A year-long road trip with a neurotic mage?

Mar 03, 2023 6:11 pm

The Next Novel Idea

I had an idea for a novel the other day, inspired by a podcast about the Exxon Valdez oil spill. What if someone whose life got destroyed by a major, preventable ecological disaster decided to band together with other malcontents and enact vengeance by killing the C-Suite and Board of Directors of the offending corporation?

The structure of the novel seemed to spool out in my head. I'd write it like an epistolary, with articles spoofing well-known magazines, reaction scripts from television pundits, and first-hand accounts from the revenge-seekers and those who oppose them. I even thought it would be cool if one of the potential victims was already dealing with an ill child whose illness may or may not have been caused by a completely different corporate disaster.

On one hand, I think that would be a great novel. On the other hand, I don't know if I'm the right person to write it. The thing about novels is that you have to choose your subject matter carefully, especially your characters, because you're essentially going to be on a road trip with these people for the better part of a year. When I first started writing Alternate Susan, I based the main character off a "friend" who seemed to attract bad luck due to her poor decisions. In a revision of the novel, I changed Susan's personality because she kind of irritated me. (And also, the person she was based on turned out to be a snake in the grass.)

Alternate Susan

Susan has swapped places with her doppelganger from a magical version of her hometown. And the other Susan is a bitch.

Did you read this book? I'd love your reviews and recommendations!

I don't know if I'll write the ecological disaster vengeance novel, because I'm not sure I want to spend that many months with angry idealists, but I sure would like to read that if someone else wrote it!

This week's question: What's the novel/movie you wish someone would make?

Dark Mate

I live in a safe community, surrounded by the people I love. But my wolf is restless, unsatisfied. Now, this stunning and wretched guy at work might be the only person I can trust when I’m suddenly fired and running for my life. The secret in our blood could bind us together, or sentence us to death. (A mazon)

Into the Dark

A Vampire's Pantry

Lyle is in love with Jared, but he has eyes only for Sophia, who wants to marry Zane, and he is, unknown to anyone, a vampire. Spells, romance, and a vampire who doesn't want to be one. (Review)