Dear Friend,
Keeping with my one-word blog title, “Fun” is a bit of a joke. I had thought of calling this “Fun with Formatting,” but that didn’t sound like it was fun! (And it’s been a challenge, but so far, not insurmountable, just time-consuming to get it right.)
Instead, I thought I’d let you see “behind the curtain” the items that go into a book’s composition and how it looks.
WHAT’S IN THE BOOKS?
Obviously, words are essential, but what are the words? They are concepts connected to the characters, who are involved in the plot.
Simply: A book answers the questions (even non-fiction) Who? What? When? Where? Why? And How?
Why are the characters saying and doing the things they do? Everything should make sense (it can still be funny and crazy, but it all works better when words and actions are tied to characters with personalities and motivations that generate the words and actions.)
WHAT IS FORMATTING?
Formatting is the process by which the completely written book gets a design for what the pages will look like to the reader. Things like fonts (what the letters look like), spacing (between paragraphs, lines, and letters), headings, paragraphs, scene breaks, and even the page size determine how a book will look. Also, chapters (how long? And how many? will determine how a book will look and how readable it will be.)
The publishing world seems to have gone into free-float mode! I’ve seen books lately that don’t adhere to loose “rules” about how to set up a book. One sentence or paragraph chapters, and varied fonts within the same book are some examples. However, way back in the 18th century, an early bestseller, Tristram Shandy, made its own rules, so there are precedents.
Couple the need for every word to look distinct and readable with the goal of easy-to-read pages, and formatting becomes a complex process. When computer programs make the formatting easy require major “learning curves” to master, it’s difficult. An example is my search for how to make those pesky hyphens at the ends of lines disappear. I knew there had to be a way to do that, but it took me three tries and over a half hour to accomplish.
BOOK TOUR OF RANDY’S DILEMMA
Trying not to show “spoilers” (advance notice of things that could spoil your sense of suspense or give away too much), I took some liberties with the way I’ve written my next book, Randy’s Dilemma, that I’m currently formatting. As soon as it’s formatted, I’ll be submitting it to various publishers, including those that offer books to libraries and retailers, as well as the well-known online booksellers.
The book is a definitely steamy/spicy contemporary romance that involves the younger brother of Louisa, the named character of the Louisa’s Vineyard Series. Now with 6 books once Randy’s Dilemma is available soon, soon, soon! Randy is featured in the prior books in the series, except for Love at First Sight, which takes place before he was born.
Instead of following my former pattern that places the wedding in the main part of the book, Randy’s Dilemma has the wedding in the Epilogue. I wanted to give the characters a chance to be known before the wedding, and also to feature a serious theme in the main part of the book. Frankly, it gave me more room to develop the plots, the characters, and the fun!
Something else I’ve made prominent, not every novel includes, are two recipes included in every book. The recipes feature food related to food that’s being enjoyed or cooked in the book. All of my books include characters who are proficient cooks. (Note: They are my recipes. I’ve cooked the recipes many times.)
Also included: Humor features in my books. At least one character in a book has a terrific sense of humor.
And my characters. Randy and Louisa both have amazing paranormal powers. Randy is finding his powers. Louisa’s known of her powers for many years.
So, hang in there!
Randy’s Dilemma is COMING SOON!
PS Last time, I included the blurb for Randy’s. Did it intrigue you or leave you with questions? Send me your responses to this blog or questions you have to:
Save time over the upcoming holidays to read Randy’s Dilemma.
(I’ll be heading back to the formatting trenches to get this book completed and submitted!)
Have a great week!
Hugs,
Shelley