Everything That Was sneak peek and status update!
Books rarely seem to use chapter names anymore. I often enjoy that added element in novels, a hint at what’s to come, deeper inner character thoughts or feelings shared. As such, I chose to name my chapters with something personal to Pru, the main character in Everything That Was.
80’s New Wave music was a shared love for Pru and her deceased brother, Davis. Each chapter is labeled with a song that either fits the chapter theme or highlights a thought or an event of note. Readers who listen to the songs are not only gifted a soundtrack for the novel but also gain a deeper insight and connection to Pru. And yes, this means I listened to 80’s new wave practically non-stop while writing to infuse that feeling into the novel.
Here are the first five chapter song titles, with links to listen and read the lyrics.
CHAPTER ONE:
Darklands by The Jesus And Mary Chain
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVttrG5j8JQ
CHAPTER TWO:
And She Was by Talking Heads
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1E3OhDjju8
CHAPTER THREE:
Real Wild Child (Wild One) by Iggy Pop
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwpXrIjsKnw
CHAPTER FOUR:
Lullaby by The Cure
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-kvOi48mV4
CHAPTER FIVE:
Regret by New Order
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzudykrtNpU
As of the last week of April, I have approximately 70 pages to go. This final edit/re-write constitutes layering more details, expanding dream chapter elements, clarifying that which beta readers found confusing or wanting more. This is my favorite part of the process. The story’s foundation is solid and set and working well. Now, I can dive inside the scenes and breathe more life into the pages. This final pass will fatten the story and make it richer. I am already quite pleased with the results. I hope to have things complete by the end of June. Then, I hand it off to my editor for their professional pass through and begin planning the cover with my graphic designer. I can’t wait to share everything with you. I’ll be sharing cover drafts when we reach that stage.
Meanwhile, enjoy the music and the chance to know Pru, from a fresh angle.
