Deborah Munro · Author · added about 8 years ago · 9 likes

Hello Dear Readers,

Progress! I have been working through the storyboard for APEX with Inkshares, which has taken several iterations, but we’re getting very close to a final version. Then, I’ll get the green light to proceed with rewriting the manuscript.

It’s been an interesting and enlightening journey. I started this novel about nine years ago, then abandoned it at about one third done when my personal life became a chaotic mess for a while. When I tried to pick up the story again a few years later, I found that I couldn’t, that I’d lost my motivation and discipline to write daily, so I applied to the Stanford Online Writing Certificate program. It’s a two year, intensive program on fiction novel writing, which taught me a ton about the craft of writing. In the process of taking these classes, however, my book was heavily influenced by what I was learning and the opinions of my instructors and peers and thus changed dramatically (including POV characters, backstory, and motivations).

Now, with the help of Inkshares, all of that influence has been stripped away and I’m back to a version that is strikingly similar to my original story. I don’t regret a single tangent that I went on, as each taught me something valuable, and the overall quality of my book has improved from everything I’ve learned, but it does make me laugh to realize, "Huh, this is what I intended to write back in 2009!" Being in Stanford’s program is what allowed me to finish my manuscript and improved me as a writer overall, but I now know my own instincts for storytelling are what I should follow when I write.

When I’m given the go ahead, I’ll be excited to dive in and get this story written in its new, old version!

Cheers, Debbie

Deborah Munro · Author · added about 8 years ago · 9 likes

Dear readers,

I am making good progress on my novel, and I’m excited by how it’s coming together. The process of editing takes a long time, but I’m happy to report that my storyboard is almost finished. The editor and I have agreed on the story except for three items where I have additional work to do: I need to strengthen the storyline of one of my key characters, I need to tighten up the action scenes in a couple of crucial places, and I need to work on the theme. Obviously, the theme is the most challenging of these three. However, I am in agreement on what needs to change with the theme and how it needs to be improved to make it consistent with the overall plot. My goal is to make these edits to the storyboard by the end of the week and get the green light to proceed—and then I will begin rewriting the manuscript. Hopefully with all of this pre work, the rewriting will not take that long. I’m excited to get this book into your hand as soon as possible, but I also want it to be the best book it can possibly be.

Deborah Munro · Author · added over 8 years ago · 10 likes

Dear Readers,

I have been working through several different potential versions for my story for the past couple of months, and I’m pleased to say that I’ve worked out a new story board and plot line that I think is great. My daughter, Amanda, has been a huge help--listening to version after version and asking questions that come to her mind. She’s also great at suggesting "what if?", making me think about my characters and story in new ways. This has allowed me to fix major plot problems and fill gaping holes, which has created a stronger draft.

I’ve submitted it for review and should hear back in the next couple of weeks from Inkshares. They’ll likely have edits and revisions for me to consider, and then I’ll plow back into the writing and redo the manuscript. This shouldn’t take long, as I have the whole story envisioned from start to finish, and I have at least 50 percent of my original manuscript I can tweak and use.

Many thanks for your continued support! We’re one major step closer to having this book in your hands!

Cheers, Debbie

Deborah Munro · Author · added over 8 years ago · 10 likes

Dear Readers and Followers,

Good news! I have recently completed a detailed outline of my reworked manuscript. It took several attempts with a stack of index cards (each containing a single scene) to get the story just right. I’ve focused and tightened the story itself, and I’ve done considerable work on my characters and their motivations, too. Now, I’m awaiting feedback on the outline before I launch into the actual rewriting of the manuscript, which will be part revising and part new words on paper.

I’ve also been doing a lot of reading about writing in order to develop my skills as a storyteller, and I think APEX will benefit from the time I’m spending on that front as well. Thank you for your continued patience.

As a side note and shout out, I’m very proud of my fellow writers on Inkshares and the projects they’re working on right now, including Tal Klein, Ferd Crotte, Jane-Holly Meissner, Craig Munro, and Regina McMenomy. Just type in their name on Inkshares, and you’ll see what I mean. They’re participating in contests, hosting book signings, releasing novels after years of hard work, and so forth. It’s all very exciting and inspires me every day to keep pursuing my own projects.

Cheers, Debbie

Deborah Munro · Author · added over 8 years ago · 11 likes

Great news today! I received the Rites of Passage syndicate award! This syndicate supports first time authors, and I couldn’t be more proud to be recognized this way.

I’ve submitted my manuscript markups to my development editor, and I like to imagine her pouring over them this week. Once I’ve heard back from her, I’ll move on to reworking sections of my manuscript, adding and deleting scenes, and changing back to the original point of view. It’s going to be a lot of work, but well worth it in the end. :)

Cheers, Debbie

Deborah Munro · Author · added over 8 years ago · 7 likes

Dear Readers,

I had my first phone call with my editor, and I’m inspired to dive in and keep things rolling. I have a major edit in front of me,but I’ve made it through about a third of the manuscript adding my initial thoughts on how to tweak and revise the story. I’ll finish that within the week, and then I’ll start the writing, which should go quickly as I’ll know the path.

