Some good news on the personal front

Submitted by Steven D on Thu, 11/14/2019 - 2:02pm

After many years of writing and re-writing my novel, I recently signed a contract with Black Rose Writing, a small press, to publish (current working title) "My Travels With a Dead Man." The publication date isn't until August, 2020, just in time for both conventions to be over.

Maybe not ideal situation, but I'm happy, since I am an unknown, unpublished author, and this is my debut novel. Without giving away too much of the plot, here's a brief blurb regarding what it's about:

My Travels With a Dead Man is a literary novel of suspense that blends fantasy, paranormal and magical realism elements in the coming of age story of Jane Takako Wolfsheim, a young woman with the ability to alter time and space to create alternative worlds to which she can travel.

Jane becomes involved with a mysterious and highly manipulative man claiming to be the son of Jorge Luis Borges. Their resulting relationship ultimately threatens everything and everyone she holds dear. Other principal characters include: Ulrikke, Borges’ mother who conceived him after an affair with the real author, Jorge Luis Borges; the ghost of the famous Japanese Poet, Basho, a friend and mentor to Jane; and a mysterious demonic spirit, the man in black, who plagues Jane’s nightmares, as it seeks to use her to fulfill a dangerous prophecy in its quest for immortality.

I'll update folks as I get closer to publication, but despite many terrible things happening in this world of ours, this small thing brought me a little joy. Thanks to all my friends here who have supported my political writing, which meant a lot to me personally.

Steve

Tags:

#Persoanl #GoodNews

Vote

Comments

Submitted by BORG_US_BORG on Thu, 11/14/2019 - 3:17pm

Congratulations!!!

Submitted by Steven D on Thu, 11/14/2019 - 5:47pm

Thank you

@BORG_US_BORG I am still a little surprised but life is like that.

—

"You can't just leave those who created the problem in charge of the solution."---Tyree Scott

Submitted by joe shikspack on Thu, 11/14/2019 - 3:28pm

great to hear...

that you got a publishing deal!

i hope that the novel is a great success, steven.

Submitted by Steven D on Thu, 11/14/2019 - 5:55pm

Oh I see

@joe shikspack my 1st comment to you didn't appear under your comment, so again, thanks Joe!

—

"You can't just leave those who created the problem in charge of the solution."---Tyree Scott

Submitted by mimi on Thu, 11/14/2019 - 3:47pm

aah, such good news, happy for you and us

to have been on your side for your political writing here. Wonderful success.

—

https://www.euronews.com/live

Submitted by Steven D on Thu, 11/14/2019 - 5:46pm

Thanks Mimi

@mimi I hope all is well for you right now. Are you still in Germany?

Take care.

—

"You can't just leave those who created the problem in charge of the solution."---Tyree Scott

Submitted by Snode on Thu, 11/14/2019 - 4:26pm

Awesome Cool!

Can't wait for it. Do you go on a book tour? Does it have trolls? Am I in it? Do you get to pick the cover art? Is it illustrated? Can I borrow $20? Is there any sex? Am I in it? Is it part of the Marvel Universe? Am I in it?

Seriously, all dumbassery aside, congratulations. Looking forward to its release.

Submitted by Steven D on Thu, 11/14/2019 - 5:44pm

Thanks

@Snode It will be a definite learning experience, but right now I'm just happy (well once it comes out) to be able to call myself a published writer.

Ps. No to trolls, sadly. Sex - well, some, but it ain't 50 shades of Grey by a very long shot lol.

—

"You can't just leave those who created the problem in charge of the solution."---Tyree Scott

Submitted by ggersh on Thu, 11/14/2019 - 4:38pm

Congrats!

Small steps is a good beginning.

—

I never knew that the term "Never Again" only pertained to
those born Jewish

"Antisemite used to be someone who didn't like Jews
now it's someone who Jews don't like"

Heard from Margaret Kimberley

Submitted by Steven D on Thu, 11/14/2019 - 5:53pm

Yep

@ggersh @ggersh Got to learn to walk before you can run (somebody said that before me, I'm pretty sure)

If I do a second one, maybe the process next time will be easier. I originally began this book back in 2014, and not until May of this year did I begin to submit to literary agents and small presses. After a bunch of rejection letters from the literary agents (form letters all) I stopped having much hope but now I have something to show my kids that all those crazy hours spent two finger typing actually led to something!

