Creatures in the Night

With many thanks to dear friends I have completed the rewrite of the first chapter to RABBIT SLAYER. The opening paragraph surprisingly turned out to be already written, but buried a page or so down the first draft. I wrote the passage, not realizing that it could be a great opening, but at the same time meeting my requirements for a chapter opening. Here is that passage...

Strange creatures of the city lurked in the night, especially on the subway. Near the middle of the car sat an albino with his head resting against the window. Though he moved with the rocking of the train, his red glazed eyes remained fixed on some distant point. The swirling illusion created by his hypnotic black and white striped vest forced Emily to turn away. Further down sat a large person in an oversized gray hoody. The hood cast a shadow over the occupant’s face, making it difficult to tell about the person inside. The hooded head turned toward Emily. A pair of green, glowing orbs stared at her from the shadowed face, a hungry wolf eyeing a lone rabbit. 

I have since renamed the chapter to "Creatures of the Night". I find that the metaphor being used here and within the chapter is reminisce the collection of subtle metaphors utilized throughout the book. The analogy used as the ending of the paragraph taking on a significance which is contradictory to the content. In all I am happy with this new first chapter. I just hope that it moves readers more than the original opening chapter in the rave.

As for status of the book. I have resubmitted (with permission) the revised manuscript to both the publisher and the agent that are currently 'considering' it. Once again I am having to exercise the single trait that haunts my life -- patience.

In other news.... I have been contacted by an upcoming musical artist from Georgia wanting to use RABBIT SLAYER as a basis of his band. He indicated that he was attracted to the 'dark' imagery I apply to the series. Before I'm going to provide an approval to use the character(s) I suggested he review the story. He has accepted is reviewing a partial and should be contacting me in a few days.

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I have been working on developing an outline for the next volume of THE ALICE CHRONICLES. I do have a working title, FAMILY TIES, and have a basic concept of what will transpire (book objective). However, I am thinking that I may need to incorporate more darker themes than I did in RABBIT SLAYER. What those elements shall be I'm not certain.

Wonderland will also take a larger role in FAMILY TIES. I'm thinking that the areas traveled by the characters will paint a darker picture. Perhaps hints of a more vital, happier time should be presented. At the moment I have not decided. What I have decided are the characters that take a role in the majority of the volume. Emily will return as the MC. I'll bring back Dinah and the Mad Hatter, both with larger roles. Neko and the Caterpillar will also have supporting roles. I'm considering creating a character named "The Jack of Spades" (Jack for short) as the active antagonist. The Ace and Alice will have minor roles, but spear-head the story objective.

More to come...

A New Year

Wow - its been July since I posted here. Much happened in my life, but the book sits idle.

Alice Chronicles is an series wanting to be written, but I'm plagued with doubts and uncertainty considering Rabbit Slayer has not moved. One agent has the manuscript and comments that it is on her "shortlist". Until I get a phone call with an offer of representation nothing is done. Hopes and dreams remain as such.

In the latter part of the year I did join the local Writer's Workshop group. Prior to sending my manuscript to the agent I read the first chapter to the group. The beating I took was horrid. I almost didn't send the manuscript in due to the scathing reviews received. During the break a local writer and publisher offered some advice to me. Based on her suggestions I've decided to rewrite the opening sequence for RS.

The objectives of the chapter will not change nor will the end result. But the setting will be drastically different. I also plan on cranking up the suspense and emotions that will result in Emily's guilt being more genuine and endearing to the reader. I have completed the outline and will begin working on the three parts today.

Oh and in other news - I crossed over and bought a MacBook Pro. Why I never went Mac before is now unknown to me. I love the computer and the intuitive operating system. Not to mention I purchased a software called Scrivener. In my opinion the package is beyond any other writing software available today. I have imported all my ideas into Scrivener and have been working on learning the software. I just hope it helps me write better.