I’ve been nominated as this month’s pick for the Rites of Passage syndicate, and I’m truly honored. If you’re a member of that syndicate (and if you’re not, you should join), please take a look at my updated book page and revised Prologue, as well as the awesome video trailer by Christopher Lee, and consider voting for me. I’d be thrilled to have your support and the publicity that winning would bring to my first novel, APEX.

Cheers, Debbie

Deborah Munro · Author · added over 8 years ago · 11 likes

Dear Readers,

I have great news...and not so great news. The great news is I got my development editor feedback, and she did an excellent job. The comments were detailed and thorough, and her suggestions superb. The not so great news is that I agree with her that a major point of view revision is necessary to maintain the mystery and intrigue. This is going to take me considerable time to rewrite, and with the way the bookstore buying and publishing calendar works, that means I won’t be ready for an October release date. Instead, it looks like March of 2018. I suggest we shoot for a "Beware the ides of March" release date just for fun. That’s March 15th and the date of Julius Caesar’s death and an importance religious date for those unaware of its historical significance.

So, I will be a busy woman for the next six weeks, trying to complete all my revisions before sending it in for Round Two.

Thank you for your continued support and patience, as I strive to give you the best possible book!

Cheers, Debbie

Deborah Munro · Author · added over 8 years ago · 11 likes

Dear Readers,

I’m writing today to ask you to support a fellow Inkshares and Portland, Oregon writer and friend, Jane-Holly Meissner. She is the author of Fae Child, which can be pre-ordered at https://www.inkshares.com/books/fae-child.

Fae Child is the story of Abbie, a young girl who is accidentally taken into the fairy world by a fairy boy. The plot thickens as we traverse both Abbie’s adventures in the fairy world and her parents’ dismay at finding their daughter has been replaced with a changeling. This book has an ethereal, other world quality to it that reminds me of both Alice in Wonderland and Taken where two worlds clash. Although designed as a YA and teen read, this book is delightful for all. I’m talking to you, Harry Potter fans.

Fae Child has won FOUR syndicate awards, which is amazing, but is still 82 pre-orders away from being published. There are only two weeks left to help Jane-Holly achieve her dream of being published. For only $10, you can get an e-book to read or gift to others. For $20, you can get a signed paperback copy.

Let’s make this happen! I can’t wait to receive my copy!

Cheers, Debbie

Deborah Munro · Author · added over 8 years ago · 11 likes

I am delighted to report that I completed my manuscript and sent it off to the Inkshare editors today! It feels amazing to have the novel done and on its way to being published! I couldn’t be happier with how the story turned out and believe you’ll find it to be a compelling page turner. If you haven’t purchased a copy for yourself or loved ones yet, now is the time. You can still pre-order and reserve your ebook or paperback copy, so that it arrives immediately. Go to https://www.inkshares.com/books/apex.

Cheers, Debbie

Deborah Munro · Author · added almost 9 years ago · 10 likes

Dear Readers,

A lot has been happening since my last update. First and foremost, APEX was added to the Crypt TV collection, which means it will be promoted by Inkshares and CryptTV for possible film or TV adaptation, which is really exciting! I personally think APEX would make an excellent movie, but I’m seriously biased.

I have been diligently working on reworking my novel to make it the best book it can be, as that is what matters most. The major portion of that effort is regrouping the point of view in the chapters to preserve the mystery of what our geneticist, Claire, is doing. I have until the end of January to incorporate all my changes before I submit the manuscript to Inkshares for edits.

This past week, I submitted all my author information and creative work for the book cover, etc. The goal is to release the hard copy version of APEX on Halloween, a fitting date for a contemporary sci-fi thriller, don’t you think? At this point, I don’t know when the ebook will be released, but it’s coming!

I got up at 6am a majority of the days during NaNoWriMo and tried to write for an hour. It was the only guaranteed quiet time I had. Jane-Holly (author of Fae Child) and Regina (author of Mothering: The Game) helped hold me accountable. We had so much fun checking in, we’ve decided to keep at it through December. We also managed to meet in person and have dinner this past week, which was great fun (we all live in Portland, Oregon area). They are even more delightful in person than online.

As January is a busy travel month for me, my goal is to finish most of the rework on my novel by the end of the year. I’ll check in with all of you around then and let you know how I did. Wish me luck!

Thank you again for your support and demonstrated faith in me. Publishing a novel has always been one of my top bucket list things to accomplish, and I couldn’t have done it without you.

Cheers, Debbie