Writing a novel
Sept 1, 2022 13:11:18 GMT
Post by billy on Sept 1, 2022 13:11:18 GMT
Hi everyone, I am in the planning stage for my second novel (the first is at the publishers at this moment being dissected). Firstly, I do not write specifically for the LGBT reader, but there was a gay/sexuality sub-theme in the first and it is likely to be repeated in the second. I have learned that I must have as original a plot as possible and, from the research I have done, the storyline I propose for my second novel seems to be quite unique. In fact, so unique that I can't find any information on the concept anywhere online. This is possibly a very good omen - or a very bad one if the concept is way too implausible.
The concept summary is as follows: The story is likely to be set in the 1980's or early 1990's in a country that has not yet harmonised with homosexuality, though it is not illegal. Two men (late 20's) are in a loving relationship (of around 12 months) in a difficult cultural environment. One of them is married, possibly with a young child (or children). The other, in a professional working role, is still undecided as to whether he wishes to be known as gay or even, for that matter, if he is gay, bisexual or just "happy as things stand". However, the second character (the professional) is certain of one thing: he wants to be a father. He mentions this desire to his lover on a number of occasions. Nowadays, his dilemma would be much easier to solve, especially in the UK or US, but the only plausible solution at that time and place was to follow the "traditional" heterosexual route. His married lover, however, has quite a different solution in mind, which he puts into action without discussion. Yes, I am aware of the massive moral and legal implications of this action - but we are talking about fiction here. To keep this forum decent (as his plans are hardly that) I will not go into the details of how he could achieve this - and this is where the research into the fertility possibilities are so vital and, it seems, so difficult to find.
The story then jumps ahead, perhaps 10+ years to our professional (now successful, married and a father - by natural means) learns of the death of his lover (reason for death as yet undecided). On attending the man's funeral he becomes aware of the widow's youngest child. Still unable to grasp any implications, he has some sense of familiarity with the child (there will be reasons within the storyline why these suspicions could exist - yes, there is still a lot of work to do on plot structure, but I don't want to get too involved until I'm sure the basics will fly). Possibilities exist here of financial help to the family of his deceased lover. (The funeral theme I have considered as a possible prologue, or simply chapter 1 - to use as a "hook" for the reader to attach his or herself).
Jump another 10+ years, and we now have a twenty-something (possibly well educated) young person, whose curiosity has led to a step involving the use of recent technology to determine his link to his father/mother/sibling(s) with the shocking conclusion that his late "father" was not his father. We are in the realms of the second half of the novel at this point, and there is a distinct lack of plotting due to the distinct lack of certainty I have in the entire concept - hence this post. (Again the possibility of an early foretaste of this theme in a flash forward - not sure at this point).
Bearing with the diminishing plot structure as the story progresses, what do you think? Will this fly? I'm only looking at publication, not making a fortune. Yes, I could put this proposal to the publishers who are pawing over my first novel; I have mentioned it in far less detail - to provide a platform for their enthusiasm to develop. But if it's a non-starter, I would rather not give them the scant details I have outlined here. By the way, my first novel was really a work of "literary fiction" - character and narrative driven (with elegant prose, though I say so myself) and a slow burning plot; not really a tight thriller or mystery. I would like to pick up the pace a little with number 2.
Any assistance, damnations, registries of shock or horror will be appreciated.
The concept summary is as follows: The story is likely to be set in the 1980's or early 1990's in a country that has not yet harmonised with homosexuality, though it is not illegal. Two men (late 20's) are in a loving relationship (of around 12 months) in a difficult cultural environment. One of them is married, possibly with a young child (or children). The other, in a professional working role, is still undecided as to whether he wishes to be known as gay or even, for that matter, if he is gay, bisexual or just "happy as things stand". However, the second character (the professional) is certain of one thing: he wants to be a father. He mentions this desire to his lover on a number of occasions. Nowadays, his dilemma would be much easier to solve, especially in the UK or US, but the only plausible solution at that time and place was to follow the "traditional" heterosexual route. His married lover, however, has quite a different solution in mind, which he puts into action without discussion. Yes, I am aware of the massive moral and legal implications of this action - but we are talking about fiction here. To keep this forum decent (as his plans are hardly that) I will not go into the details of how he could achieve this - and this is where the research into the fertility possibilities are so vital and, it seems, so difficult to find.
The story then jumps ahead, perhaps 10+ years to our professional (now successful, married and a father - by natural means) learns of the death of his lover (reason for death as yet undecided). On attending the man's funeral he becomes aware of the widow's youngest child. Still unable to grasp any implications, he has some sense of familiarity with the child (there will be reasons within the storyline why these suspicions could exist - yes, there is still a lot of work to do on plot structure, but I don't want to get too involved until I'm sure the basics will fly). Possibilities exist here of financial help to the family of his deceased lover. (The funeral theme I have considered as a possible prologue, or simply chapter 1 - to use as a "hook" for the reader to attach his or herself).
Jump another 10+ years, and we now have a twenty-something (possibly well educated) young person, whose curiosity has led to a step involving the use of recent technology to determine his link to his father/mother/sibling(s) with the shocking conclusion that his late "father" was not his father. We are in the realms of the second half of the novel at this point, and there is a distinct lack of plotting due to the distinct lack of certainty I have in the entire concept - hence this post. (Again the possibility of an early foretaste of this theme in a flash forward - not sure at this point).
Bearing with the diminishing plot structure as the story progresses, what do you think? Will this fly? I'm only looking at publication, not making a fortune. Yes, I could put this proposal to the publishers who are pawing over my first novel; I have mentioned it in far less detail - to provide a platform for their enthusiasm to develop. But if it's a non-starter, I would rather not give them the scant details I have outlined here. By the way, my first novel was really a work of "literary fiction" - character and narrative driven (with elegant prose, though I say so myself) and a slow burning plot; not really a tight thriller or mystery. I would like to pick up the pace a little with number 2.
Any assistance, damnations, registries of shock or horror will be appreciated.
