The 21st century. Once upon a time, we thought this meant flying cars, jet packs, invisibility cloaks, and teleportation, didn't we? Change. We were supposed to see change.
Well before you fret, how about this: we have flying cars; jet packs are on the way; we're getting close to invisibility; and we're able to teleport quantum information. We're heading toward a world you'll hardly recognize by 2045, the timeframe of my new novel, Darwood & Smitty.
So what about writing and books? Shouldn't those change?
THE CHANGE OF BOOKS
Well books have been changing for a few years, with the advent of e-books; e-books with page-flipping technology; and e-book readers like the Kindle (an expected outlet for Darwood & Smitty). But more change is due: we live in the world of free everything online, where only premiums cost you anything.
It's a concept I'm embracing as an author, which is why I'm offering free stories, articles, and observations throughout this site, in addition to launching my entire novel for free. Depending on partnerships that are still being formed, I expect to begin releasing Darwood & Smitty through this website on January 1, 2010.
The current plan is to release one chapter per week for 30 weeks until the entire novel is posted for free. Read all you like. It's on me. The printed and Kindle versions will cost a little something for those who prefer not reading on a website. (There's your premium.)
THE CHANGE OF WRITING
But writing itself is changing as well. Because of technology, we're seeing more authors embracing interactivity with their readers and use of the internet to enhance their books. As an example, one of my favorite novelists, Max Barry, created NationStates to promote his book Jennifer Government, which is exactly how I found that book and his work in general. He's now writing a novel, a page at a time, online. It's called Machine Man.
While I don't plan to have anyone sitting on my lap while I write (it makes typing difficult), I'd love to have regular interaction with anyone who digs my writing -- this not only gives me feedback on my work, but also lets me ask questions about future projects; offer sneak peeks at works in progress; even demo the writing process itself.
I'll also be calling for artwork and web work in partnership with my writing.
If you fit into this interactive audience, then I'd love to have you follow my blog on PeopleString. This is a free e-mail system and social network that actually pays you to use it. You don't have to join to read my blog, but you do have to join if you want to subscribe to my blog and get e-mails about new posts.
Just visit the blog and click "Sign Up" to join PeopleString for free. (And if you want to share PeopleString to earn even more -- this is also free -- you can contact me to ask for help with some resources I've developed.)
That's the news for now. I'll post major updates here on this site and the rest on my PeopleString blog. Please explore what's here and enjoy.
