So, I’m 44,271 words into a “How to Succeed in Evil Novel”
It seems like it’s safe to announce the thing. Kind of like a pregnancy, it’s gone on long enough that the doctors are pretty sure it’s going to go to term.
I’ve never written a novel before. I was always afraid of it. I though that writing a screenplay was easier. And I can not emphasize how WRONG I WAS. Screenplays are difficult. One might be misled into thinking they might be easier because there are fewer words on a page. One might also be misled by thinking, just because you can write dialog that, screenplays (or perhaps television) are likewise easy. These things are simply not the case.
But I guess it all depends on what you’re wired for. And, evidently, I’m wired for novels. Because it’s going pretty well. Sure, sure, the first draft of everything is shit. And to be certain those 44k words are a big, brawling mess. But it’s a big mess on it’s way someplace. And that’s very exciting.
So if I’ve been a little lax on the podcasting front, it’s because I’ve been writing. And, before that, busting my ass to save the money to get some time to write.
I’ll be posting excerpts and updates along the way. And I’ll have to record some parts to share. Honestly, Topper doesn’t lose too much on the printed page, by every time I write his dialog I want to read it. (good sign).
So thank to everybody for bearing with. It means a lot.
December 4th, 2007 at 6:01 pm
Congratulations, you certainly left your audience wanting more these past few months.
Though I was unclear from your message whether this will be a podnovel or its going to be out in stores. Either way if its up to your usual standards I’ll be sure to either buy it or make a donation at podiobooks. Looking forward to seeing an excerpt.
December 4th, 2007 at 11:04 pm
Well David, it’s a little unclear right now. I’d like it to be out in stores. But either way, excerpts are coming soon.
December 6th, 2007 at 6:30 pm
You know nanowrimo ended november 30th, right? and you missed the 50000 mark. but I hope to hear more from you soon.
cheers
December 6th, 2007 at 8:55 pm
Hey I cannot WAIT for the novel. But I will. Dammit, I’ll wait, hands eagerly clutching the splintered arms of my broken chair. I’m looking forward to this novel and I have nothing but admiration and praise for you and your work.
Keep it up and good luck.
Okay. Stop reading comments. Go back to writing.
Seriously. The sooner you finish the sooner I gets it into my grubby hands! =0)
Benticore
Out
December 8th, 2007 at 11:20 am
I’m so intrigued as to what this novel is going to be. Will it start with Edwin already as he is in the podcasts? Is there lots of backstory? You mentioned James Bond one time, and at first i couldn’t see a similarity beyond the suit. However thinking about it they are both characters who exclusively live for, or even live within, their jobs.
Can Edwin have a relationship with another person that isn’t purely professional? The most I can see him having is an understated respect for a persons skills. I can’t see him, as he is in the podcasts, in love. But a whole character can change with a single sentence, so you might be writing a love interest this very moment.
Maybe Edwins struggle would be with the systems and institutions he works within as he tries to make the perfect deal, utilize that perfect opportunity or new asset (like Topper for example.) Everyone can relate to annoying bureaucracy, misplaced arrogance and pure incompetance. Especially if Edwin was stuck working for someone he disliked.
Regardless, I’m glad to hear you are happy with what you are producing at the moment.
Good luck!
December 12th, 2007 at 11:26 am
Cheers, Patrick! I wish you all the best in your endeavor. A word of advice: don’t tell us everything about Edwin in this new novel of yours, keep us guessing. Remember: understatement is a super power that made Edwin the man he is today.
January 6th, 2008 at 5:13 am
Can’t wait for the novel. I’d actually rather see Edwin in a novel rather than a movie. Hollywood would just screw him up. He’s too complex a character for the stereotypical roles they like to use. Although, I must say I would have loved to see someone like Tim Robbins as Edwin.
No matter how you get it published, please make sure you record an audio version. A Succeed in Evil story just wouldn’t seem right without you voicing it.