Here's a little update on my book project: nothing written yet except an outline, but I have been reading a bunch of stuff as research. It turns out that I haven't been able to find a whole lot at the local library, but I do have a copy of some good history books. Also, we have arranged for a part of our homeschool group to go to Cave of the Winds this Friday. (WB knows why I'm interested in that particular location...) My research has only served to solidify my vision for this particular book, and for a sequel. I'd actually like to write the sequel first, but it wouldn't make sense without the first book.
Should I put some copyright or trademarks in place before I get too far into this? (I'm not going to repeat the idea here.) And how to go about getting published? At least I have Mr. Beale and Mr. Bethke to consult when I'm ready.
The hardest part is going to be finding time to write. If I go upstairs to do research by myself in the evening, Mrs. Astro doesn't wait long until she's calling me to come downstairs to help her, or spend time with the kids, change diapers, or whatever. I can't stay up too late, because I need my sleep. Next step is to get my first couple of chapters written to see if I really want to do this.
7 comments:
Dress warm. The temp is not projected to get over 30° on Friday, with snow projected for Thursday.
If you have any additional time, you might also want to visit the Pioneer's Museum downtown. It has a lot of information on your main character, and other facts about the area which could make for some interesting subplots.
"I'd actually like to write the sequel first, but it wouldn't make sense without the first book."
Why can't you write the second book first?
If that makes sense to do it that way, do it. Lots of writters have gone back after the fact to write pre-quels.
It doesn't make sense that way, though. I just want to write it more than the first one.
It's probably because the sequel is a Texas alt-history instead of a Colorado alt-history, and I know more about Texas.
So write it that way anyway. You can release the two books at the same time. I think the main thing would be to get it written and then evaluate it.
I must have overlooked this part:
"Should I put some copyright or trademarks in place before I get too far into this? (I'm not going to repeat the idea here.)"
No, you can only copyright the published material, not the outline or ideas which comprise it. And trademarks can only be applied to a specific image or character identity, which in your case of historical fiction would also not apply.
" And how to go about getting published? At least I have Mr. Beale and Mr. Bethke to consult when I'm ready."
There are many such avenues, including self-publishing through Amazon or the like. You're right that BRB has a lot to say on the subject, and you might go back and reread some of his articles on both of his old sites The Ranting Room and The Friday Challenge.
He also has his own publishing company now, Rampant Loon Press, so I'd pay particular attention to their submission guidelines and maybe consider submitting your finished book there.
You have kids and you get any sleep? How do you do it?
Yeah, well, I have sleep apnea, and Mrs. Astro tries to not have to wake me up in the middle of the night if she can help it.
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