ASTOUNDING NEWS: Introducing My New Story!

There’s something you should know.

For some time now, I have been eyeing Wattpad as a possible venue for my writing.  I started following a story on Wattpad, not so much for the story, but to get an idea of how it worked and the type of community that formed there.

Honestly, I didn’t much care for the community that I saw on this project.

And then I thought:  “This is silly – I know a ton of brilliant readers right here on my blog and on Goodreads – THEY are the ones I want to write for and THEY are the ones I want participating in this exciting new adventure.”

WHICH LEADS ME TO MY ASTOUNDING NEWS –

I’m going to release a story serially on my blog!

*FIREWORKS, CONFETTI AND MELTDOWNS ENSUE*

Hehe yeah.  I’m excited, but I’m also a BIT nervous (okay more than a bit), for two reasons.

1)   What if somebody steals my story?  I get a lot of spammers, and maybe somebody doesn’t like me, or maybe some random rotter would just decide to abscond with my words.

But then I think –

STOP KIDDING YOURSELF, ALLISON.  It’s not THAT good.  😉

Yes, it’s an outside possibility – but I have decided to risk it.  I have to be bold if I want to take this next step in sharing my writing and hold what is dear loosely, because ultimately – that’s what writing is all about.

2)  You are all going to see some rough writing and that MAKES ME UNCOMFORTABLE.

Yes, I did more-or-less brush it all up, but it’s not PUBLICATION READY.   I haven’t had beta-readers or proof readers go over it.  This feels like . . . UNFINISHED RAW MATERIAL.  It’s a little difficult for someone who is running after perfectionism to show my story in this raw, changeable state (and there’s a reason it’s in a loose state, keep reading).

But I’m sure doing this and being open and not a perfectionist WILL be good for me.

(end of reasons why I feel slightly nauseated)

You know – so what if I’m nervous?  “Ninety nine percent of the world wakes up sick with anxiety and fear EVERY morning.” #favoritemoviequote

Just because it’s new and different, doesn’t mean this isn’t going to be great. It’s going to be exciting.  I’m going to enjoy this and learn from it and it’s going to be awesome!  *fist pump*

So, this is how it’s going to work!

From April to December, I will be posting a chapter every month.  Eight chapters total, with a final prologue for New Years.

Similar to Wattpad, I am looking for comments on each post.  I want reader feedback and participation!  I want YOU to help shape and guide this book.  I want YOU to be a co-creator with me.  So tell me your ideas!  Tell me what you do and don’t like.  Tell me what you think needs to be changed.

NOW – I cannot guarantee that I will be implementing your suggestions as I’m posting this story.  Why?  Because –

All of the marvelous ideas that I’m sure you’re going to share might not be implemented as you read the story.

UNLESS THE STARS ALIGN and something changes, I won’t be able to make major revisions to this story, YET.  I’m still scrambling through basic rewrites.

You might see slight rewrites (i.e. implementation of your ideas) but major changes might have to be put on hold until next year.

The rough draft is already there and will be presented to you “as is.”  I would LOVE to be doing rewrites AS I’m posting it, but I have too many previous commitments.

SO.

If I get enough reader feedback – I would be convinced to go to print, implement more of your ideas more thoroughly, commit to major rewrites and create an ebook and print copy of this story.

So more readers = more realization of your creative ideas = a physical copy you can hold in your hands with your name in it.

Because YES.  Everyone that leaves feedback and ideas will be in the dedication!  *cheers*

SO GIVE ME ALL THE FEEDBACK AND SUGGESTIONS.  I want your IDEAS AND REACTIONS – lots of THEM.

This is going to be SORT OF like Wattpad in that YOU get to be a creative force behind this process.

Even if you don’t see your ideas implemented (YET), KEEP TALKING TO ME.  I want this to be a big brainstorming session and I want to see YOUR brilliance and YOUR preferences!  I want you to help me write this.

Forgive me if it takes a some to time to see your suggestions become a reality – but I DO WANT IT TO HAPPEN.

Are you excited yet?  Ready to get a little more excited?  Allow me to introduce the project!

 – The Project –

Note: Not the final cover.

Genre:  Gentle Fiction in a high fantasy / medieval setting.  (yes, you did read that right). 

I hope you’re not too disappointed.  This isn’t going to be a spine-tingling, page-turning serial full of cliff hangers. Those who have read The Reluctant Godfather will find something similar here in the gentle pace, crazy antics, and mixture of heart and humor.

I wrote this about 10 years ago (but don’t panic, I’ve been rewriting it). It was around the time when I first started seeing a lot of Lord of the Rings around and discovered the wonder of James Herriot.

Those two elements came together in my mind to form this story.

Sorry, there are no magical quests or veterinarians.  That original flavor of Lord of the Rings and James Herriot is still there, but it’s become something different.  If you can imagine an Elizabeth Enright book or the Penderwicks in a medieval/fantasy setting, you would be pretty close to Life At Hedgerose.

 – The Blurb –

A mysterious haunting, a rampaging dragon, a mysterious egg, a cantankerous new housekeeper.  These are only some of the adventures that befall fourteen-year-old Titus Benjamin Bromley as he navigates the strange life of being a ward to a magical Welkin in the tiny village of Hedgerose.  An orphan, Titus gradually finds his place in Hedgerose thanks to a cranky old Fae, three irrepressible friends, and a healthy dose of surprises.  

Full of quirky escapades, amusing romps and endearing characters, Life At Hedgerose is a high fantasy approach to childhood classics in the charming style of Jeanne Birdsall and Elizabeth Enright that the whole family can enjoy. *blushes* Okay so it still needs work and, hey, I have to make it sound like the best thing since sliced bread! That’s marketing for you.  *ducks*

 – Small Print –

Look for the first chapter of Life At Hedgerose THIS THURSDAY.

You can add Life At Hedgerose to your Goodreads account here.

I added a tag to the blog categories / tag cloud (entitled: Life At Hedgerose) to help you locate future chapters if you haven’t subscribed to my blog.

Anyone who has subscribed to my blog will naturally see the chapters as they are posted.

So are you ready?  Let’s do this!  Bear with me as I post this piecemeal story.  You may find inconsistencies or typos, your magic chariot might hit a pot hole of rough writing here and there but please, join me on this adventure!  I need some merry crewmates as I set sail on this new voyage to discover new lands.

I can’t wait to welcome you aboard!