Author. Imaginist. Creator of Worlds.
Welcome to the Nexus!
David Earl Whitaker is a multi-genre author whose first book, "Flight of the Nosoi," is currently in search of an agent or publisher. He has several other works in progress.
From this Nexus, you can visit the world of Nosoi, or you can catch a glimpse though the portals to several others. Many ways are barred to mere mortals, but, in time, the barriers will break down so exploration can begin.
News:
Friend Fete at the Loft
Tonight, the Loft is hosting a gathering of authors, which I believe will be a networking opportunity with an open mic. Not really sure what to expect, but I’ll be there to find out!
Book A
As part of my revision process on The Way, I’ve realized the scope of the project is much larger than I had originally thought. As such, I’m splitting the epic story out into several volumes. This week, while waiting feedback on Part 1 of Book 1, I began writing on Book A. The prologue and first chapter are set, and the next several chapters are roughed out. It may sound confusing, but hopefully it won’t be confusing when it’s all said and done.
MOAR Alpha!
Wrangled a few more alpha readers for Project Koshchei. Printing the last of those hard copies to deliver later this week. Which is good timing as I work toward a mile post on The Way revisions.
The Problem with Feedback
One of the great things about writing groups is getting feedback on works in progress. Of course, that can also be one of the bad things. Well, not bad, really. But it can be dangerous if you’re readers are expecting a book other than the one you’re writing. Time to go back and clarify some things. Fix the promises and set the correct tone starting right off in chapter 1.
Worldcon Connections
At WorldCon, I got into a session with an agent that requested a full manuscript. She didn’t end up making an offer, but did give some welcome feedback. Sadly, I think it’s a genre mashup problem, so we’ll just keep trying.
Promise vs Payoff
The process of having readers read things before the book is done to find out if what you wrote landed correctly, or is misleading or confusing, or any number of other issues. It turns out that, while the progress is working well in The Way, the promise and tone is misstated. So… I’ll be revising chapter 1 in the near future to set those up right.
Back To School!
Yes, it’s that time of year, again. This year with extra special distractions due to my favorite first child going off to college! Yikes. Still working on The Way (nearly done with Part 1), and wrangling a couple more readers for Project Koshchei. And thinking about newsletter solutions.
Newsletter Incoming!
One of the biggest things I got out of Worldcon last week, besides that wonderful train ride, was that every author, especially indie published, needs a newsletter. So… look for that in the coming days (I didn’t say how many days!).
Worldcon Redux
Whew! We just got back from Worldcon and had a great time. Five days of networking and panels about writing, publishing, fandom, and more. Even got into a couple of table-talks, where six attendees get exclusive time with an industry professional. I sat in with Thea Prieto and Sara Megibow, where I learned a lot. At this point, I’m steering myself toward indie publishing, while keeping my options open. I’ll continue to query Nosoi even as I start looking into cover artists and platforms. Exciting things in the works.
The Train
So. . . when we planned this trip to Worldcon, my wife and quickly agreed that we wanted to take the train (Amtrak Empire Builder) from St. Paul to Seattle. It’s a vacation we had been thinking about for a while. Well, turns out, the train can be late some time. This time, because of flooding in Wisconsin and crew expiration, it was 12 hours late! We still had a good time, but didn’t get to Seattle until after 10 last night with the con starting bright and early this morning. So much for sightseeing. The funny part, though, is that I’m sure we’d do it again. The train in fun and relaxing, as long as your schedule is a little flexible.