The Peter Principle

I'm in the research stage of the next book I'm writing, it's nonfiction as well. It's the longest stage of writing and the most wearying. I love the whole process but it's the most jumbled and chaotic stage of writing as well. There are times when I cut up what I'm doing and lay it all out on the floor. I walk between the pieces figuring out the order of things. It's the way of nonfiction I guess.

Now, fiction, is a completely different process. It's more organic in nature and it's my favorite to write. I'm also on the final edit (the mechanics of writing) for my first fiction book, Prairie Autumn, and my readers have that. (I hope you're reading it ladies! Hint Hint.) and finishing the second book in the four books series, Dakota Summer.

Writing fiction books is different than nonfiction. I plot, and I research as I write, and take joy in the twists and turns of subplot. It's a much more enjoyable process overall. My fiction books have anachronistic language in parts and I've taken some geographical liberties as a writer, but the books take place in eastern South Dakota, a place I lived. Think post Civil War homesteading era. Books three and four are plotted. Book two rocks! I've got so many subplots, however, that I have to be careful not to get tangled up.

There was an agent who was interested in the first book when I sent a summary. His editor, however, was clueless and annoyed me so much that, even when he called apologizing for her, I told him I wasn't interested in his agency anymore. She was arguing about when crops ripened in SD ... um yeah ... I've lived there, she's from CA. That was only the tip of the iceberg.

 I'm so anal in my writing that if my character uses a clothespin I make sure they've been invented and look at pics of the item before I put them into my story. This chick was guessing all the way through! She'd comment on something saying, "I don't believe that this was around at that time, do your research!" I'd sit here, on my end, with a photo of the item in question in my hand with invention dates and dates of widespread use. Apparently SHE should have done some research. If I would have listened to this idiot my whole book would have been screwed up! Not only that, my antagonist was weak and she never once even MENTIONED an antagonist or lack thereof. How do these people get their jobs????? Or keep them? Sheesh! The Peter Principle at work!

I have two agents who have expressed interest in the book series but I don't know if I should farm it out or publish it myself. I don't like cross-collateralization and many times that is standard in book contracts. My publishing company is set up so that I'll be able to use national distributors down the line like anyone else if I want to. It would certainly be easier to fund my son's special needs trust with a larger profit margin. <sigh> We'll see what happens. This is something I'm praying about and hoping to see the clear path on. Decisions, decisions. I don't have to decide today so I'm waiting on God's timing on this one.

At any rate, this blog is all about stream of consciousness and babbling about the craft. Feel free to chime in!

Have a great week ... write somethin' wouldja?
Karen

A random blog entry putting off my column

I have a column due in a couple of days and I'm wondering about a topic. I've written the column for eleven years now and it sometimes seems hard to find something fresh, something my readers will like. I feel for people like Dave Barry, who have weekly columns. It must be hard to be funny all the time.

My column is a little different in that it's what we call a feature column. All the hallmarks of a regular column that looks like a feature article (duh) ... longer and more in depth. My editor wants to go on vacation during normal deadline dates so requested our columns a little early. I'm tossing ideas around in my head. The issue is typically on camps and summer fun, but I've covered camps for the disabled and there is only so many times you can cover it, nothing changes. So, now I'm looking for an angle, playing with other pieces.

Last night I should have been writing, even though I felt like yukky. One of the problems with working at home is working through illness. You pretty much have to, you know? Who else will do it? Boy, you can tell I'm rambling. Not getting anything done here. I sat and edited six chapters in one of my fiction book. Again, the column is more pressing. <sigh>

So dear readers, I leave you to get my column written. I promise I'll be more focused next time. This post is a black hole of words. Sucked into cyberspace with absolutely no meaning or gestalt. I'll catch you when I'm a little less distracted.

Take care ... and write somethin', wouldja?

Much love and joy,
Karen

Book Release ... Children of Light by Karen J. Olson

Yippee! My book is finally out! I apologize that I haven't been posting as regularly as I was. My bad. I was so busy with work that I couldn't get to it. No excuse ... just that season of my life, I guess.

If you read my column or like my Chicken Soup for the Soul stories you'll love this book too! It's a labor of love.

Here's an excerpt:

Chapter 2
A Child of Light

You may not have experienced the NICU and the roller coaster we were on, but if you have a child with special needs, you've been at the amusement park. We all hang on to the sides of our seats when our child's life, or happiness, hangs in the balance. We can't help but ask "Why?" "Why is this happening to me? What did I do wrong to deserve this?"

If you're interested in seeing more, or ordering a copy, please go to the publisher's website at http://www.casparapublishing.com/ and click on "store" to order a copy ... or two. ;-)

Much love and joy,

Karen

I'm booking inspirational speaking engagements ... contact Caspara Publishing with your request at info@casparapublishing.com 
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