The Next J.K Rowling

I haven't posted anything in a couple of weeks and it's definitely NOT due to a lack of excitement in the Bryson household. (Mr. Ridge and his partner in crime, Mr. Colton aka Tater, keep us on our toes)

Actually the reason I've neglected the blog is due to the fact that I've been participating in Nanowrimo. ( Nation Novel Writing Month) It's an organization that challenges would-be novelists and writers to crank out a 40K word novel in one month. I was encourage to participate by Danielle's cousin Jocelyne, who's also an aspiring writer. So for 30 days during the month of November I set out to write a novel.

Within the first two days, however, I realized that having a toddler and a newborn running around the house, there was absolutely no way I was going to hit my goal of 1,333 words a day. So I decided to write just "part" of my planned book.

First off, my novel is far from Cormac McCarthy or Hemingway in scope or beautifully written prose. I decided to write a childrens book, aimed at 10 year-olds, in which my boys Ridge and Colton are the main characters. In the book they find a mysterious cave that transports them back in time where they search for treasure and battle bloodthirsty monsters, but still have to get back in time for supper. I have to say, so far it's pretty damn good.

I decided to write my book on a 10 year-old reading level for two reasons: (1.) I want the book so be something Ridge and Colton can read by themselves when they get that age and (2.) I suck as a writer and a 10 year-old reading level is about the best I can muster.

Anyway, my plan is to write four "mini-novels" each about 10,000 words or less. In 30 days I finished the first book, entitled BATTLE OF THE SWAMP BEAST.

When I have all four books written, I plan on self-publishing a couple of copies for the boys.

It may sound kinda stupid, but it was fun writing the story, plus I'd rather do something constructive than park my rear on the couch and watch crappy Reality TV every night.

Watch for BATTLE OF THE SWAMP BEAST on the New York Times Best-Seller List sometime around 2010.