I created this blog site over a year ago in anticipation of the time that I would need it. The time, it seems, is now.
After several months of writing, re-writing, editing, proof-reading and listening to the feedback of a few brave friends, my first real novel is about to be published. I’ve written a lot of words in my life, mostly as a newspaper reporter and editor. Even won a couple of awards. (A full-page feature, with photos, of mud-wrestling in Tulsa was deemed one of the outstanding feature articles for that particular year. Sadly, I forget which year it was.)
Writing a novel is different. It takes patience and persistence. There also comes a point in the creative process where the story takes possession of the writer. Or at least that was my experience. The characters became real human beings. As I wrote, I found that it was difficult to allow them to do anything out of character, even when it was necessary for the plot to move forward. This was a good thing, because my characters had to struggle with their personal foibles and inconsistencies, just as all humans should.
At any rate, I will soon announce the release of “Deadly Inheritance”, a modern western/mystery of about 471 pages, to be available in hardback, paperback and electronic editions. The publisher is Outskirts Press of Denver, Colo. There will be more details to come.
A belated Happy New Year and a joyful 11th day of Christmas to all.
– David Jones
After the Gold Rush 