Friday, April 11, 2014

The Time Seekers

A few weeks ago I mentioned writing a blog about my newest novel, The Time Seekers, and have only just gotten to it now. It's been a process, this book. Loved the idea, hated the execution. I think by the time I started the first draft I had grown tired of the whole paranormal genre, but the story required me to delve into that mind frame regardless. The book's middle section has been revised many, many times. I just could not get it right. I've heard of the sequel curse, but this was tough.

What I had to remember, though, was a story is never about a genre or any tricks you magically pull from the air, it is about the characters and their journey. Once I came to that mindset I was able to move ahead. I feel like now, finally, there is a great story within the paranormal.

Emma and William weren't perfect for each other after all. William, a ghostly relic from the 1950's, has difficulty adapting to the 1980's. There's also the problem of Emma not being able to get over Jesse's death. She carries the guilt of leaving him that night in the caves, and this guilt causes her to pull away from what would otherwise be such a beautiful relationship with William. Sounds like real life, if you don't count the ghost/cult stuff!

There was another element in the novel which had me in a brain-knot—do I alter a major 'real' event in history or keep it the same? People can get mighty pissed off when you mess with history. Especially when it comes to famous rock stars! To be honest, I didn't even choose at the end. I let the story lead me to that scene and whatever happened, happened. I worried about it, but now it's out of my hands. I'm clean . . .

The Time Seekers is in its fourth round of edits. The process, to be vetted by someone who knows the ins and outs of molding a perfect book, is wonderful yet painful. But I love it. My hopes are people will enjoy the book because, despite what I've said about any difficulty I had in writing it, The Time Seekers was enjoyable for me in so many ways. I loved revisiting Emma and William. And . . . hmm, you just never know who else is going to show up! Btw, I've written the third book, and so there's more time-travel goodness on the way. Emma goes from New York to Paris to Aspen, Colorado, then back to New York, 1980, 1963, 1988 . . . It's rock n roll and love and magic.

Peace and Smiles. Take care.

4 comments:

  1. It sounds like all your hard work is going to pay off. I like how there is no happily ever after, but who knows because everything can change in book three.

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  2. Yes, I hope it is, but mostly it was fun revisiting the characters!

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  3. A successful first book, which you've achieved, Amy is always going to be a hard act to follow - but you've done it and now a third book as well. We're all so proud of you, well done. Thank you for your sweet comment on my blog. I'm certainly going to make time to read all yours. Love Molly xx

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    1. I do hope to see you whenever possible. I won't forget the help you gave to me before the first book was published and all the support afterwards. Love you, Molly!

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