Christopher A. Nooner's Blog: A Shadow of my Soul
November 18, 2016
A little thought
During my travels promoting Shadow Souls, I recently had a chance to visit an old high school classmate and friend that I hadn't seen in 25 years. I was blessed to meet his wonderful family and spend the afternoon catching up and just having a good time.
During our visit I noticed a copy of Shadow Souls on a desk. It was obvious from the curled cover that it had been read, multiple times (presumably by multiple people). That small sight made my heart soar like nothing I had ever experienced. What a great thrill it was to not just see my writing in someone's home, but to realize it had been enjoyed and passed around.
There isn't a bigger reward as a writer or artist of any kind to know that your work is enjoyed and shared. It's also humbling.
My heart is full of gratitude for that sweet family, like it is for each and every one who has read Shadow Souls. Thank you. I guess there isn't any way that I can truly express my thankfulness.
Except maybe to finish Book 2.
To that end, I think I'll get back to writing.
During our visit I noticed a copy of Shadow Souls on a desk. It was obvious from the curled cover that it had been read, multiple times (presumably by multiple people). That small sight made my heart soar like nothing I had ever experienced. What a great thrill it was to not just see my writing in someone's home, but to realize it had been enjoyed and passed around.
There isn't a bigger reward as a writer or artist of any kind to know that your work is enjoyed and shared. It's also humbling.
My heart is full of gratitude for that sweet family, like it is for each and every one who has read Shadow Souls. Thank you. I guess there isn't any way that I can truly express my thankfulness.
Except maybe to finish Book 2.
To that end, I think I'll get back to writing.
October 31, 2016
NaNoWriMo November
National Novel Writing Month starts tomorrow! I am excited. Why? Writing 50,000 words in 30 days is hard work, but the challenge is worth it. Last year I wrote the first 35,000 words of Shadow Souls in November and the year since has been extraordinary. I realized my lifelong dream of writing a novel and I have more success than I could have hoped for.
So, I am excited for the time to write on Shackles of Light this year. I think that 50,000 words this year will help me along to my goal of 80,000 for this installment of the Mal' Ak Cycle. Actually, with the 20,000 I already have it will leave me a scant 10,000 to finish in December, meaning Book 2 will most likely be out Spring 2017.
I need some writing partners though. People to share success and frustrations with. People who love writing and want a great excuse to share their passion of it with me and all of the other participants this year.
If you are interested, click on the link in the post and sign up. Oh, and make sure I know so that we can commiserate and celebrate.
Regardless, I will be sitting in my favorite chair and cranking out the requisite 1600ish tomorrow and every day this month until my 50,000 is complete.
I recently had a friend and fellow writer Jennifer Stewart Griffith almost triple that word count (120,000 in October)so, her example is definite inspiration and proof that it can be done.
Come write with me and if you don't or can't wish me luck and inspiration.
Happy writing!!!
http://nanowrimo.org
So, I am excited for the time to write on Shackles of Light this year. I think that 50,000 words this year will help me along to my goal of 80,000 for this installment of the Mal' Ak Cycle. Actually, with the 20,000 I already have it will leave me a scant 10,000 to finish in December, meaning Book 2 will most likely be out Spring 2017.
I need some writing partners though. People to share success and frustrations with. People who love writing and want a great excuse to share their passion of it with me and all of the other participants this year.
If you are interested, click on the link in the post and sign up. Oh, and make sure I know so that we can commiserate and celebrate.
Regardless, I will be sitting in my favorite chair and cranking out the requisite 1600ish tomorrow and every day this month until my 50,000 is complete.
I recently had a friend and fellow writer Jennifer Stewart Griffith almost triple that word count (120,000 in October)so, her example is definite inspiration and proof that it can be done.
Come write with me and if you don't or can't wish me luck and inspiration.
Happy writing!!!
http://nanowrimo.org
October 24, 2016
Page 69 Test
The page 69 test.
So there is this popular theory that if you open a book and read page 69 you will know whether or not you will like the book.
I have tried it with some of my favorite books and the results are interesting.
Have any of you ever tried this? What do you think?
Just for fun I am attaching page 69 from Shadow Souls to see if you agree.
Chapter Eleven
Before the Night
Keezie was a stage or two beyond terrified. Her body had quit shaking and her brain felt like it was made of felt, fuzzy thick felt.
There was no explanation for what she had seen, what she was experiencing.
The thing at Mampa's house, the journal, the demon, the beautiful and intimidating warrior that appeared out of nowhere. How can you think about a pretty face? She scolded herself. He was intimidating, terrifying actually, with the face paint and armor and the sword.
She wrapped her arms around herself and shivered fighting to contain the tears that threatened to break her down.
This is not my life. She told herself. This is a dream. A weird and scary dream.
What did it all mean? How did she get dragged into this?
Mampa, what were you part of?
She hoped he wouldn't be too long, or strand her. That thing had not acted like it was alone. It behaved like it was part of something, a pack or a cadre or whatever.
So there is this popular theory that if you open a book and read page 69 you will know whether or not you will like the book.
I have tried it with some of my favorite books and the results are interesting.
Have any of you ever tried this? What do you think?
Just for fun I am attaching page 69 from Shadow Souls to see if you agree.
