I don’t know that I really want to do this. People say it’s good to talk about it, but it’s so fresh I’d rather not. My son died. He was only seventeen. Not even ‘only’ but ‘just’. He and his friend Turner, who was born on the same day, went out to celebrate their birthday without any of us parents knowing.
I don’t have all the details, but they found a body. Some man. Then they heard something in the woods I guess. Someone running away. James may have seen them. That had to cost his life.
Who wants to talk about losing their only child? So I’ll talk about me instead. I’m James Valentine, III. My son was James Valentine, IV. I hoped he’d take after me in so much more than name. I’m an architect, and I actually designed most of the houses in the neighborhood where my wife Emily and I and Turner and his family live.
Turner’s parents are Brad and Pam, and the four of us grew up together here in Glass, so it was only natural that our sons grow up together, too. They’ve been friends forever, and I know Turner is as torn apart by it as Emily and I are.
My age and all that doesn’t really matter. You don’t need to know my school or other background either. Just know I’m a grieving father and leave it at that.
As the date for my debut novel draws closer (there are still some things to do before making the date official), and I continue to work on other projects, I wonder how I’m going to balance it all. As an indie writer I have to:
– Write the book
– Edit the book
– Distribute it to beta readers
– Contract a professional editor
– Apply the edits
– Contract a professional proofreader
– Apply the proofreading remarks
– Format the book
– Purchase and apply ISBN number(s)file
– Distribute it to influencers and reviewers to get accurate, honest reviews for launch day
– Upload the file to the publishing website
– Purchase my own copies for selling on my website and having on-hand for events
I’m probably forgetting something…
But am I done? Nooooooo. Now there’s:
– Marketing this book
– Continue to write more books (and putting each through the above cycle)
– Maintaining an online store on my website and dealing with things like tax withholding
– Upkeep social media/my own website (including this blog!)
And still the publishing world demands more, like:
– TikTok – YouTube
– A newsletter to capture email addresses of interested readers
– In-person appearances like book signings or conferences
And on and on and on. Not to mention that I need to be ‘different’ to draw attention!
Wait – Why did I decide to do this again? Because I love it!
However. I did recently rant to a friend about all the social media. It’s a lot. Yes, I have a method of keeping it all in check, but with the growing number of ideas I have ‘for the next book’ the more each site seems daunting to maintain.
Still, I’ll find a way to do it all. Why? Because I love it!
I enjoy research. Learning new things and how to apply them can be fun. I’ve researched all sorts of topics for a number of different reasons, from my writing to writing blog posts for other companies. A potential upcoming novel includes a topic I had to research for one of those other companies: color psychology. I never even knew there was such a thing until this company requested it be a blog post on their website.
So I dove in. What is it, you ask? Color psychology is a theory of how individual colors affect cognitive function, creativity, mood, and even productivity. Shades of greens and blues are considered calming – evoking feelings of relaxation and peace. Vibrant tones like orange and red evoke feelings of energy and passion, while neutrals such as gray and white provide a sense of serenity.
Color psychology is based on the general study of psychology. Like general psychology, it’s been shown that the experiences of colors can seem similar, but individual people have unique responses, even to ‘standard’ color schemes. It extends even further than just a simple color. Shades of each color, along with the lighting those colors are presented in (natural or artificial) can have an effect as well.
There are disorders associated with color, too. Like chromophobia – the fear of certain colors or shades, and synesthesia, a disorder where colors are attributed to certain things that aren’t necessarily tied to color in the first place.
The topic of color psychology is a big one. There are several aspects that can be used to create a compelling character or story with a unique twist.
The next steps toward publishing my debut novel are nearly complete!
I got the corrections back from my proofreader, and discussed some clarifications with her. I’ll be applying those ideas soon. The next step: formatting and hitting Publish!
There are still a number of things that need to be put in place before I announce a launch date. Keep your eyes peeled – it’s coming soon!
Now it’s my turn. Who am I, you ask? I’m Caty Farmington, sister of Phineas Greene. You’ll meet him soon. Or not. He’s always getting himself into trouble. But enough about him for the moment, you want to know about me, don’t you?
There’s not a whole lot to tell, if you think you’re going to get some five page essay about my life and times up until this point. My brother’s life story, or part of it, is coming out soon. I think this summer, and I hear I’m part of it. Not necessarily in the best way, too. But why? I don’t know. I’m a good person who has always supported my family no matter what.
I own my own travel agency just outside of Glass and have been arranging travel for its residents and others for years now. If they’re mentioned in Phineas’ book, then I’ve probably arranged at least one trip for them.
What else? I’m in my mid-30s, if you must know. I’ve been working in the travel and hospitality industry since I was a teenager, and only opened my own agency when I moved back to the Glass area about five years ago or so. I still didn’t have much contact with Phineas, for reasons I’m sure you’ll read in his book.
Sometimes big brothers aren’t very good at being big brothers. But I’ll let you decide. There’s not much more I want to tell you before his book comes out, just in case I spill any spoilers. He hates when people give spoilers, so I’m not going to say any more. If you really want to know, pick up the book when it comes out.
The information will be on the website soon I’m told, so just be on the lookout or whatever.
