Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Novella wrap-up!

If you've been following this blog, you probably already know that I just finished serializing the five-chapter novella Temple Wedding last week. And if you're not among the four hundred people who've now read it, it's never too late!! :D

As I've said, this piece is a short comic drama about what it's like for young adult non-believers to go back and visit the whole extended clan on the occasion of a (religious) wedding in the family. This segment (and my whole novel Exmormon) are part of what I hope will be a growing genre: atheist/humanist literature. Non-believers are people too, and we have stories to tell!! Some of our stories deal with religion, some don't, but why not see some more atheist protagonists?

As a note to other writers out there: I like to work with other writers. I don't see them as the competition, I see them as part of the team. Anyone else out there who has written a novel (or novella or short story) and is interested in getting feedback on a manuscript or swapping tips and ideas, feel free to email me: chanson dot exmormon at gmail dot com. My areas of specialization are atheist/humanist lit and Mormon Lit (including stuff written by believers -- faithful Mormons, I'd be happy to give you a friendly and constructive "non-believer's perspective" on your story).

Also, remember that my publicity budget for Exmormon is exactly $0, and I don't have any kind of publicist helping me -- I've built up a non-trivial audience merely through my own antics on the Internet and through the book speaking for itself. And when I say "the book speaking for itself," I mean word-of-mouth. If you're reading this book and like it, any mention of it will be heartily appreciated. :D

Next up Orem High! This is one of the longest and most potentially controversial segments. I've got a lot of work left to do on the illustrations -- the one you see on the first page is the only one I've done so far, which means I have about fourteen more to draw. And since I'm no Quick Draw McGraw, that should take me until February 10, 2009.

I hope you'll all be joining me then!!! :D

10 comments:

gburnett said...

C.L.,

Really enjoyed the wedding story. As an atheist who has to go home as well (although my stepfamily are the religious nuts) and deal with this sort of thing, I'm certainly sympathetic. I enjoyed your descriptions of the various "theonomas" you observed, and especially the way the lesbian couple were treated. Amazing how "family values" allow such poor behavior toward a fellow human.

Well, just wanted to pass on my thoughts - I'm a long-time lurker here and thought I should get off my duff and post. I enjoyed your writing and am looking forward to more!

Anonymous said...

Good for you for actually writing. I plan on reading EVERYTHING you do. Can't wait!

C. L. Hanson said...

Thanks Pope Gregory and Sterkworks!!! :D

Lynet said...

I've been enjoying my fortnightly 'Exmormon' interludes, so thank you for that.

Oh, and I've tagged you.

C. L. Hanson said...

Thanks Lynet!!!

I saw the tag when reading your blog earlier, and I've been thinking about this one. It's a good subject to tag me with because I feel like blogging has changed my life quite dramatically -- as you probably already know from reading stuff I've written about it. Pinning it down to five specific things should be a challenge, but I'm up to it! :D

KC said...

I bookmarked your page because I've been wanting to read your stories (and your blog!) but have been so busy. would love to swap stories with you after I edit mine a bit more. my email is kcbuckingham@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

Looking forward to the Orem segment, especially since I actually visited once back in high school, staying with a mormon family in Orem for a couple of weeks. I told them beforehand that I'm an atheist and that it would probably be best for all if both sides refrained from conversion/deconversion attempts, and they were incredibly gracious about it. I went to seminar once, and attended church with them. It was a very pleasant stay.

C. L. Hanson said...

Hey KC Elaine!!!

Sounds great!!! I'll email you this weekend to arrange the swap! :D

Hey Felicia!!!

Wow, you've visited the heart of Mormonland, Utah Valley? That must have been interesting! :D

UneFemmePlusCourageuse said...

I really liked this section...
by the way, I tagged you in a meme.

C. L. Hanson said...

Thanks UFPC!!!

I've just done the meme! :D