Finally, I’ve started a new novel with the working title ‘Autobahn Proven’ on November 26. I’ve only got down chapter 1 and am getting to know my characters. For a change, this one is set in Germany as the title indicates.
I’m excited. A new adventure. Another trip into the unknown. While the basic plot is already laid out in my head, my characters might come up with their own twists and turns, wriggle out of the borders I’ve drawn for them.
I spent all day yesterday at the bookfair in Frankfurt. What an amazing event. It’s been several years now since I last visited it and couldn’t remember the excitement, the expectant atmosphere. Or maybe it was different this time because I had an appointment with an agent who wants to sign me up. Entering the LitAg hall requires that you have set up a meeting. Agents are the only breed at the book fair that you can’t just walk up to.
I can’t help starting to believe in signs. At the train station in Frankfurt, I got talking with an author writing about globalization and other economic and management related topics. Just before the meeting with my prospective agent, I met a guy from the USA working for a publisher in India and living there now for many years. Then my Indian agent tells me she managed to create some interest in Found Guilty and Ruta 5. Will have to wait and see if her efforts lead to a publishing contract or two, but I’m excited.
I bought a green jacket for my visit to the bookfair to hide the fact that I’d much rather sit in my lair and write than go talk to strangers and pitch my books. Hide it from myself maybe more than from the rest of the world…
The Frankfurt book fair kicks off in only two days. I’ve just bought my ticket online. Now I need to research what I’m going to do there, apart from meeting with a prospective agent on Friday and pitching my novels.
First Draft Finished
It’s New Year’s Eve and I’ve finished the first draft of Autobahn Proven at 51,000 words. Still need to add a few scenes that require more research and of course I’ve got to flesh it out some more. Things to look forward to in 2010.
As so often, my characters just took of with me. Now the thriller I intended to write has turned into an action comedy. I love it. Hopefully I won’t be the only one.
Some time soon, I’ll put up the first chapter. When I’m happy with it…
Happy New Year!