Friday, April 15, 2016

My WIP: A Pirate's Tale

This month, I will refrain from hosting another writing challenge as many of my readers are busy participating in Camp NaNo, and several of my other friends are hosting a month-long contest. Instead, I think it is time that I share with you my most recent work in progress. (I prefer to call it my "writing in progress".) I have dubbed it A Pirate's Tale, but the title may change as the story grows into a novel. Here is a short summary I have written to give you an idea about it.

Samantha Mayer thinks that she is finally about to get married to Neil Hinds and begin a life on her own, but when she starts to be followed by mysterious men and is threatened, her dreams for the future run the risk of being destroyed. When Neil's past is revealed, Samantha must decide whether she can love him for who he is, not who he was. With continuing threats on the lives of her family and herself, Samantha faces the biggest choice of her life. Are her dreams worth the safety of her loved ones? When everything goes wrong, will Neil be able to rescue his reputation—and his dame—at the risk of his own life while he battles against old temptations and painful memories? They both must make life-changing decisions to trust God's protective hand in their time of greatest peril.

Now, let me assure you that the entire story is NOT a romance. That's not my style. Rather, it is a tale of adventure, danger, lost treasure, and pirates with the aspect of a threatened future. Let me give you a general overview.

Setting: Barbados, 1715
Genre: Historical Fiction
Started: April 4, 2016
Length to date: approximately 9,400 words
Target Length: 75,000-100,000 words

As time goes on, I would be more than happy to do character bios if you would enjoy that. Thank you for sharing in my eagerness of this venture!

31 comments:

  1. Character bios PLEASE!!! :) I would love to hear more about your characters. ^_^ Your book sounds fascinating...I can't wait to read more!

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    1. I'm so glad that you find it interesting! I will set to work on those bios!

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  2. Your WIP sounds SO good! Are you going to publish it when you're done? I'd like to read it! :)

    -Abi-
    http://authorofmyhope11.blogspot.com/

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    1. I would like to publish it, but we'll have to see if it turns out good enough. I would prefer to find a publisher rather than self-publish. It makes me so happy to know that you would enjoy reading! Thanks for commenting!

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  3. Sounds very intriguing!
    Would love to see character bios. :)

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  4. Hey, Bethany, this is an exciting adventure. May I take the liberty of making a couple suggestions? Here goes....1) keep your story to no more than 90,000, but if you are targeting a young adult audience, keep it to 65,000 to 70,000; that's what most publishers want to see; and 2) watch you usage of the word "that" - general rule of thumb = if the sentence works without it, dump it. 3) the use of contractions is preferred over several small words; examples: he is = he's / "..when she starts to be followed.." = when she starts being followed. And finally, 4) keep your verb tense the same throughout each sentence; don't change from present tense to past or future in the same sentence - it's better to keep it the same tense or split up the sentences - makes it a little easier to read. Just a few things I've learned from Mr. Author in my home. Best of luck, you have a really great story outline. Can't wait to read more!!!! So proud of you!!! xxx ooo

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    1. Thank you so much, Carla! I love your suggestions and will utilize them! Please tell "Mr. Author" hi for me!

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  5. Wow, this sounds amazing. :) I agree with Rebekah, bring on the bios!!

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  6. This sounds amazing! The synopsis reminds me of "The Pirate Daughter's Treasure" series, but that probably just because your story is about Pirates. ;)
    And yes, PLEASE GIVE US CHARACTER BIOS!!!! :D I'd love to be able to "meet" your characters!!

    Oh, and this is sorta off subject, but is there a reason you would prefer tradition publishing with a publisher over Indie publishing? I was just curious because I saw you say that in one of the above comments. :)

    I can't wait to hear more about your story!!

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    1. I hope to do those bios soon! Than you so much for your support!

      I think that if I can find a publisher, I will probably be able to get my name out better. I am also considering using the Amazon self-publishing.

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  7. Your WIP sounds SO exciting! Can't wait to find out more :D

    I'd love to see character bios!

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    1. You guys are so awesome and supportive! Thank you!

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  8. Your blurb is fantastic. I'm working on polishing one of my own up right now! I would LOVE character bios :) I have a pirate-ish story of my own that has hopes of being more than a thought someday.

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    1. Thank you! My mom suggested possibly going into a field where I write blurbs for books.

      I'd love to read it if you ever do get to work on it!

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  9. Your book sounds like it will be really good, Bethany! :)
    I would also enjoy seeing some character bios! :)

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  10. HOW DO YOU HAVE SUCH AN AMAZING BLURB. Like seriously it's SO GOOD. Mine sorta flails around and such. But yesyes listen to the smart people who told you to do character bios because... well they're smart. XD

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    1. Thank you! I have already begun work on the first bio, and I hope ya'll will like it! I left you a comment on your blog...

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  11. YAY!!! I love new friends!!!
    Hi *sheepish grin*
    Your story/novel sounds very interesting. Pirates and historical fiction are great! :D

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    1. Yes, friends awesome! I have always loved pirates and recently discovered my enjoyment of historical ficton. Thank you for following! I'm eager to have another reader!

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    2. And I'm always eager to have more people to follow :D

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    3. As am I, so let me know if you create a blog!

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    4. By the way, I love your profile pic. :)

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  12. Also, have you posted any excerpts?
    I'd love to read a little snippet of your story :)
    And I'm sure other people would, too

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    1. No, I haven't yet. I don't know when I will, but probably not for at least a little while. In the meantime, I'll post character bios, so hopefully that will tide you over. ;)

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    2. I guess that will be sufficient enough :P
      FOR NOW ;)

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    3. I wrote the first one up but it was a total flop so you'll have to wait a bit longer. :) Sorry! I'm writing a report on Barbados and it is so fascinating! I may have to post that too. Not as fun, but interesting!

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Blessings,
Bethany R.