Thursday, March 5, 2009

My new addiction

No, it’s not a new drink. Or more textures. Or even mosaics. And although I love all the aforementioned addictions I seem to have, this is something I’m addicted to READING. And it’s a blog. (And I am not addicted to drinking. I just like drinks).

When we learn to listen to little silences, they tell us profound stories.

This is the opening sentence of an ongoing blog I began reading shortly after the holidays. It's called Leif ~ A Voyage. And nearly every day, there's an entry. Sometimes it's only a few paragraphs and other times it's a small chapter, but it's always intriguing.

The blog author doesn't post anything personal about themselves, only the story.

The story takes place in Iceland or Norway in ancient times. We are on a boat full of men and a fish-girl and we are fleeing, branded as outlaws. We’ve been banned for three years from our homeland.

I’m not going to reveal anything else about it, only that you have to start at the beginning, which is the very first post.

I interviewed the writer of this blog recently and here is what they had to say.


CG: Your blog is really unique in the fact that it's not a personal blog, which are the types I usually read, but more like a small novel. Why did you decide to set up a blog that's a story?
Author, Leif: I took an unpaid leave of absence from work this year to fulfill a longtime dream of serious writing.  A novel is to be my second work to submit to agents and publishers this year.  To submit, you need a minimum of 80,000 words.  I'd NEVER written that much before, and was nervous I would not do it.  So I chose to do it in a public forum, where, even if I had only one reader, I'd have to be  faithful to writing every day. 
Now, since it's already published publicly, that may ruin chances for a book once it's finished and I submit to agents.  But I figured it was worth the risk and the learning experience.  Plus, I have two sequels planned already.

CG: How do you know so much about the way of life in that time period, the clothing they wore and their rituals? Did you study history in school?

Author, Leif: I never, ever thought about it at all.  Never was particularly interested in this time period or subject.  The whole story just came to me in a flash one day.  I started shaking, and felt squeezed . . . honestly, kind of like a birth experience! .  . . and suddenly the whole plot was in my head. 
. . . about a topic I wanted to be historically accurate as well as educational, and knew n o t h i n g.  I have one thing to say.  Thank God for Google.

CG: I love the fact that you dole out small chapters, and sometimes as little as a single paragraph daily. Is it your intention to drive us all mad waiting for the next chapter? I'm kidding. You don't have to answer this.
Author, Leif: Yes, mad, I tell you, MAD! 
No seriously; it comes intuitively.  I work every day to translate the plot in my head into words and sentences and a story line that makes sense.  Sometimes it feels right to do a very short one.  Sometimes it wants more.
But I'm delighted to know that it drives anticipation! :-)

CG: Is the narrator of the story Leif?
Author, Leif: No.

Hmmm. Well, on that note, I’ll have to check today’s offering. Readers, this may be something you might enjoy. But remember, to begin at the beginning.

 

Until tomorrow, my friends . . .

21 comments:

FarmHouse Style said...

Well, now I am completely intrigued and will have to go over and check it out for myself.

Rhonda

Anonymous said...

Very interesting... I've always wished I could write a novel, but I'm just not wordy enough.

Di
The Blue Ridge Gal

A Scattering said...

I've had a read and I've been drawn in as well. thanks for the tip!

Mental P Mama said...

Okay. Now I'm going there. Because that's what I need. ;)

Woman in a Window said...

I did go there and it is wonderful. I hope the author keeps it up because it is one I would love to hold in my hand. And yes, pay for. Now that's amazing. (I'm queen of cheap.)

Shawn said...

Oh, wonderful! Thanks for giving tips on new styles of blogs.

Lew said...

Interesting way to start a writing career! And a plot that could go many ways. I love your header photo! you got a lot more snow that we did in Frederick.

Anonymous said...

I am pretty I checked this out at your suggestion before and started reading it...then something shiny caught my eye and I never made it back. My brain is like a gnat on a hot griddle.

Char said...

I went to the book store and bought three books today. I love to read. this sounds very intriguing

Jo said...

Now I'm going to have to go over and check this out. Thanks for the tip!

Cheers,
Jo

Kristina said...

I started reading the story back at your first suggestion. I'm still hooked. It is definately worth reading!

KathyB. said...

I have been reading this story and look forward to each post eagerly. The subtle twists and turns in the story are genius!

cieldequimper said...

You might just have created another addict!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the recommendation. It sounds very interesting and I hope the author is successful.

CJ xx

abb said...

Be right back - visiting Leif now.

Judyann said...

Kate, I love these textures. Hope to try some soon. Your photos are beautiful and very inspirational. Thanks.

Deb said...

I must find the time to read this blog...somewhere within my day

Daryl said...

Cool .. now I need to find a few more hours in the day ... you didnt happen across a blog that's got that going on have you?

Mary said...

Wow, that sounds neat. I'll have to check it out.

The Weaver of Grass said...

Very enigmatic!

Leif: A Voyage said...

I'm one of those who looks forward to reading the Chronicles of A Country Girl each day. Kate manages to always give a sense of peaceful calm and/or dry, sly, fresh wit in her writing. And it's always, always real.

I'm so grateful that she is my friend and encouraged me to work in a blog.

Please do visit www.leifsstory.blogspot.com, where I look forward to sharing the story with you and hearing your comments. Those comments keep me going with the writing. Each one is so very appreciated!

And let's get Kate some more readers! Every day more folks follow her. And no wonder; it's such a pleasure watching Kate as she's always trying sometihng new, always sharing her generosity, and as her work evolves, involves, and grows - as it grows us, too.

Thank you, my remarkable friend Kate. Thank you.