Lucian Clark's Blog: Writer News
October 28, 2022
Cemetery Drive – Two Years in Review
Two years ago I took the massive leap and self-published a story I had been working on for approximately five years. We were (and still are) in the middle of a global pandemic. Most people decided to start a podcast or do what I did, and write a book. Working from home and unable to really go out due to lock down, I spent my time working on Cemetery Drive.
Cemetery Drive went through a lot of revisions, many due to my anxiety around the story and how it would be perceived. I changed the ending numerous times. I changed the perspective. I changed Jack’s history and relationships. I changed how the story began and ended so many times. I always ended up going back to the original though. A true car crash of a tragedy, told from the point of view of its catalyst. A story that held no punches, held no twists. You knew how it was going to end from the beginning, but you still kept reading and biting your nails as you watched.
Unfortunately, I’ve found it hard to create since then. I’ve written pieces for two zines, both almost immediately after publishing Cemetery Drive. It’s not a lack of ideas, I have so many starts, snippets, and written ideas across my notebooks and Google Docs. The energy to write has been difficult to find. The best way to continue to be relevant and to get your work out there is to continue to do so, but I’ve been severely lacking. I do hope to begin to fix this problem soon, either another novel or a collection of short stories.
But, let’s not focus on my creative issues! Cemetery Drive currently sits at 4.7/5 stars on Amazon and 4/5 stars on GoodReads. My novel is carried by the local queer bookstore, the oldest in the country. I’ve learned a lot about the other end of the writing process, what comes after you publish and get your book out into the world.
I’ve met some pretty cool people through my book also. It’s a wild feeling when a total stranger tells you how much they love your work. Something I never really experienced until now.
And yet, the coolest and wildest experience by far, is that on September 20, a little over a month before my book turned 2, I was able to pass along a copy to the very band that inspired it: My Chemical Romance. Despite being ghosted by the original person who was supposed to through it on stage, another person grabbed the copy and said they would do so. In a fit of desperation before this I had tagged the band and their most responsive on social media stage hand, Worm. Worm responded and the book was passed on to him to give to the band. Never in my wildest dreams would I believe that my novel, based on a My Chemical Romance song, and filled with references to Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge would ever get to that same band.
Will they read it? I won’t hold my breath on that one. As much as I like to imagine they would, with a world tour currently going on, it will probably end up where they keep most of the things given to them by fans. Still a wildly cool experience! They also played Cemetery Drive at the show which just added to the already special night.
There are some things I wish I had done differently, looking at the novel two years later. However, I feel that most writers feel that way. We’ll continue to pick and change things, never ever actually saying something is perfect. This is something I believe all artists feel, but that is what makes art so human.
Thank you to everyone who has bought or received a copy, especially those who have left reviews. Reviews are so extremely important. Every time a new review shows up, I sell another copy. It boosts its visibility and helps the algorithms promote it to others who may be interested. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. It’s been a wild two years and I cannot wait to see what the next brings.
If you want to see this post with pictures, please head over to my website.
Cemetery Drive went through a lot of revisions, many due to my anxiety around the story and how it would be perceived. I changed the ending numerous times. I changed the perspective. I changed Jack’s history and relationships. I changed how the story began and ended so many times. I always ended up going back to the original though. A true car crash of a tragedy, told from the point of view of its catalyst. A story that held no punches, held no twists. You knew how it was going to end from the beginning, but you still kept reading and biting your nails as you watched.
Unfortunately, I’ve found it hard to create since then. I’ve written pieces for two zines, both almost immediately after publishing Cemetery Drive. It’s not a lack of ideas, I have so many starts, snippets, and written ideas across my notebooks and Google Docs. The energy to write has been difficult to find. The best way to continue to be relevant and to get your work out there is to continue to do so, but I’ve been severely lacking. I do hope to begin to fix this problem soon, either another novel or a collection of short stories.
But, let’s not focus on my creative issues! Cemetery Drive currently sits at 4.7/5 stars on Amazon and 4/5 stars on GoodReads. My novel is carried by the local queer bookstore, the oldest in the country. I’ve learned a lot about the other end of the writing process, what comes after you publish and get your book out into the world.
I’ve met some pretty cool people through my book also. It’s a wild feeling when a total stranger tells you how much they love your work. Something I never really experienced until now.
And yet, the coolest and wildest experience by far, is that on September 20, a little over a month before my book turned 2, I was able to pass along a copy to the very band that inspired it: My Chemical Romance. Despite being ghosted by the original person who was supposed to through it on stage, another person grabbed the copy and said they would do so. In a fit of desperation before this I had tagged the band and their most responsive on social media stage hand, Worm. Worm responded and the book was passed on to him to give to the band. Never in my wildest dreams would I believe that my novel, based on a My Chemical Romance song, and filled with references to Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge would ever get to that same band.
