I have (finally) finished my latest novel

Post Reply New Topic

After several iterations, changes in plot, and frustration, I have finally finished the first full draft of a novel that I am satisfied that could potentially be published. I intend to show this draft, after some modification, to a trusted friend for feedback.

This is...my seventh or eighth completed novel, and is, in fact, the fifth or sixth completed version of the same novel, or at least one using the same characters and, to a degree, the same universe. It is also one that I feel the most satisfied with, compared to previous iterations, because there are deeper layers of meaning, has a few relatively original premises, and is a little more substantial than the usual 50,000 word novel I usually write.

so 5th or 6th in a chronological series you could say?
or do you actually mean there are 4-5 more different variations of the same novel hiding in your draft pile?

either way, awesome. it's accomplishment.
what type or genre of story is at at least?

Congratulations!

It is the 5th or 6th complete version (or rather, variation) of the same novel. I actually have upwards of 40 drafts of various completion status. It developed from a science fiction adventure, to a historical fantasy, to a post-apocalyptic sci-fi novel, back to a science fiction adventure novel (and then several iterations from there), hopefully the first in a series.

The genre is science fiction, set in a future that wouldn't look out of place in Star Trek or Doctor Who, although the atmosphere is a little closer to Blake's 7 and Mass Effect. This is a universe of darkness and politics, although there is still lightness and fun.

In fact, although I was consciously thinking of Blake's 7 when writing this, I unconsciously added elements that make my overall plot like the plot of Final Fantasy VI. And, by taking after Blake's 7, it will be inevitable that comparisons will be made to Firefly, which also influenced bits and pieces of my novel.

However, the major influence on this iteration of the novel (the original was inspired by Dune, the post-apocalyptic version based on Waterworld and Pirates of the Caribbean, and some of the backstory for this current iteration owes something to Alfred Bester's The Stars My Destination), and the series to follow, is Blake's 7. After that, Doctor Who, and, in particular, the Faction Paradox spin-off.

In case you don't know what Blake's 7 is, go look it up. Or, if you want, watch these videos. The first is the first titles, the second is a fan-made trailer (with CGI effects) for the first season, and the third is an official trailer for the second season done for DVD. Excellent, if short-lived, series.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bcfKaWhb-o[/youtube]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KRuqTQYSJMI[/youtube]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIHPCAGMCts[/youtube]

Unlike Blake's 7 or Firefly, there is less of a rebellion against authority in my story, and more of a political thriller in which ordinary (relatively speaking, considering what happens) people get caught up in a rather nasty plot. But there is a strong anti-authoritarian streak, though considering the things I enjoy, there's little wonder.

Congratulations! I mean it. Now go hide that manuscript for a year and start on something entirely new. Now that you know that you can finish something, the second one should go a little easier. I would love to read your second novel.

Actually, as I said, this is far from my first novel. Rather, it is probably the first novel that I am satisfied with, and intend to publish.

I have done some revisions, added a glossary and a pair of appendices, and now it's ready to go to my friend.

Congrats!! !

Well done. All the best.

Thank you. I'm already considering my next novel, outside this series.

from the trailer, Blake's 7 looks very much like a british parody of Star Trek. i think i even saw a start trek logo in there turned sideways

but it also seems different, almost with a star wars twist except for no use of light sabers or "the force" haha

but that's just the impression the trailer gave me. so idk for sure

It's not a parody. It's meant to be "noir".

Star Trek noir....I like it!

Actually, it reminds me of 'Farscape'...

Blake's 7 did it first, AND better...in terms of story, anyway.

I'm writing a novel, too.