March 21, 2011

Survey of…Alara’s Call

This “survey of your novel” form has been making the rounds online. For example, Robynn Tolbert surveyed her book Elementals over at New Author Fellowship a while back. I’ve been sitting on a survey of my novel ever since, because at 1,167 words, it was a bit too long for a blog post. Here's a short version.
Kriss Szkurlatowski
How long did it take you to finish the book? More years than I care to admit. Mind you, it spent many of those years in a drawer.

Did you outline? Not when I started. I did before I finished the present draft.

What’s your novel’s theme song? “Lionheart” by Angels of Venice

Who is your favorite character in your novel? General Rariden. In the movie, his part will be played by Harrison Ford.

What’s the best line? Many of my critique partners loved the first line: “You realize we could all be tried for treason.”

Have your characters ever done something completely unexpected?
Often. Some days, I just take dictation.

Is any of your novel based directly on personal experience? Yes. In an early draft, the hero fell, hit his head, and was knocked unconscious. Then I fell and hit my head and was NOT knocked unconscious. This version is so much more interesting, it’s worth losing 20 minutes of memory.

Has your novel provided insight about your life? More than I care to admit.

Has your novel inspired anyone? My pastor said, “I am in awe of what you have done.” Does that count?

What advice would you give to a fellow writer? Outline!