I know it seems strange but it’s true: I haven’t read a novel in years. Actually, I’ve read three in the past twenty-five.
It’s not that I don’t want to read, I can’t. I’ve tried. I’ve spent hours at the bookstore with my husband, who is an avid reader of history books. I’ve picked up novels from all sorts of genres and flipped through the pages, hoping to click with one. The problem is not these well-written books from successful authors. The problem is me. I prefer to read in the “tell instead of show” style. Let’s move the story along, people, and don’t slow me down with descriptions that put me to sleep by the time I’ve only read the first few words. For instance: “Her feet stomped on the dampened grass, soiling her suede boots. With clenched fists and flaring nostrils she left the yard.” That’s cool, but I prefer: “She was pissed.” And books that ‘tell’ are taboo. So that’s why I never read. Writing the PLEBEIAN series was a huge challenge for me because I don't have reading experience. It felt like cooking without having a sense of taste, or jogging without seeing the path. But I had an idea for a story and so I opened a blank word document anyway. I sought out help. I listened to criticism (and praise!) I researched what to do and tried to do it. The result was a three book series with a plot I hope you will enjoy, with characters I hope you would like to meet, in places you would like to go. I tell, and I show. I hope you enjoy the PLEBEIAN series, and my two other books that followed, as much as I am enjoying my new journey. Debbie |