Nigel 
August 27th,2010A couple of years ago I sent a complete version of ‘subversive ramblings 1:the book’to my agent. We had two sample covers available one of which you can see here. This is what the first proper page looked like:
There’s more available here if you’re interested.
Fifteen publishers said no. Recession nerves? Hated the book? Probably both. And recently I passed it to Adam who didn’t like it,but did suggest it be rewritten differently targeted at the teenage market. (The original was not well targeted).
Here is an early-stage version of the new opening page:
Ted is a fictional character who recently started Year 10 at school. I’m playing around with several approaches. One is fantasy with Ted able to skip to other parts of the universe,or other times,and experience things. I’m not sure that feels right. Alternatively I’m working up the plot to a shortish novel in which Ted tries to find out where his girl friend Jess has disappeared to and why –with a scattering of maths bits along the way. That might catch on better,and could then lead in to a weird maths book written by Ted’s teacher (who is loosely based on me in case you didn’t guess). That would basically be Subram1.
There’s a lot of experimentation involved. I think I’m beginning to understand how to create a book,how to figure out a plot and get to know the characters;well,I must have written over a million words in the last forty years. One of the ways I’m trying things out is with another blog written as if by Ted. This is a way of developing his character in detail and who knows,people might actually read it and start to comment. Stranger things have happened. If you don’t believe me check out this video by a guy called Fred(?). Weird? Now type ‘fred’into your search engine. I can’t stand him,but this guy is POPULAR. But no,I’m not holding my breath over the popularity of Ted’s blog. And no,there is a completely different reason for Ted’s name,nothing to do with ‘Fred’.
Here’s Ted’s Black Blog on maths. Feel free to comment,bearing in mind I’m trying to write as a fifteen year-old boy with reasonable intelligence and significant attitude. I’m quite sure I haven’t yet got it right,so criticism is welcome.
Will Adam like the new version? He likes the first page.
Will he be willing to publish it given he said he’s interested in ‘true life’stuff? Well he says Ted is true life,but then Adam’s had a sheltered life.
So that’s where one of the non-fiction books is at. To come:what’s ‘Star’the novel about,how is it being written,where’s it got to? And what about the book I’m writing with Adam? Catch you after the weekend. (Ted’s off at the Leeds Fest so he won’t be blogging till Monday either. Me,I’d love to be there but with this probable ME I just wouldn’t have the energy to enjoy it. Anyway,Jenny would hate it,and it wouldn’t be much fun without her.)
