 | This month, Beautiful People is doing a tribute to the NaNoWriMo event in November. This will be my first attempt to write a book in a month, but I'm incredibly excited to try! To help me prepare, here's a sneak peek at book three in the Afterworld Saga. How did you come up with the idea for your novel, and how long have you had the idea? The initial idea for the character of Ben Parker came to me in a dream. It was a very vivid train derailment. Ben and his female partner, Molly, were passengers that were unaffected by the accident. Train cars tumbled down a ravine and once settled, Ben and Molly helped the victims out of the wreckage. They were then escorted to guides to take them to heaven. |
Why are you excited to write this novel?
Afterlife, book two in The Afterworld Saga, was pivotal for me. When I first starting writing the love story between Ben and Emma, I had no idea where their story would lead, or, where it had been. In book three of the series, many of these unknowns are coming out, and I found it really exciting.
What is your novel about, and what is the title?
My novel is a a continuation of Ben and Emma's story. They were soulmates separated when Ben died in WWII. Upon reaching the afterworld, and learning his wife had years left on her life contract, Ben opted to join the Bureau of Investigation. This enabled him the ability to visit earth, disguised as a human. Unfortunately, Ben never found his wife, not even years after she was to join him in the afterworld. In Aftermath, book one, Ben learns Emma, a seventeen year old high school student, is his soulmate. Disguised as a student, Ben decides to get to know her, just as a notorious criminal is on the loose. Ben is put to the test--reconnect with the love of his existence, or do his job.
While I know it will have 'after' in part of the name, I do not know the title for this novel yet. I'll keep you posted.
Sum up your characters in one word each.
Ben will be shocked.
Emma will be confident.
Which character(s) do you think will be your favorite to write? Tell us about them.
Emma--100%. In book three of the saga, Emma learns of her true identity--of her extensive past. It will be shocking for Ben to hear, considering he thought he was all-knowing. I can't wait!
What is your protagonist’s goal, and what stands in the way?
Catching the bad guy--or girl. Unfortunately, this criminal has evaded capture for an extensive period of time.
Where is your novel set?
That's an interesting question. Until I start writing, I'm never certain where the characters will take me. I know I will have some afterworld scenes, and since the character's past has taken them to Europe--Dubrovnik, to be exact--I'm sure there will be scenes there, too.
What is the most important relationship your character has?
Ben and Emma's relationship is the most important.
How does your protagonist change by the end of the novel?
Excellent question. Of course, I won't know that until I reach the end of the novel...
What themes are in your book? How do you want your readers to feel when the story is over?
I want readers to feel happy and satisfied. Ben has proven to be loyal and dedicated--never giving up on true love. I admire that perseverance.
Tell us your 3 best pieces of advice for others trying to write a book in a month.
Well, this is my first attempt, so I'm not sure if my advice will be good or not... but for me, dedication to writing is key. Write daily. Set time aside for it. Just like you'd do anything else.
Secondly, I don't think editing is important in this first draft--whether you are writing a book in a month, or you're just writing a book at leisure. Editing can be done later. I find the need to edit after the book is written because it took me in so many directions at the time, I couldn't keep up with edits along the way.
Lastly, have fun. To me, writing is my hobby. It's my fun time to relax. If writing becomes a chore, then take another direction. Develop a new character, start a new story... through a dart on a map and pick a new destination. You never know where your fictional characters can take you.
Afterlife, book two in The Afterworld Saga, was pivotal for me. When I first starting writing the love story between Ben and Emma, I had no idea where their story would lead, or, where it had been. In book three of the series, many of these unknowns are coming out, and I found it really exciting.
What is your novel about, and what is the title?
My novel is a a continuation of Ben and Emma's story. They were soulmates separated when Ben died in WWII. Upon reaching the afterworld, and learning his wife had years left on her life contract, Ben opted to join the Bureau of Investigation. This enabled him the ability to visit earth, disguised as a human. Unfortunately, Ben never found his wife, not even years after she was to join him in the afterworld. In Aftermath, book one, Ben learns Emma, a seventeen year old high school student, is his soulmate. Disguised as a student, Ben decides to get to know her, just as a notorious criminal is on the loose. Ben is put to the test--reconnect with the love of his existence, or do his job.
While I know it will have 'after' in part of the name, I do not know the title for this novel yet. I'll keep you posted.
Sum up your characters in one word each.
Ben will be shocked.
Emma will be confident.
Which character(s) do you think will be your favorite to write? Tell us about them.
Emma--100%. In book three of the saga, Emma learns of her true identity--of her extensive past. It will be shocking for Ben to hear, considering he thought he was all-knowing. I can't wait!
What is your protagonist’s goal, and what stands in the way?
Catching the bad guy--or girl. Unfortunately, this criminal has evaded capture for an extensive period of time.
Where is your novel set?
That's an interesting question. Until I start writing, I'm never certain where the characters will take me. I know I will have some afterworld scenes, and since the character's past has taken them to Europe--Dubrovnik, to be exact--I'm sure there will be scenes there, too.
What is the most important relationship your character has?
Ben and Emma's relationship is the most important.
How does your protagonist change by the end of the novel?
Excellent question. Of course, I won't know that until I reach the end of the novel...
What themes are in your book? How do you want your readers to feel when the story is over?
I want readers to feel happy and satisfied. Ben has proven to be loyal and dedicated--never giving up on true love. I admire that perseverance.
Tell us your 3 best pieces of advice for others trying to write a book in a month.
Well, this is my first attempt, so I'm not sure if my advice will be good or not... but for me, dedication to writing is key. Write daily. Set time aside for it. Just like you'd do anything else.
Secondly, I don't think editing is important in this first draft--whether you are writing a book in a month, or you're just writing a book at leisure. Editing can be done later. I find the need to edit after the book is written because it took me in so many directions at the time, I couldn't keep up with edits along the way.
Lastly, have fun. To me, writing is my hobby. It's my fun time to relax. If writing becomes a chore, then take another direction. Develop a new character, start a new story... through a dart on a map and pick a new destination. You never know where your fictional characters can take you.
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