Not A Cult, I Promise: On What Comes Next
Scambait is finally here! But what comes next?
Scambait is here! It's finally here!
Okay, but now what?
This is the question I found myself confronting in the aftermath of my latest novel's release, especially considering I wrote it entirely before my nearly year-long hiatus from the world of all things writerly.
My original plan was—and, to some extent, still is—to comb through my back catalog of manuscripts and publish them after some routine polishing, which would have meant getting yet another novel from me this year (more on that in future posts).
But, you know what? It kind of helps to be writing new work, too, and that's where Not A Cult, I Promise comes in—even if this particular project won't be ready for release this year.
Brian Weisser is a Tool
Is your name Brian? Is it Brian Weisser? If so, I'm sorry; coincidence has not smiled upon you today. You see, "Brian Weisser is a tool" is the first line (at least for now) of my latest work in progress, Not A Cult, I Promise.
Not A Cult, I Promise (NACIP), despite opening with a mention of this Brian character, is actually the tale of a well-meaning community theater actor named Gareth McMichaels who's offered—by this Brian Weisser fellow—a one-night role as the leading man in the production of a lifetime.
The problem? That leading role is that of the mysterious Toby, the leader of Hexana, an "integrated hexahedral enterprise that emphasizes personal empowerment through oneness with one's community and one's self."
Yeah, it's a cult.
Once Gareth recognizes Hexana for what it is, he goes off-script, proclaiming in character as the Great Toby that he intends to hang around for longer than one night—while privately vowing to do everything in his power to free as many minds as possible from Hexana and the cult of personality surrounding the character he now portrays.
That's the gist of the story thus far, anyway, and I have to say I'm really enjoying writing it.
When Will Readers Get NACIP?
I'm still in the early stages of a first draft, but this idea has really taken hold. Optimistically, I see this novel as being ready for release next year, though a lot could happen between now and then. My goal to ensure I remain on track is to just enjoy the journey, to let the writing lead me where it may instead of forcing myself to the keys.
The good news? I'm looking forward to writing the rest of this manuscript, so I don't think there'll be all that much forcing in the end.
Oh, and if you enjoyed Scambait, I think you'll really love what I have in mind for Not A Cult, I Promise. Or if Not A Cult, I Promise sounds like it'd be up your alley, well, you simply must check out Scambait.