Will they read it? I won’t hold my breath on that one. As much as I like to imagine they would, with a world tour currently going on, it will probably end up where they keep most of the things given to them by fans. Still a wildly cool experience! They also played Cemetery Drive at the show which just added to the already special night.
There are some things I wish I had done differently, looking at the novel two years later. However, I feel that most writers feel that way. We’ll continue to pick and change things, never ever actually saying something is perfect. This is something I believe all artists feel, but that is what makes art so human.
Thank you to everyone who has bought or received a copy, especially those who have left reviews. Reviews are so extremely important. Every time a new review shows up, I sell another copy. It boosts its visibility and helps the algorithms promote it to others who may be interested. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. It’s been a wild two years and I cannot wait to see what the next brings.
If you want to see this post with pictures, please head over to my website.
December 31, 2020
Cemetery Drive GIVEAWAY!
I am currently giving away THREE paperback copies of my novel, Cemetery Drive, through a Gleam giveaway. Unfortunately, this is only for mainland USA and Canada, but keep your eyes open for an eBook giveaway next!
Numerous ways to enter through Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and my website!
Check it out HERE!
Numerous ways to enter through Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and my website!
Check it out HERE!
December 13, 2020
December 4, 2020
Where to Find Me/Author Website
I'm currently working on and off on an author website. This will be an easy landing page for everything I've done and provide links to all my social media, works, where to buy, interviews, etc!
However, in the meantime I'm using a Linktree to support all that information which can be found HERE..
Thanks so much for everyone's continued support!
However, in the meantime I'm using a Linktree to support all that information which can be found HERE..
Thanks so much for everyone's continued support!
November 4, 2020
Cemetery Drive is....
Cemetery Drive is cat approved!! Have you ordered your copy yet? Please don't forget to leave a review!!!
Cemetery Drive
Cemetery Drive
October 27, 2020
Cemetery Drive AVAILABLE NOW!
Cemetery Drive now available on Amazon Kindle & paperback at any major retailer!
Cemetery Drive is a story of obsession, love, loss and a touch of revenge. A beautiful mess full of grandiose sentiments and heart-wrenching tragedy.
Sad queers, by a sad queer, for sad queers!
http://tinyurl.com/y3w8ftls
Cemetery Drive is a story of obsession, love, loss and a touch of revenge. A beautiful mess full of grandiose sentiments and heart-wrenching tragedy.
Sad queers, by a sad queer, for sad queers!
http://tinyurl.com/y3w8ftls
October 13, 2020
Cemetery Drive - Pre-order NOW!
Cemetery Drive now available to pre-order on Amazon Kindle! Full release 10/28 on Kindle & paperback!
https://tinyurl.com/y3w8ftls
New in town and a long way from Georgia, Judah Moretti finds himself in search of a solitary place to drink away from the humdrum of his life. Helena’s, a rundown gay bar along a strip of unnamed highway somewhere in New Jersey, seems like just the place to do it. But, the moment he sets foot inside that bar, his life quickly changes.
There he finds Jacques Dupont, the effeminate all-black clad husband of a tech millionaire. Judah finds himself unable to fight being drawn to Jack – a mere moth to a flame. Not only is he the exact opposite of Judah’s average looks, but something about him calls to the contrast of Judah’s mundane and boring life.
Like a car careening off a cliff, Judah is unable to stop this crash course in fate. An inevitable collision of their lives under those dim and dusty lights inside Helena’s. As he begins to become more than acquaintances with the pretty boy in the shadows, Judah learns that looks aren’t everything and that some people come with secrets that run just as red as blood. Just how much is Judah willing to give to learn more about this queer and enigmatic man?
Cemetery Drive is a story of obsession, love, loss and a touch of revenge. A beautiful mess full of grandiose sentiments and heart-wrenching tragedy.
https://tinyurl.com/y3w8ftls
New in town and a long way from Georgia, Judah Moretti finds himself in search of a solitary place to drink away from the humdrum of his life. Helena’s, a rundown gay bar along a strip of unnamed highway somewhere in New Jersey, seems like just the place to do it. But, the moment he sets foot inside that bar, his life quickly changes.
There he finds Jacques Dupont, the effeminate all-black clad husband of a tech millionaire. Judah finds himself unable to fight being drawn to Jack – a mere moth to a flame. Not only is he the exact opposite of Judah’s average looks, but something about him calls to the contrast of Judah’s mundane and boring life.
Like a car careening off a cliff, Judah is unable to stop this crash course in fate. An inevitable collision of their lives under those dim and dusty lights inside Helena’s. As he begins to become more than acquaintances with the pretty boy in the shadows, Judah learns that looks aren’t everything and that some people come with secrets that run just as red as blood. Just how much is Judah willing to give to learn more about this queer and enigmatic man?