Chapter Eleven
Before the Night
Keezie was a stage or two beyond terrified. Her body had quit shaking and her brain felt like it was made of felt, fuzzy thick felt.
There was no explanation for what she had seen, what she was experiencing.
The thing at Mampa's house, the journal, the demon, the beautiful and intimidating warrior that appeared out of nowhere. How can you think about a pretty face? She scolded herself. He was intimidating, terrifying actually, with the face paint and armor and the sword.
She wrapped her arms around herself and shivered fighting to contain the tears that threatened to break her down.
This is not my life. She told herself. This is a dream. A weird and scary dream.
What did it all mean? How did she get dragged into this?
Mampa, what were you part of?
She hoped he wouldn't be too long, or strand her. That thing had not acted like it was alone. It behaved like it was part of something, a pack or a cadre or whatever.
October 5, 2016
My Challenge
Fall is a great time of year for me. Many crucial things have happened in my life in October and November. I can't begin to enumerate what and how many, but this time of year has also been one of my most prolific writing times as well.
With that in mind, while I have been out and about with book signings and events related to Shadow Souls, many people have expressed to me the desire to write a novel or book of poetry or a screenplay. I say do it! I say go for your dreams!
I know it's hard. 50,000 plus words seems daunting, but it can be done I promise. In fact, November is National Novel Writing Month. 50,000 words or more from Nov. 1 to Nov. 30. That is only 1667 words per day. 1250 is my target daily word count throughout the year, so it's not too much more. I love Nanawrimo, because it helps push me and accelerate my critical thinking trying to reach the goal, and even if you don't finish your book in November you will make incredible progress. I plan on finishing Shackles of Light next month. SO.....
Here is the challenge, let's do this together!!! http://nanowrimo.org here is the link, sign up for it and let's help each other experience the joy of writing and make this November the defining moment in your writing life.
The world needs your novel!! And Mine!!!
With that in mind, while I have been out and about with book signings and events related to Shadow Souls, many people have expressed to me the desire to write a novel or book of poetry or a screenplay. I say do it! I say go for your dreams!
I know it's hard. 50,000 plus words seems daunting, but it can be done I promise. In fact, November is National Novel Writing Month. 50,000 words or more from Nov. 1 to Nov. 30. That is only 1667 words per day. 1250 is my target daily word count throughout the year, so it's not too much more. I love Nanawrimo, because it helps push me and accelerate my critical thinking trying to reach the goal, and even if you don't finish your book in November you will make incredible progress. I plan on finishing Shackles of Light next month. SO.....
Here is the challenge, let's do this together!!! http://nanowrimo.org here is the link, sign up for it and let's help each other experience the joy of writing and make this November the defining moment in your writing life.
The world needs your novel!! And Mine!!!
September 14, 2016
Arkansas Down
Well, the first leg of the Shadow Souls signing tour is in the books, so to speak. It was a huge success. I saw old friends and family, met some new ones and even met some budding authors. A big thank you to Book Nook, Conway County Library, and Faulkner County Library for being so gracious and helping kick off this journey in the right way.
I hear that there are those of you who are already finished and wanting book 2. I promise I'm working as hard as possible to get it to you by late spring 2017.
I can't wait to see everyone in Ok, UT, OR and WA very soon.
Oh and if you have finished reading, please scoot on over to Amazon and leave a review. This is an easy way to help spread the word!
Thank you all for your love and support!
I hear that there are those of you who are already finished and wanting book 2. I promise I'm working as hard as possible to get it to you by late spring 2017.
I can't wait to see everyone in Ok, UT, OR and WA very soon.
Oh and if you have finished reading, please scoot on over to Amazon and leave a review. This is an easy way to help spread the word!
Thank you all for your love and support!
September 6, 2016
Firsts
I have been anxious lately. Why you ask? Well, I'll tell you.
I have my first series of book signings this week in Arkansas and it is cool and exciting but scary too because I hope people actually show up. Plus, my book shipment said it was delayed and wouldn't be here until the 8th. BIG problem because I will be in AR on the 8th.
I've been sweating, biting my nails and last night I had an anxiety dream that the shipment date kept changing and I was sitting in a bookstore with no books to sign.
Usually, things don't get to me, but this evidently has.
I made plans and contingency plans and plans in case the contingency plans failed.
All to have the books show up nice and neat this morning. No warning, no word that they had been shipped, nothing.
So, I won't be making a midnight trip to Texarkana to pic up boxes of books. Nope, I'll be sitting pretty hoping someone shows up to take one home with them.
I have my first series of book signings this week in Arkansas and it is cool and exciting but scary too because I hope people actually show up. Plus, my book shipment said it was delayed and wouldn't be here until the 8th. BIG problem because I will be in AR on the 8th.
I've been sweating, biting my nails and last night I had an anxiety dream that the shipment date kept changing and I was sitting in a bookstore with no books to sign.
Usually, things don't get to me, but this evidently has.
I made plans and contingency plans and plans in case the contingency plans failed.
All to have the books show up nice and neat this morning. No warning, no word that they had been shipped, nothing.
So, I won't be making a midnight trip to Texarkana to pic up boxes of books. Nope, I'll be sitting pretty hoping someone shows up to take one home with them.
