When I started this blog, I had finished The Aldersgate. The idea was that I’d post the edited chapters, one at a time, and podcast them. Seems like a pretty straight-forward plan, right? The name made sense, the format and structure made sense.
It’s all fine and good, but I realize I painted myself into a funny little corner. As editing has progressed I realized my little novel isn’t so little, nor uncomplicated. The more I edit, the more I discover; the more I discover, the more I change; the more I change, the more the book looks less and less like the first version and more like something new entirely.
And since my pace isn’t anywhere near as fast as I thought it’d be, this blog has become, ultimately, a writer’s blog about a host of subjects, from the process of writing, to trends in steampunk writing and culture, to music and history, to fantasy writing and science fiction.
Ultimately I realize I made a blog for a book, when I should have made a blog for myself as a writer. I suppose in a way it’s comfortable to hide behind something, like a book–but eventually personality wins out. So I’m contemplating renaming the site (not the address, as that’s impossible) and rethinking my approach a little more. The Aldersgate is a well-intended endeavor and, I keep telling myself any, a worthy one. But the more I edit and rewrite, the more I want to challenge myself and get it right. It’s a big story–a huge story, the largest and most ambitious I’ve ever tried to tell. And I don’t want to risk the telling by taking shortcuts.
So, suffice it to say, this blog jumped the gun a bit. Although, in my defense, when I sat down to serialize the novel I really did think it was 90% there. I just found out it was really closer to, oh, 20%. I’ve never been good at math.
To all the readers and friends I’ve made in the last few months, thank you. I’m rapidly approaching 10,000 views (?!?) and am ever amazed and inspired by the people I’ve come to know through this blog. Expect lots more from me as the months pass into the next year, and prepare yourself for new adventures!
The Aldersgate Cycle 
September 18, 2008 at 6:54 pm
I totally agree with you on the book writing process, but one thing your on top of is putting yourself out there to build interest about your novel. Last year i thought my novel was completed and a 1 1/2 later I’m still editing. I figured, i should wait to blog or do a podcast until my book is finished, but really starting now is a pefect time to build a base of interested readers. When you become consumed with writing you forget all other aspects. So this is where I start. I learned about this when i met the author’s who wrote “The Indie Band Survival Guide”, last week. Best of Luck.
September 26, 2008 at 8:59 pm
@ Damian – Thanks! I have done a bit to try to self-promote, even if at first I only intended it to inspire me to continue the process. I’m overwhelmed daily by the people I meet, however, and the connections I’ve made…
Best of luck on your work, too! One of the good things about offering a pre-published version of your work online is that your readers get a window into the creative process, which they normally wouldn’t. It’s a kind of exclusive! I definitely have a ton of fun doing it.