland and Margaret George. When reading Forest Lover the reader feels like they are also experiencing Emily Carr’s frustration at both learning her craft and expressing what she feels when painting. Reading Margaret George’s Henry VIII so completely immerses the reader in 16th century England that you believe Margaret was there chronicling the King’s adventures. The key to mastering authenticity or authority is to reveal detail of everyday life and to have a keen sense of how the protagonist lived in their world. The first element is to have the facts right on what people ate, how they dressed, what was the historical context of the times and how the protagonist fits within that historical context. In Vreeland’s case the context is an emerging Canadian nation that finds it necessary to eliminate nature culture in order to create its’ own identity. For George it’s presenting Henry’s view of living in a world where he has the power and will to do whatever necessary to express his will and have an heir. In Murphy’s Troubles Ian Murphy is an intellectual attempting to rationalize the activities of the Provisional IRA and finds he is the person needed for that task. Yet, Ian is conflicted by the violence inflicted on innocents in order to create a unified Ireland. |
rex owensI write to tell the story of our human saga. Categories
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