Overcast is a novel I wrote and published in 2014. Above is a six and a half minute slide show I made depicting, mostly, the setting of the novel. Overcast: a novel’s mixed media event is something I created after I’d published the novel. I did it for fun. Because I could. The novel tells the story of a young girl and a much older man’s relationship. It takes place in the mountains of Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, and South Dakota. And in Southern California.
Additionally, the slide show has some characterization. Featuring Ziggy,
; and Joe Burns, the alcoholic, reclusive writer protagonist. I added some music and special effects via Apple’s iMovie feature back then. It makes for, I think, some fine entertainment. The subplots and themes are also embedded within the … film(?). However, what isn’t shown, because it cannot be, is my voice, or writing style. Which was extremely experimental.
Publishing
My publisher, Xlibris, wouldn’t publish the book because it referenced underage sex. Which now seems quaint. Therefore, I had to find another way – which I did. However, that means is no longer an option. Nevertheless, I still have a few copies.
If you watch the video and think that might be something you’d like to dig deeper into? Contact me and we’ll work it out. The cost of the novel, including shipping, is $30.
Conclusion
Because of all the problems with publishing – I had to do everything myself. (notwithstanding that, I still subsequently have used Xlibris.) The copy editing, the formatting, pagination–everything! It’s possible, but not recommended. It’s better to have a team. However, it is a great story–as relevant today as then. Check out Overcast: a novel’s mixed media event and let me know if it “works”.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
You can, I discovered just now, read this on WordPress’s reader and click on the video (watch on YouTube) and via airdrop, watch it on your smart TV. Which is AMAZING! I recommend it.
So maybe, a whole new way of marking your book? Let me know in the comments. Try it?
Wow! So impressive that you were able to publish and market your own book!
Thanks, Vanya. Making the video was fun. As was a reading and book signing event at the clubhouse where I lived at the time. However, the writing and the publishing work was tough. Yet I felt I had to see it through, no matter the road blocks. As aside note – the underage sex was not between the writer and the girl; but something that happened to her before they met, when she was fourteen. To omit it from the story was not possible, or honest. I wanted to show what can happen to a girl under those circumstances–having worked in that field. It was not salacious, merely briefly mentioned. Again, I appreciate your comment and recognition. Writing well is hard work. (for many people.)
” However, the writing and the publishing work was tough. ” — Definitely a very big challenge.
Book signing must have been exciting – like the big reward for all the hard work!!