Sunday . . . bloody Sunday

Posted byKatie SullivanPosted inRome Construction Crew, The DialogueTags:, , , , , , , , ,

D: Do we have a problem with Sundays?

A: Yes, they’re always followed by a Monday.

D: And are you not ready for Monday?

A: D, no one is ever ready for Monday.

D: Are you getting a little existential on me, A? Do we need to go back and have a little chat with Camus?

A: Loved that book, said that Meursault was Christ in my paper on it, and no.

D: Moving right along. Is this the only reason you’re cursing out Sunday?

A: Um, how about my vicious sunburn?

D: Oh boy . . . you do know that the scientists of this world have a lovely invention called sunscreen.

A: You sound like TC. Stop it.

D: And yet it still stands.

A: I wanted a bit of color.

D: A, you’re Irish. Flesh tone is color for you.

A: Says the Pict.

D: I know from pale, A.

A: Point taken.

D: So, you’re sunburned and you r weekend is nearly over – any more invectives to throw at Sunday’s head?

A: No, not really. It was just a long slog of a day, but it had great rewards. I accomplished three out of four goals I set for myself last week.

D: Do tell, A – I’m breathless with anticipation.

A: Snark will get you anywhere, D! I dusted off the treadmill (and used it!). I filled in and was able to erase all those (Figure out what you’re talking about, lady) tags in part 2, which clocked in at 26,199 words –

D: So we’re already over 50,000?

A: Yes, but Parts 3 and 4 shouldn’t be more than 30k combined. There’s always the editing rounds to get rid of fluff, too D.

D: I know, and forgive me if I feel that you’d need no less than 100,000 words to do justice to my greatness.

A: Really?

D: It’s one hell of a story, A.

A: Uh huh.

D: Honest.

A: I think I just heard my fingers scream in agony.

D: I think that’s your sunburn. Speaking of Part 3 . . .

A: That’s the other goal I managed to accomplish – Part 3 has it’s first outline.

D: Dare I ask?

A: Ah, go on.

D: What does this outline say, A? I peeked over your shoulder and I’m a bit concerned.

A: Why? I was kinda proud of it myself:

  1.  Captured – Dubh gone, Maureen spastic, Sean slaps her
  2. Breakout –Dubh is rescued, Sean and Maureen are SOL
  3. The Interview – Nuada grandstands; remember monologues are cliche.
  4. Revolution
  5. Revelation
  6. Big Boom
  7. Even Bigger Problems

D: That’s it, keywords?

A: And the start of everyone’s emotional state for each section – I found that very helpful in making sure the arguing from Part 2 didn’t get out of hand. Besides I thought you’d be happy – there are at least two opportunities for you to indulge your love of smoke bombs.

D: I did see that. Thank you, A.

A: I do what I can. Oh, and before you ask: editing.

D: Editing?

A: This week’s goal: Editing.

D: That’s it?

A: I think chocolate might find its way on there, too

D: In conjunction with the treadmill?

A: Maybe.

The Druid Tells the Tale
A has yet to make any changes to this site because she is a lazy, no good—

A: Oi, Druid! Knock it off!

D: Killjoy.

Fine; she’s a busy lady and getting her to sit still long enough to complete a thought is a marvel. She hasn’t acknowledged any awards yet, so I’m going to do it for her. John W. Howell at Fiction Favorites has nominated us for the Always Here if you Need Me Award. In addition, Olivia Stocum  and Briana Vested  have nominated us for the Liebster Award. There are others, but A was lax in recording what they were, the horrible wench. There will be a full post presently, in which everyone will be lauded in full. In the meantime, however, thank you most kindly for reading, nominating and sharing the … what is this called (blogosphere) ah, yes, the blogosphere love.

. . . And Introducing: A invites Audience Participation

D: Really A?

A: Do I bug you during your Tale-telling?

D: Yes.

A: . . . Fine. Regardless, I would like to engage people a little and get some feedback. I have been blessed with some very astute, knowledgeable and charming readers and I’d like to know what you think of serializing a novel.

If Part 3 defies my expectations (and everything about my return to the writing world has defied them), I’m looking at a nearly 100,000 word young adult novel. It needs some paring (try a butcher knife – can it, D), but ever since I wrapped up Part 1, I’ve been thinking about serializing the first book. Each part comes in at a fairly respectable 25K words, and are complete stories in of themselves. It was initially written this way – to be published as independent novellas that could form a nice little collection. I abandoned that idea when I realized that it had a second and then third story (you’re welcome).

So, those who know, what do you think of a sterilized novel in today’s market, and today’s technology?

