What is the date you began writing this piece of fiction and the date when you completely finished the piece of fiction? To be totally honest, Among the Shadows actually began as a “drawer novel” called Death Watch. It took me two and a half years to write that terrible manuscript, but I learned so much from that first effort. I started writing the manuscript that would become Among the Shadows in November of 2014, it was published by HarperCollins in September 2016.
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Where did you do most of your writing for this fiction work? And please describe in detail. And can you please include a photo? My writing time was split between an antique fireside chair and a drafting table in my attic studio.
What were your writing habits while writing this work- did you drink something as you wrote, listen to music, write in pen and paper, directly on laptop; specific time of day? I have written all of my novels on an IPad. I like the light weight, versatility, and low cost of the IPad. Coffee is a must, and on the occasion that I do listen to music while writing, it is usually instrumental as song lyrics tend to get in the way. I will write anytime, but my most creative time of day tends to be in the morning.
Please include just one excerpt and include page numbers as reference. This one excerpt can be as short or as long as you prefer.
Warily, Hawk lifted the pillow. The warrior was gone. O’Halloran’s eyes were lifeless and wide, projecting a silent narration of shock and fear. He closed them with a gentle hand, smoothed the disheveled hair, then fluffed the pillow and restored it to its rightful place. Lastly, he slid the old man’s bony white foot back under the sheet and retucked the bedding. Standing upright, he surveyed the room. Everything appeared in its proper place. O’Halloran looked serene, like he’d simply fallen asleep. Satisfied, Hawk walked from the room.
This partial opening scene is from page two of Among the Shadows.
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Why is this excerpt so emotional for you as a writer to write? And can you describe your own emotional experience of writing this specific excerpt? This was the hardest scene to write in the entire book. It was important for me to get it just right. There is a lot more going on here than meets the eye. For those who’ve read Among the Shadows, they now know how important this scene is in setting up the story that follows.
Were there any deletions from this excerpt that you can share with us? And can you please include a photo of your marked up rough drafts of this excerpt. Unfortunately, I no longer have any photos of the marked up versions. I can tell you that it was revised so many times that my editor thought it was overwritten. He asked me to “loosen” the scene. That may have been the single best piece of manuscript advice I’ve ever received.
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Most of the INSIDE THE EMOTION OF FICTION links can be found at the very end of the below feature:
http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2021/03/stephenson-holts-arranged-marriage-is.html