Just for the record, this post is being written in haste. I'm actually supposed to be packing right now to go away. My husband is in the bedroom filling a suitcase as I type this and I should be doing the same, but I begged for a few more minutes to update my blog. I'm not sure if that makes me dedicated or just really pathetic. Heh. In any case, please forgive any typos or awkward phrasings in this post
I haven't posted in a really long time, probably because I have been hyper-focused on finishing a novel I've been calling The Road Trip. The basic premise is that four women, strangers at the beginning of the book, wind up going on a road trip together. Hence, the title. No one has seen any of it yet, and I have this fear that it's really terrible. Hopefully my first readers will help me whip it into shape.
Besides my writing, I've also been busy converting my daughter's old bedroom into my home office. It's been repainted, with a new light fixture (and dimmer switch!), and all new furniture. Someday soon, when everything's in place, I'll post photos.
But back to The Road Trip. I was so happy to reach the end of the story. Good, bad, or something in-between, it always feels great to know I've completed a book. When I said I was (sort of) done, a friend said, "So can I read it?" and I was like, "Are you kidding? No!" The reason being that throughout the manuscript a reader would encounter things like: Put something here about what they're seeing out the car window. I figured I'd do some research later--make a few phone calls, look up video footage, and still photos online. I've been on car trips and I've even driven along part of the route in the book. I thought I could wing it.
But somewhere along the line, this idea was brewing that I needed to go on a road trip and follow the route of my characters. It seemed like a good way to layer authentic details into the novel. It's the wrong time of year, and I don't know three strangers willing to come with me, but a good part of it would be the same.
So my husband and I are heading out today. We're only doing half of the trip. The second half of the trip the ladies powered through the night to get to their destination, and I know how to describe nighttime driving, so we're cutting the trip short.
I'll post photos when I return.
Wish me luck!
Karen
8 comments:
I'm getting excited just reading this. That's my favorite type of book. Nothing like a long road trip. Have fun.
I told you I was hoping you were working on a new adult novel!! Wish I was on the road with you...you know girl friends just make a trip different...we share in different ways than men and women do.
I look forward to reading Road Trip soon!!
Good luck! Sounds like fun. Can't wait to see the picture.
Looking forward to reading it. Drive carefully.
Jon Olson
The Petoskey Stone
The Ride Home
That sounds great. Good luck.
Sean
Good luck. Here I was feeling poorly about myself for coming across inserted notes in my first draft such as "pick a color for her dress," "describe the buffet," and "be more interesting here." Thanks for letting me know I'm not alone.
Sounds like a good story idea, not to mention the fun of doing the research (Rooooooooad Trip!!!). Drive carefully. If you were powering thru to the west coast I'd invite you to catch a ferry and come visit. Good luck in your new office space -- here's where Kent Kruger has done his writing (scroll down just a little to The Office) ツ
Thanks everyone! I'm back with a ton of notes and a lot of photos. Now I just need to get writing!
Rex, you are correct in saying there's nothing like a road trip! My family has done a lot of road trips in the past, but IMO it's more fun without whining kids in the back.
Anita, too funny that you did just ask if I was working on a new book. You were right. I'll see what I can do about finishing it. Soon, I hope.
Thanks for the luck, Susan! That may be why we had such good luck on the trip--no car troubles, good weather etc. I give you full credit.
Thanks, Jon. Greg did most of the driving and he's a better driver than I am. Did you know the speed limit on the Interstate in Nebraska is 75 mph? If you go less than 85, the big trucks run you over. They know how to go in Nebraska.
Thanks, Sean.
"Be more interesting here,"--touche Mark! Very funny.
Bill, we didn't get that far west but I appreciate the offer. Oh, and thanks for the link to Kent Kruger's site. I love reading about writers and how they operate. I bookmarked his blog for future reference.
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