Are you looking for an engaging book to curl up by the fire and read this winter?
I’m extending an invitation to friends (a request, really) to assist me with a project that has taken up the better part of the last three years. I’ve written a novel, Blue Death, which I need a little help with to get ready for publication.
The project has been a long, daunting process – but to be honest, I’ve enjoyed every minute of the endeavor. Writing a book of this scale and on this subject is truly the hardest thing I think I’ve ever done. Yet, I find I am one of those people who have to write all the time — good or bad – despite being a novice at this sort of thing. And I’m proud of the work, even while it is still in draft form and needs a bit of polishing. So, I am planning an informal reader’s workshop, and I had hoped some of you might come along for the ride. I recently finished the book’s latest, clean draft, and I think it’s time to let people have a look.
It strikes me as ironic working on this post for this invitation, however. I’m home still recovering from the lingering effects of my first bout of COVID on New Years’ Day 2023. What I find interesting is that most of my new novel was written while I was in COVID lockdown. A good portion of the storyline is actually about the devastating effects of the Spanish Flu on a small Aegean Sea community in 1918.
Yet, I did not seek to write about a pandemic because I was in the middle of one. On the contrary, I began the work six months before the outbreak of COVID.
It was nothing short of uncanny, however, to write about the impact of a terrible disease while living through the grip of another plague 100 years later. So, today, it seems odd and more than a little strange to have finished the book and be preparing for the workshop precisely after I’ve finally grappled with COVID myself (even if it was a mild case). It drives home how salient the novel's subject matter remains today.
With that said, workshop details can be found here, along with a sample chapter to get a feel for the book. I will say no more about the plot in this post; I don’t wish to give away anything about the story you cannot already find on my website (see more here). But here are a few quick details about the workshop…
First, it’s an informal affair. I’m not looking for copy editors, albeit the manuscript will likely need one eventually. I’m pleased that it’s in readable condition, nonetheless. At this stage, I’m simply looking to get a feel from people on how the story strikes them. I’m entirely open to criticism and happy for discerning eyes to point out problems in the story, in my presentation of the history, and/or in my style of writing. A thick skin comes with the territory.
Second, you are welcome to participate in the way that suits you. There is a syllabus online to follow for help, and I will schedule roundtable sessions on Zoom for those interested in giving direct feedback. There are more details on the site about how to participate.
Finally, the only commitment I ask is to give the story a chance. One outcome might be that parts of the book may need to be cut back. I did deliberately overwrite the draft. But no one needs to commit to the entire workshop if you find it too time-consuming. Read as much or as little as you want. Any bit of feedback is helpful at this stage, and knowing where I might lose you is as important as finishing.
I hope you will consider joining me. Since it’s an informal exercise, which I am doing on my own, I may only be able to take a handful of participants. But I will do my best to include as many who wish to look at the work with me. Click here for more information.
Thanks, Everyone!
Tony
