A Glimpse Into My WIP
Now that I’ve successfully published my first novel, (Time out. True confession! That is an amazing sentence to write!), I know that readers want to know how I found my topic and why I chose to write about it. So, as I begin my next book, Out of the Flame, I thought I’d answer that question now. This post will be the first of an occasional series that will describe my research, writing, revising, (and hopefully publishing) of this middle-grade novel. Documenting my journey like I did with Half-Truths, helps me remember the steps I took and will provide insights into the writing process.
“Photograph of Glass Factory Worker Rob Kidd.” 6/23/1911
Before There Was A Book Called Half-Truths
Why I am writing a book about glass and child labor?
Many years ago I felt in love with glass. Its beauty. Its history. Its versatility. I wrote a book for kids called Discover Glass that was never published because the publisher went out of business right after I submitted the manuscript. Sigh. It happens. Many years of research down the drain–but not really. I resolved that any book I wrote after that would include something about glass. Remember Andrew Dinsmore, Kate’s grandfather in Half-Truths? Remember his collection of glass marbles? Keep that in mind. You’ll find out more soon.
During my research for Discover Glass, I found Lewis Hine’s book, KIDS AT WORK by Russell Freedman. The photograph above is just one of several that I’ve never been able to shake out of my head. The sad, tired look in the boy’s eyes. The broken shards of glass on the floor. Each picture in Hine’s collection tells a story.
In my research, I also learned that the fundamental way in which glass is blown has been around since the Romans used the blowpipe. That intrigued me.
Before the Child Labor Act, boys and teens were employed in glass houses where blowpipes were tools of the trade (as they still are). I began to think about a story in which two boys–separated by 150 years–are connected by their love and the challenges of glassmaking.
“Glass blower and mold boy. Boy has 4 1/2 hours of this at a stretch; then an hour’s rest and 4 1/2 more: cramped position. Day shift one week: night shift next. Grafton, W. Va.” 10/1908
NOTE: These pictures are in the public domain and were taken by the National Child Labor Committee from 1908-1912 and are available through the National Archives.
What Can You Expect in These Posts?
I will introduce you to my characters, where they live and work, and some of my plotting dilemmas. You’ll take a front seat to the agony of hours I spend going down research rabbit holes, and the fun ah ha! moments when things start fitting together. You’ll find out that unlike Half-Truths in which I outlined and plotted A LOT, I’m writing this book like a panster– a person who writes by the seat of her pants. I have ideas of what my characters will experience, but I’m not exactly sure how it’s going to come together.
I hope you join me as I write my next book, Out of the Flame.
What Do You Think?
If you’re a writer, are you a plotter or panster and why? If you are a reader, are you intrigued by what I’ve described here? Leave me a comment below. I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Great work Carol and really interesting subject!
Thank you, Leon!
Half Truths was so interesting and well written. I can’t wait to read Out Of the Flame! I’ll love hearing about your writing journey!
Thank you, Laura!!! And I look forward to your next book too!
I look forward to your updates and of course to the release of the book!
You are my #1 fan!!! thanks.
What an interesting topic, Carol! I look forward to hearing more. I enjoying learning about your process and I’m already intrigued with this initial post. I’m already excited for this book to come out!
Be patient…more is coming! Thanks for your reply. It means a lot to me!
Oh, you are joining the panster club! Hurrah! I love that. I hope you love discovering your story as you go! I’ll be excited to read it!
Thanks, Joyce. I knew you’d be happy to hear that! And YOU KNOW you’ll get to read it! (maybe even more than once). Ha ha.
I’m a plantster …
My husband’s father’s uncles (several greats ago) came to NJ from Germany and started the first glass factory here. Our community college is one of the few colleges in the country that teach both scientific and ornamental glass blowing. And Wheaton Village (about half an hour from us) still does glass blowing and other hands on crafts like pottery.
It’s a fascinating subject!
I can’t believe that your husband’s family is connected to my story!!
I can only echo the previous comments, Carol. I’m looking forward to following along with your progress and reading the final masterpiece … or is it mistresspiece? No definitely NOT! how about polished jewel? Well, you get the idea! It’s a heart-wrenching, eye-opening subject, which is what I love about historical fiction done well. And you do do it well … so … write on :)
Thank you so much, Donna. I like the image of a polished jewel. Or perhaps, glimmering crystal since the book is about glass??
Glass blowing is an interesting form of art. Though not for the kids forced to work in glass houses.
Agreed!! Thanks for commenting.
Thank you for the glimpse into your WIP, always fun to see the process. Happy MMGM
Thank you, Brenda!
It’s great to see an author like yourself doing the footwork needed for research. The results should provide an excellent finished product.
Thanks, Greg. I hope so!
I am a little of both. I like to have some sort of outline to know where I’m going, but each scene I write is usually a surprise. That’s the fun of writing, right?
This sounds like an interesting topic! I’ve always wanted to learn how to blow glass, and they do offer workshops at the beach, which is not far from us. Maybe someday…
Looking forward to reading more about your book!
Thank you, Jenni. You should take a class. It’s amazing!! That’s where I got the title of my book.
These pictures are so compelling! I am eager to hear more about your writing journey with Out of the Flame.
Thank you for your comment!
I would love to try glass-blowing too, I think it looks fascinating! (Not for children though or forced labour!). I think this sounds a fascinating story, Carol, and I look forward to all your posts on your new book. I tend to be a pantser/discovery writer who wishes she was a plotter, so perhaps a little of both. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks, Valinora. I agree. A little of both is probably a good mix! And you should try glassblowing–just for the experience!
This is a wonderful idea, Carol! I’m eager to learn more about your writing process, and am glad that you’re experimenting with approaches (going from a plotter to being more of a pantser).
I’m a bit of both. I need at least a solid premise where I can see a character, their goal, obstacles, and stakes before I start writing. I often have some ideas for scenes that I sketch out in a story grid. This becomes quite a detailed document with each new draft, and includes sections for main plot points and scene-level pacing, times, settings and key events. Because it’s so detailed, it also acts as a revision guide. But here’s the thing … I fill it out as I go along. I find I can get nearly halfway through plotting a book before the characters wake up and start guiding the story.
So I guess I’m a pantser with a flexible map.
Thanks LInda, for your detailed responses. I can see myself being the same way–needing key points (in my mind they are clothespins on a line) that need to happen as well as character work like you described. I wasn’t counting that as part of being a plotter since HT was very detailed outlined. I love what you said about the characters waking up and guiding the story. Best to you in your endeavors.
What a great topic. Looking forward to the finished book!
Thank you, Sue. Now–to find the time to write it!!