The Partnership that Created the Book
I met Brandon nearly 20 years ago in college; where we did
what college kids do ... drink, watch the reruns of “the Simpsons”, and drank some more. I joke with him that we weren’t friends in
college ... for example, on a recent trip to visit him I kindly pointed out that
in his photo albums from college, I’m not in a single picture. His wife, who went to college with us also,
laughs and says I’m right, just to turn the screws a little on her husband. Brandon, frustrated with both of us says, “have
you seen yourself in college, you should be happy there is no photographic
evidence of that part of your life.”
After college, Brandon moved west, I stayed east, and something
unexpected happened. I went surfing for
the first time, stood on my first wave, and spent the next 14 years in the
water as much as I possibly could. Over
those years, Brandon and I (with a group of friends) grabbed our boards and trekked
the world surfing ... surf trips were a string that tied all the travel and
adventure in our twenties.
Our thirties came, and so did marriage and children. Our jobs turned to careers. Free time for reading books, listening to
albums, or whatever other things we felt like doing were being lost to our
growing list of responsibilities each day.
It had hit a breaking point for both of us. So one day out in California (after a surf
and over a beer) I said, “I have an idea” ... and that started the book.
A year in, JennaRose (a friend of my wife’s since diapers)
was out visiting us on an annual trip she makes to the east coast. She was going on and on about obscure sci-fi
shows and books (all stuff I have heard her talk in pain-staking detail since
I’ve known her), but this time was different. I asked her, “Have you ever wanted to create
something of your own?”
When she
expressed her interest in book editing, I said, “I have something to show
you...”
During this book blog tour, I had an interview question “What
is my favorite part about writing?” I
didn’t have an answer, because I am not sure I have a favorite part of
writing. To me, writing is only one part
of the entire creative process. And
while many (if not most writers) enjoy the solitude and privacy of writing ...
I thrive on the collaboration with my creative partners. Brainstorming ideas, developing story
concepts, and maturing characters with Brandon and JennaRose were the most
rewarding parts of creating this book.
I did not want to write a book on my own. There was no fun in that - creating a book
with people who share a similar vision, enthusiasm, and creative drive
was. I guess it’s like being in a band
rather than being a solo artist. There
is something about feeding off the creative energy of people working together –
to actually see each of our ideas grow and become something more than any one
of us individually could have conceived.
Something we wanted to achieve in the first book was a full
experience in a single sitting. We
wanted a fast pace read, that could be read in a single sitting. We have the entire journey planned to the
end, but we wanted each installment to be fully self-contained and able to be
enjoyed within a couple hours. A
reviewer likened it to watching an hour episode of an HBO or Netflix show, and
that was really what we set out to do.
The second book in our series is already underway. I am in the middle of my rewrite of the first
draft, Brandon is sketching the new characters, and Jenna is waiting
impatiently for the first pages to review.
I encourage any writer out there, to explore creative
partnerships. Working with people who I
trust and enjoy spending time with – where imagination is fostered through a
sharing of ideas and thoughts has been incredibly rewarding for me as a writer!
Thank you for reading!
Please check out our book: The Spirit and The Shadow, and enter to win
the free book giveaway. Also, please
share your comments below, and I will be checking in throughout the day to
respond to any comments or questions!
The Spirit and The Shadow
Book 1
Author: Thomas Lavalle
Illustrator: Brandon Swope
Genre: Paranormal, Suspense, Thriller
Publisher: No Rules Media Publishing, LLC
ISBN: 9780991461004
ASIN: B00JBU4IVC
Number of pages: 180
Word Count: 11,000
Cover Artist: Brandon Swope
Book Description:
A fast-paced, paranormal suspense thriller from a new creative team that keeps you on the edge of your seat as you are pulled into the chase for a vampire by those who want his secret, others who are out for justice, and one man seeking revenge.
In a world where vampires and humans coexist, Detectives Aiden Lawson and Robert Garrison are after a vampire wanted for murder. This accused vampire is also hunted by the murder victim's brother, an assassin gone rogue from his clandestine agency. What these men will learn, is that this vampire has a secret – a secret that very powerful men and vampire alike will go to great lengths to acquire. The story follows the paths of these individuals as they uncover the truth. THE SPIRIT AND THE SHADOW is a mash-up of conspiracy and paranormal genres with suspense, vengeance, and BLOOD!
Available at iTunes Lulu Amazon Google Play
About the Author:
I have been advised against announcing that I am a first-time author – that it is basically asking a reader to take a chance in my book even though I have no track record. I have no history in fiction writing, never won any awards, and never took a literature or writing class (outside of basic 101 level college courses). While not advised, it is the truth, and as honest as this bio is, so is my writing. My name is Thomas Lavalle. I am a first time writer. I also surf, read comics, and I’m a dedicated father and husband. If you’re interested in paranormal suspense - take a chance and check out my book, it’s awesome!
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1 comment:
Thank you for kicking off our book blog tour by hosting our first guest blog ... looking forward to our week-long tour!!!
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