—

"You can't just leave those who created the problem in charge of the solution."---Tyree Scott

Submitted by Deja on Thu, 11/14/2019 - 4:49pm

Great news!!!

Please let us know where we can order it next year! It sounds like it's right up my alley. My daughter would probably also like it.

It's nice to hear good news, too. Thanks for letting us know.

Submitted by Steven D on Thu, 11/14/2019 - 5:41pm

Thanks

@Deja I will certainly keep everyone here apprised. It seems unless you are a big name or a celebrity, a lot of book promotion is up to author these days, something I feel myself ill suited to do, but that's life. I guess I will learn.

But it's much better than not having it published after all the time I've spent on it.

—

"You can't just leave those who created the problem in charge of the solution."---Tyree Scott

Submitted by lotlizard on Thu, 11/14/2019 - 7:42pm

Have met lots of authors at the Frankfurt and Leipzig book fairs

@Steven D
who team up with their small publishers or with each other to organize a booth or a stand, i.e. a place where they can promote their books (and personal “brand”) and hold meet-and-greet events (readings, signings).

Big-time authors of bestsellers and blockbusters can rely on the publisher to do it all, but everyone else is on their own.

I came away with the impression that nowadays, some authors’ understanding of their role starts to overlap with that of social media influencers, where maintaining contact with one’s fan club is an integral part of the job. At book fairs, freebies are handed out and there are contests and other promotional gimmicks galore. All a bit crass.

Submitted by Steven D on Thu, 11/14/2019 - 10:03pm

Yes it’s a little overwhelming.

@lotlizard @lotlizard I hope to have a book launch somewhere in NY state where I live when the publication date comes. Maybe if I am lucky in NYC but that depends on if there is a bookstore that is willing to host it. I honestly don’t know what exactly I am getting myself into, which may be a good thing. Otherwise I might get too anxious.

—

"You can't just leave those who created the problem in charge of the solution."---Tyree Scott

Submitted by Steven D on Thu, 11/14/2019 - 5:34pm

Thanks Joe

It's a small press so it will be up to me to find a way to help promote the book, but I'm happy to have gotten the contract. Baby steps as they say.

—

"You can't just leave those who created the problem in charge of the solution."---Tyree Scott

Submitted by zett on Thu, 11/14/2019 - 5:59pm

Congratulations!

When it comes out I will be sure to buy a copy.

Submitted by Steven D on Thu, 11/14/2019 - 10:01pm

Thanks.

@zett I appreciate that.

—

"You can't just leave those who created the problem in charge of the solution."---Tyree Scott

Submitted by snoopydawg on Thu, 11/14/2019 - 6:55pm

Great news, Steven

Hopefully once everything gets settled for you we will see you around more?

—

Was Humpty Dumpty pushed?

Submitted by Steven D on Thu, 11/14/2019 - 10:05pm

Going to be working on that.

@snoopydawg though life for me is not very settled at all right now. Lots of other stuff going on in my family that is not as nice as this. But it helps to have a little good news.

—

"You can't just leave those who created the problem in charge of the solution."---Tyree Scott

Submitted by Bollox Ref on Thu, 11/14/2019 - 7:26pm

Published author!!

Well done! Think how many scriveners do their thing and the result never sees the light of day.

—

Gëzuar!!
from a reasonably stable genius.

Submitted by Steven D on Thu, 11/14/2019 - 10:08pm

Very true

@Bollox Ref I have read a lot of draft novels that re wonderful but it is so hard to break into this industry if you lack any connections. Much like any other business, who you know matters more than how good you are.

—

"You can't just leave those who created the problem in charge of the solution."---Tyree Scott

Submitted by Shahryar on Thu, 11/14/2019 - 7:31pm

good news is so welcome!

well done!