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Published by Katie Sullivan

Descended of pirates and revolutionaries, Katie Sullivan is a lover and student of all things Irish. Born in the States, she is a dual US/Irish citizen, and studied history and politics at University College, Dublin – although, at the time, she seriously considered switching to law, if only so she could attend lectures at the castle on campus. She lives in Milwaukee with her daughter, two cats and a pesky character in her head named D (but you can call him Dubh). Her first series, The Changelings Saga, a young adult historical fantasy trilogy is available on Amazon. She can be found writing with said character at her blog, The D/A Dialogues.

20 thoughts on “Sunday . . . bloody Sunday”

  1. I don’t mean to be ignorant (but I can’t help myself. I have no D to “enlighten” me), but wouldn’t it or couldn’t it be the same as the sort of series you see in mysteries, as in The Inspector Gamache series? Yes, these are novels that stand on their own, but there is a thread of continuity that runs from one novel to the next. I think for a young reader, serialization would be wonderful.

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    1. That’s not ignorant (and one could argue that D is the epitome of ignorance), that’s exactly what I was wondering – and if people would perceive it that way too. I’m also wondering if 25k is too short for that sort of story? I don’t want to fluff it up needlessly, but a few changes would have to be made, some facts introduced earlier if it were serialized.

      Granted, not all the edits are done, so I’m probably needlessly worrying myself (I do that … lots).

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  2. Serialized novel – I have actually considered that for mine if no one picks it up. I am already working on a sequel. I would think you’d have to blast out the parts pretty quickly, like every two weeks or so, to build interest and generate momentum.

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    1. I think you’re right – and these are the things I need to keep in mind as I edit Part 2. There needs to be enough character development per “episode” to make it a worthwhile read, while still maintaining the pace.

      The part of me that believes in overkill wants to have two versions of the story – one that I could send to traditional pubs and one that would be ready to go self if no one bites… after I finish actually writing the first “book,” of course!

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  3. Always followed by a Monday. I didn’t even make it into the first three lines before I laughed. Katie you make this world a better place to be.

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  4. For what it is worth I think a YA series is the way to go. 100,000 might be too long for the young brain and if the stories are self contained you may have the beginning of ten or so books. You could get the first three out while working on the forth (and so on)

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    1. Thank you, John – I am starting to lean that way myself. I haven’t decided on traditional or self-publishing, but every site I look at for submission guidelines is calling for work that is shorter than what I’m dealing with. Plus, I’m afraid it might be a bit unwieldy.

      One of the things that makes me hesitate on serialization of this sort is the nature of the original series – books 2 and 3 are not as episodic as this book. I think I may take this week of editing and split it by drafting an outline of what those stories could look like… Thanks again!

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  5. Funny, I was thinking about Sundays the other day. I used to hate them knowing Monday was right around the corner. Now, I love Sunday. I get to sleep in, do all the stuff I don’t time to do during the week, and even catch a movie or two. When Monday rolls around, I’m all set to tackle the week!

    And wow! 100,000-word YA novel? Gosh, that’s ah-maaazing! I’d be interested in seeing the final result!

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    1. I actually love Sunday – It’s our free day. We have a smorgasbord of snacks for the day and do whatever we feel like! Normally. I’ve been a bit driven to finish part 2 of my WIP, which I very happily did at 9pm… and then wrote a blog post instead of grinding my coffee, making my lunch and ironing my clothes. When i’m silly like that Monday and my 5am alarm looms large!!

      It started out at 56k, but then I had to go and put in things like character development, and actual history instead of what I decided to make up. At the same time, I don’t want to fool myself into thinking that the size is okay by serializing it (and thus not taking a big ol’ knife to it).

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  7. The idea has merit depending on the marketing you do, but that can be said for anything. What medium were you going to publish the story on?

    Also, I think you would need a tight time table for a serialized series. I’m assuming you mean a single story that is chopped into multiple parts and not a book series that has a beginning and ending to each book.

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    1. It was really a thought for the electronic medium, but I’m wondering if it could work for both self and traditional publishing. I’m not certain I have the small-biz chops for self-publishing.

      I agree that it would need a tight timeline. It is a single story, however, each “part” has the ability to stand on it’s own with a beginning, middle and end, with threads of the overall story explored and eventually answered by Part 4.

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      1. Traditional might not do anything like that. Electronic might be the best bet. Self-publishing is all about marketing and making contacts. You already have some powerful WordPress contacts. Daily tweets, blog posts, and hunting down guest blogs and interview opportunities can help.

        Will they have different cover art? That can be one of the bigger delayers.

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      2. Thank you, Charles – The cover art for anything is a sticking point for me – I’m not in a rush, by any means, but I have a feeling the person I tapped for cover art is not going to be “the one,” so I’m on the lookout. I

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      3. I was recently told that you can find talented artists that will work for cheap at local colleges. Contact the head of the art department saying you’re a local author looking for a cover artist. I’m going to try to do that if my current guy flakes.

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