I've been writing my six-book series for almost three years and am most of the way through Book 6.
In some ways, this is a relief. I'm the type person who is driven to finish what he started, even though I know in my heart that the journey is more important than its conclusion.
In other ways, I feel sad. I've grown to love my characters as if they were real. When I finally type The End, I'll miss them all more than I can say.
For better or worse, this is my life's work. Other than the welfare of my family, friends, and pet cat, I hold nothing more dear to my heart. Even if this series sells very little and I subsequently write an unrelated best-seller, I still will treasure The DW Chronicles more than anything else I've ever done.
Life is littered with beginnings, middles, and endings. In this case, I'm near the end.
As always, it's bittersweet.
-- Jim
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About Me
- Jim Melvin
- Clemson, SC, United States
- I was born in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., but grew up in St. Petersburg, Fla. I graduated from the University of South Florida (Tampa) in 1979 with a B.A. in Journalism. I now live in South Carolina near the Blue Ridge Mountains, a pleasant setting for writing, to say the least. I was an award-winning journalist at the St. Petersburg Times for twenty-five years and I currently work at the Charlotte Observer. I am married with five daughters.
The author
Jim Melvin, a veteran journalist, debuts as novelist.
7 comments:
Jim,
I am only on book two of my series, and I think I will feel the same way you do when I finish said series. I guess I will miss my characters, but then again, I have so many others to write about.
Demon Hunter:
Thanks much for the comment! How many books will your series be? I'm sure that when I finally finish the DW Chronicles, my mind will re-open its doors to other possibilities. Who knows? Maybe even better ones! By the way, I checked out your blog. Very well done.
Well, the good thing is that you can always revisit your friends when you want too!
Dustinzgirl:
You know what? That's true. And if the series were to become a hit, there are always sequels and prequels!
Actually, some of you make me jealous. I'm only half way through the second in a four book series, and I've been working on this story for half my life. Sometimes I get on a roll and write for long stretches, but then other times I can't seem to keep at it if my life depended on it.
Anyway, The Death Wizard Chronicles sounds like something I'd like. I'll take a closer look at your blog. Maybe you've got a synopsis around here somewhere?
Michael:
Thanks much for your comments. I'll be sure to check out your blog, as well. And you bring up an excellent point. Though I've described my series in several of my entries, I don't have a readily available synopsis on this site. Doh! Thanks for pointing that out. I'm going to add one today.
Very cool, Jim. I'm looking forward to it.
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