Melisa Peterson Lewis

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Passion Project: Write a Novel  

By

Melisa Peterson Lewis

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I’ve read articles and author comments about getting in the game of writing for financial gain. It’s near impossible they say and I believe them. I completely believe them. Upwards to one million books are published every year in the United States alone. Near half of these are self-published, according to my research.

I’m writing a novel about a virus that leaves people rather ravenous and zombie-like. The virus is spread in Baltimore City, one of the cities I enjoyed living in for many years. To prevent the spread of contamination the government walls in the city and manages to keep it at bay. This means we have an isolated and contained apocalypse. Think: The Walking Dead meets The Truman Show.

I couldn’t even tell you how many books are published each year with zombies as the main focus or even broader how many dystopian novels. I’m sure it’s thousands. What will put my book above those? Why will readers want to read my book instead of someone else’s grisly tale? I have no flipping idea! And I’m not sure that I care to measure myself next to other authors.

What I do know is this book is fun to write, it’s been well received by beta readers, and I hope local Baltimorians will get a kick out of it. I’m not writing to become a billionaire, though if that happened I wouldn’t turn it down!

A common question for writers is, why do you write? My answer is simple, it’s because I want to. It feels good. I’m a creator so therefore I must create. Writing is a constant learning process and a way to express myself. I get to try new things, paint my deepest fears and desires on paper, and share it with the world.

 

7 responses to “Passion Project: Write a Novel  ”

  1. arifullahkhan685 Avatar
    arifullahkhan685

    Very nice, and creative u r. Good luck 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

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  2. Karac Avalron Avatar
    Karac Avalron

    Good luck with the project, I am still hunting down a good outline template for mine, LOL.

    Liked by 1 person

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  3. Peter Martuneac Avatar
    Peter Martuneac

    It definitely sounds interesting! A thought on what will help your book stick out: focus on the characters. When it comes to certain genres, zombie/dystopian fiction being a prime example, there is nothing new under the sun. EVERY plotline, plot twist, backstory, and infection type has been done at least a hundred times. The only thing that can make a new entry into this genre stand out is charming and REAL protagonists. Breathe life into them, give them souls, and readers will never put the book down!

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  4. Branded Avatar
    Branded

    Sounds great! I’ve heard that if you write what people want, you will more likely make sales. People will remain loyal to their favorite authors, but they will read others within their interests. Use another name when writing for them, if you want. When you do it for yourself, it might be your name. Find Facebook pages for authors and readers of your genre. That’s a great way to make connections and find out what people are doing or interested in. Just some thoughts! There might also be conversations on marketing. Even publishers will leave the marketing to you, unless you are making them money. There are a lot of low cost venues. I haven’t done this with writing yet because it seems I can’t get a damn thing done! 😉 Good luck!

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  5. Jason McFadden Avatar
    Jason McFadden

    Your story sounded like *I Am Legend* to me, one of my faves. I, too, have wondered why a story idea of mine would interest anyone because all ideas have been done, right? No new ideas. But there are new combos of ideas, or ideas assembled in different ways. Most of all, though, will be your unique voice and expression of past ideas. That makes the good difference. In any case, you’re enjoying writing, and I think that counts the most. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. Fingers To Sky Avatar
      Fingers To Sky

      Thanks for your comment. I hope someone will read it other than my friends. But as my first book my goal is the best mediocre I, an pull off. I say that because I know I’ll get better the more I do it.

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      1. Jason McFadden Avatar
        Jason McFadden

        I hear ya. That’s how I think of just my blogging. I should get better the more I do it. And it may not be awesome, but it should be my best. Of course, I’ll take awesome if I can. 😀 I think once you finish your first book, the accomplishment will boost you to the next level.

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