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:
Nosoi Opening
Loft Connect is shiny and new, meaning not much going on there yet. But it has some potential, and there’s a group for speculative feedback. I think I’ll start by polishing up the Nosoi opening and see what they have to say.
Setting Aside Book 1
Taking a break from Book 1 for a little while. I need to figure some things out before I can really fix that, even though I have some solid ideas. That’s fine. Book A is calling, so I’ll sort through what I already have written for that and see what kind of shape it’s in.
Loft Connect
Well, the Fete was interesting, but only one person read any genre fiction at the open mic, and they all seemed to already know each other. Outsider looking in isn’t my strong suit, but we’ll try again next quarter. Visibility is the important thing! On the good side, though, I found that the loft has a new online writers’ networking platform called Connect. Going to check that out.
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.