I finished editing my novel this week with detailed edits just focusing on chapters and not the novel as a whole. I am in correspondence with my aunt, who aforementioned is an accomplished writer. We are currently sorting through edits for the novel. I will be engaging in a one and a half week break from my novel start on March 23 (the beginning of spring break). In addition to these news, I also got two email replies - one from the Neenah Public Library, allowing my book donation to the library. This was exciting news that guaranteed the extended reach of my novel. In addition, Lisa See, famous author, replied to my email, giving her two cents on writing a successful historical fiction novel. She advised focusing on the character’s emotions and experiences above all, while praising my ambition. A picture of her can be seen in the blog post. That was my week: uneventful but hectic just the same while wrapping up first edits.
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This week I contacted the Neenah Public Library to see if I could donate a copy of my book to their collection. Not only would this spread publicity and my book’s reach, but it would give me a taste of communication with professionals outside of the classroom, as I have been doing.
In addition, Jeff Shaara, famous historical author, emailed me back today. He addressed to main topics: write about what you love and “show, don’t tell”. To not search for the “secret” of writing was his introduction, as he reflected deeply on the falsities created behind covers of “How-To Be A Bestseller” books in Barnes and Noble. This email, in short, was a very meaningful and touching message, as it is still a shock that best-selling authors might send an email to a fourteen year old. A picture of the author can be seen below. I am editing more this week, so “same old, same old”. Still, it is exciting to be on my path to finishing. Even so, my tolerance with editing two chapters a week is growing thin, so the two week break over spring break will offer some much needed space. This week was low-key, as I was scrambling to finish other projects due around the same time. It was a week of editing, and while I did not receive any more emails, I applied my most recent email to my editing, diving deep into the character of the person. I am looking into who I can have an interview with. I am considering Kai Steenbuck, the researcher at the U-boat museum in Germany (picture shown). I am still so fascinated and touched that someone in GERMANY would take time out of his day to contact me. The thought is bizarre - especially to contact a freshman! I would like to continue to stay in contact, but I can't think of any more questions for him. However, because our contacts have been limited, and I do not know him well, I think I will try to set up a Skype call with an author. I have not decided who yet, but when more authors start replying, my options will broaden. |
AuthorNatalie Frank is a published author who strives to capture unwritten history in a meaningful way. View her "About" page for more! Archives
April 2019
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