Veronica's Writer's Diary: So, Your MC Wants to Write a Book

'It begins with a character, usually, and once he stands up on his feet and begins to move, all I can do is trot along behind him with a paper and pencil trying to keep up long enough to put down what he says and does.'

William Faulkner

'September held me gently as I became something new...'

Happy Fall Y'all! As a rather turbulent September comes to an end, I for one am thrilled to see autumn arrive with its glorious colors and (hopefully) cool temps!

It's good to be on my new, end of the month blog post schedule too. Posting at the beginning of the month just never felt right, LOL. So, I changed things up (gasp)!

To start my new post timeline off, I thought I'd do some literary trolling (all in good fun, of course!) with my main character, Gemma. She's set to become a best-selling author in my next caper, Family Skeletons: The Secrets of Castlewood Manor. I thought we'd do a brief Q&A about how she's finding the 'writing' world in her new role.

V: Gemma, I know finding out about your illegitimate aunt in North Carolina fueled your inspiration to find your own project outside the Castlewood Manor empire. What led you to decide to write a book?

G: It was the strangest thing, Veronica. Learning about Charlotte and her ambitious business plans for Shadow Ridge had my mind reeling. I wanted a project of my own to grow and flourish. It became an obsession, really. And then a challenge. Could I do it? Lots of folks say, 'they'll just write a book', but little do they know how hard it can be putting pen to paper, or in my instance, finger to keyboard. I never realized how much blank stare time there would be. Luckily, my darling husband and good friend, Rikkhe designed a super writing suite for me. I can stare in style.

V: Yes, your writing suite is quite lovely from what I've read. Lots of beautiful sites at Cherrywood Hall to stare at too. But back to the writing--what was the most challenging aspect for you? Developing content? Finding time to write? Sticking to a deadline?

G: I was fortunate. Most families have a plethora of secrets or skeletons in the closet. My illegitimate auntie, Charlotte certainly had plenty of beans to spill. For the rest of my book, Genteel Secrets, additional content came from a cheeky publican with royal connections. A ghostwriter with a scandalous claim. An aristocrat who has a shocking reveal. An actor with a killer secret. A chef cooking up mischief. And a rockstar's wife with a witchy past. The words seemed to flow quite well as I re-told their stories. Before I knew it, I had a book.

Figgy was an angel taking care of the children. My assistant and tech guru, Ellie was a godsend. Kyle was quite supportive; he kept the house running smoothly, no deadly events to speak of. There were many nights where I burned the midnight oil. I missed a few deadlines, but my agent and publisher were quite accommodating. Most of the time. I don't think I like editing...

V: Tell me about it. I've met your storytellers who expose their family skeletons, the 'skellies' as you call them. And your agent and publisher. How was your working relationship with them?

G: You know, at first things went along swimmingly. They each have such intriguing stories--some sad, many tragic, a few horrific. There's something strange with secrets you know. They have a way of growing and expanding in ways you don't expect. People aren't always as they seem either...

My agent and publisher are putting on the pressure for the next project. I think. But...there's something I can't quite put my finger on. It's like I know a secret, but I can't quite remember.

V: Oh, I'm afraid that's because of me, Gemma. You see, the story is finished now, and your book is embedded in my storyline--a book within a book so to speak. Since you are my main character and I developed your story, I'm afraid I get first dibs and am keeping most details of our co-plotlines on the QT for the time being. Sorry, darling. What about the book marketing, are you enjoying it?

G: Well, that's a bit of a stinker, Veronica. I am the MC, you know.

V: Yes, I know, luv, but I'm the MW--main writer. There are rules about divulging too much detail before a book is published. Now, about the book marketing?

G: Well, I think I rather enjoyed it. We were in London for a while, I do remember that. I love staying at Hillcrest. And Max and Elliot always can get us into Chubbies for a fun evening out. Of course, visiting the royals at the palaces is quite nice. We were busy; our diaries were jam packed with glamorous events and interviews. Wait, I'm remembering, there was a bit of trouble. Maybe more than a bit. I'm not sure I liked marketing my book... Hey, wait a minute...

V: Oops, we've run out of time. Thank you to my special guest, main character and bestselling book author, Lady Gemma Lancaster Williams. I'm sure she'll remember more details on her writing career when our book is released. (Hee Hee) Speaking of which, the new launch date for Family Skeletons will be in January, 2026. Alas, there are some things that take more time than planned even in a fictional world.

Wishing you and yours a wonderful fall season. It's one of my favorite times of year--enjoy! It's Wednesday, time for Dear Diary:

It's an Autumn Reading eBook Sale!

Now through October, I have 3 eBooks in my cozy series on sale for 99 cents at Amazon. Catch up on the series with:

Cast, Crew, & Carnage: The Filming of Castlewood Manor--Lights, Camera, Murder!

Deadly Receptions: The Debut of Castlewood Manor--Mayhem on the Red Carpet!

Double Trouble: Showtime at Castlewood Manor--Royal Secrets Take a Deadly Turn!

Pick up a copy now!

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Veronica-Cline-Barton/author/B079XYHYPF

V's Reads

Murderous adventures this month from the writers of X...

What happens when the most despised man in town is murdered? Things will definitely not be easy in the Big Easy!

Reporter, Justice Harper is on the case, chasing down clues and uncovering dark secrets. Will the killer be the scorned lover, the businesswoman who lost everything, or the mysterious voodoo queen? Or maybe, someone quite unexpected. Turns out quite a few people have motives for the killing.

Author Miller weaves a mysterious, noir-laced whodunnit sure to entertain. A highly recommended read for mystery fans with an ending you're not going to believe!

Providing security for the rich and famous is about to turn deadly for Amy Wheeler, who's guarding best-selling author, Rosie D'Antonio on her private island. A killer wants her eliminated and will leave no stone unturned until the deed is done.

Amy and her client Rosie embark on a trip around the world to escape a dire fate. Will her retired, law enforcement father-in-law, Steve be able to save her before the killer strikes again?

An adventurous whodunnit with many twists and turns. Enjoy this new series by Author Osman!

The Cruise to Alaska was Awesome!

The OH and I had another fine time on our Viking cruise to the Inside Passage of Alaska. Two things were spectacular on this trip, (Unfortunately we were not able to see President Trump meet with Russian President Putin during their meet and greet in Anchorage--I would have if I could have!) we had sunshine almost every day which made a huge sightseeing difference! And, we had the chance to see a glacier calving! We visited the magnificent Hubbard Glacier during this cruise. It was a beautiful sight cruising into the secluded bay.

The close-up of the glacier let you see years and years of formation:

And, I just happened to have my camera pointed at the right spot at the right time to capture the calving!

This was a pretty amazing sight; the glacier was supposedly the length of two football fields tall. I shared this video with a few passengers who missed it. I can now cross glacier calving off my bucket list!

Welcome to my world. Wishing you and yours a wonderful end to September and a glorious October. Happy Fall Y'all!

Crowns and Kisses,

Veronica

P.S. My, oh my, a glamorous journey comes to an end... (allegedly). We'll be watching Downton Abbey, The Grand Finale in the coming days on the big screen. I can't wait to see how this marvelous tale concludes. Whatever will I do? I guess I'll have to write another book, LOL. Gemma and Rikkhe approve 💖👑