Submitted by Steven D on Thu, 11/14/2019 - 10:09pm

Thanks so much.

@Shahryar I am still in a bit of shock that this happened.

—

"You can't just leave those who created the problem in charge of the solution."---Tyree Scott

Submitted by Anja Geitz on Thu, 11/14/2019 - 8:20pm

How exciting!

Can't wait to read it. Sounds very interesting

—

There is always Music amongst the trees in the Garden, but our hearts must be very quiet to hear it. ~ Minnie Aumonier

Submitted by Steven D on Thu, 11/14/2019 - 10:11pm

I hope it is.

@Anja Geitz I am a big fan of Borges, and this book tries to the best if my ability to explore many of the themes that he concentrated on in his work. Though, it isn’t at all in his style.

—

"You can't just leave those who created the problem in charge of the solution."---Tyree Scott

Submitted by on the cusp on Thu, 11/14/2019 - 11:30pm

Exciting news!

Good on you, Mister!

—

"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981

Submitted by Steven D on Fri, 11/15/2019 - 9:32am

Thanks so much

@on the cusp Still wrapping my head around it.

—

"You can't just leave those who created the problem in charge of the solution."---Tyree Scott

Submitted by Mark from Queens on Fri, 11/15/2019 - 6:35am

That’s wonderful, Steven.

Just thinking aloud...a couple of the parents I’ve met on the playground these past couple of years work in book publishing/author tour promotion. And there’s also two amazing radical used bookstores in Bklyn that are run or used to be run by some Occupy folks we’re acquainted with. Don’t know if they do in-store appearances though.

Best of luck to you, my friend. Lemme know if there’s a way I can help to point you in any of their directions.

And to you also personally: feeling a bit sheepish and disappointed about not having been in a position to put together a C99 meetup in NYC. Man, I’m perpetually exhausted these days, which stretch on and on in this continuing odyssey of a first time Dad in his 50’s doing 60hrs a week with two kids by himself with no family help whatsoever. My initiative to do anything is severely limited by fatigue, schedule-keeping and virtually no free time but to at the end of the day uncork a bottle, read a little and collapse into bed.
Something’s gotta happen with a C99 get together, and I’d surely try to pitch in, but don’t see at this time rallying it all up.

—

"If I should ever die, God forbid, let this be my epitaph:

THE ONLY PROOF HE NEEDED
FOR THE EXISTENCE OF GOD
WAS MUSIC"

- Kurt Vonnegut

Submitted by Steven D on Fri, 11/15/2019 - 9:34am

Thanks Mark

@Mark from Queens We'll see what happens. I understand if I can get bookstores to hold a promotional event, it can be helpful. Be a good excuse to come to NYC and visit everyone I know there.

—

"You can't just leave those who created the problem in charge of the solution."---Tyree Scott

Submitted by Lookout on Fri, 11/15/2019 - 7:48am

Hooray!

Excellent news. Always nice to see efforts rewarded. Wishing you and your book all the best!

—

“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”

Submitted by Steven D on Fri, 11/15/2019 - 9:35am

Thank you

@Lookout I really appreciate that.

—

"You can't just leave those who created the problem in charge of the solution."---Tyree Scott

Submitted by irishking on Fri, 11/15/2019 - 8:01am

just great!

very happy for you.
couldn't happen to a nicer guy.

will buy one for sure- some great characters in there.

Submitted by Steven D on Fri, 11/15/2019 - 9:36am

Thank you

@irishking Publication is still q while off (expected in August 2020) but I will keep people here advised of when it becomes available.

—

"You can't just leave those who created the problem in charge of the solution."---Tyree Scott

Submitted by Not Henry Kissinger on Fri, 11/15/2019 - 10:56am

Author! Author!

Well done, StevenD.

—

The current working assumption appears to be that our Shroedinger's Cat system is still alive. But what if we all suspect it's not, and the real problem is we just can't bring ourselves to open the box?

Submitted by Steven D on Fri, 11/15/2019 - 10:59am