Cemetery Drive is a story of obsession, love, loss and a touch of revenge. A beautiful mess full of grandiose sentiments and heart-wrenching tragedy.
October 5, 2020
Cemetery Drive - Pre-order dates and cover!
Cemetery Drive available for pre-order starting October 14th! Pre-order available on Amazon Kindle and in paperback! Official paperback release October 28th at all major retailers!
Cover by K.M. Claude.
Book blurb:
New in town and a long way from Georgia, Judah Moretti finds himself in search of a solitary place to drink away from the humdrumof his life. Helena’s, a rundown gay bar along a strip of unnamed highway somewhere in New Jersey, seems like just the place to do it. But, the moment he sets foot inside that bar, his life quickly changes.
There he finds Jacques Dupont, the effeminate all-black clad husband of a tech millionaire. Judah finds himself unable to fight being drawn to Jack – a mere moth to a flame. Not only is he the exact opposite of Judah’s average looks, but something about him calls to the contrast of Judah’s mundane and boring life.
Like a car careening off a cliff, Judah is unable to stop this crash course in fate. An inevitable collision of their lives under those dim and dusty lights inside Helena’s. As he begins to become more than acquaintances with the pretty boy in the shadows, Judah learns that looks aren’t everything and that some people come with secrets that run just as red as blood. Just how much is Judah willing to give to learn more about this queer and enigmatic man?
Cemetery Drive is a story of obsession, love, loss and a touch of revenge. A beautiful mess full of grandiose sentiments and heart-wrenching tragedy.
Cover by K.M. Claude.
Book blurb:
New in town and a long way from Georgia, Judah Moretti finds himself in search of a solitary place to drink away from the humdrumof his life. Helena’s, a rundown gay bar along a strip of unnamed highway somewhere in New Jersey, seems like just the place to do it. But, the moment he sets foot inside that bar, his life quickly changes.
There he finds Jacques Dupont, the effeminate all-black clad husband of a tech millionaire. Judah finds himself unable to fight being drawn to Jack – a mere moth to a flame. Not only is he the exact opposite of Judah’s average looks, but something about him calls to the contrast of Judah’s mundane and boring life.
Like a car careening off a cliff, Judah is unable to stop this crash course in fate. An inevitable collision of their lives under those dim and dusty lights inside Helena’s. As he begins to become more than acquaintances with the pretty boy in the shadows, Judah learns that looks aren’t everything and that some people come with secrets that run just as red as blood. Just how much is Judah willing to give to learn more about this queer and enigmatic man?
Cemetery Drive is a story of obsession, love, loss and a touch of revenge. A beautiful mess full of grandiose sentiments and heart-wrenching tragedy.
October 3, 2020
Cemetery Drive - Cover Reveal, Pre-Orders, Etc.
Hey all!
I am almost done with second edits for Cemetery Drive! After this it is just going to be basic grammatical editing, formatting, etc. and getting it ready for pre-order. Currently I am aiming for 10/14 for pre-orders to open, but there is still a decent amount of work to be done before then so CRUNCH TIME. Before this date I will be revealing the cover over on my Twitter so make sure to follow that if you are interested!
Next update should be that pre-orders are available!
I am almost done with second edits for Cemetery Drive! After this it is just going to be basic grammatical editing, formatting, etc. and getting it ready for pre-order. Currently I am aiming for 10/14 for pre-orders to open, but there is still a decent amount of work to be done before then so CRUNCH TIME. Before this date I will be revealing the cover over on my Twitter so make sure to follow that if you are interested!
Next update should be that pre-orders are available!
August 31, 2020
Cemetery Drive - First Draft
Hey all!
I am currently working on a novella titled Cemetery Drive. It's a queer romance novel that focuses on Judah and his pursuit of a mysterious man named Jack! Recently, I finished the first draft and am currently working on edits.
I plan for the novel to be released at the end of October/beginning of November and will have both physical and eBook options available. It will be self-published, though I have no finalized through who quite yet.
I will be doing preorders if possible for both editions and I cannot wait to show you all the cover teaser once it's done.
If you are interested in queer romance, tragedies, a quick reads that enthrall you from beginning to end in one sitting, this will be the novella for you!
I am currently working on a novella titled Cemetery Drive. It's a queer romance novel that focuses on Judah and his pursuit of a mysterious man named Jack! Recently, I finished the first draft and am currently working on edits.
I plan for the novel to be released at the end of October/beginning of November and will have both physical and eBook options available. It will be self-published, though I have no finalized through who quite yet.
I will be doing preorders if possible for both editions and I cannot wait to show you all the cover teaser once it's done.
If you are interested in queer romance, tragedies, a quick reads that enthrall you from beginning to end in one sitting, this will be the novella for you!
Writer News
Just updates for any upcoming stories, anthologies, etc. I have coming out!
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