The Backstory of Whatever Comes Next
Why would someone sit down and write a novel?
In the case of my new novel, Whatever Comes Next, my answer is: because the message just needed to come out right now.
And here’s how it happened …
Content from Otis classes
For several years I’ve been co-teaching a Human Ecology class with Elektra Grant at Otis College of Art & Design. Through this marvelous opportunity, I’ve been able to explain the Triple Crisis to many students, particularly those coming through Otis’ Sustainability minor.
In one of the class sessions that we do each semester, I introduce David Holmgren’s Permaculture Flower of sustainable solutions. In another class session, I delve into the Finances and Economics petal of the Permaculture Flower.
Because my audience for these sessions is made up of design students — majors in fashion, toy design, digital media, product design, etc. — it is an easy presumption that sitting through a dry lecture about economics isn’t how they’d like to spend their Tuesday evenings. That motivated me to get creative.
I have developed many visual tools, including the econ puzzle, in order to explain more-sustainable avenues in economics in a more colorful and exciting way.
I wanted to figure out a way to bring those creative explanations out to all of you, my lovely readers.
NaNoWriMo 2016
Then in Oct 2016 I heard about NaNoWriMo, an online challenge to write a 50,000 word novel in 30 days. Wow!
I took the challenge, and had a fantastic time doing it! 52,000 words later, I had the draft of the story in my hands. The main character, Carl, is a teacher, and he coincidentally uses all those fun visual tools which I had invented to explain the emerging new economics to the design students.
Throughout January and February 2017, I have been editing and polishing the manuscript. Recently, my first “beta” readers began to give me their feedback.
And they LOVED the story!
Your turn
Now it is your turn.
In the coming weeks, I will release a select few chapters, free, here on this blog. If, however, you wish to see MORE chapters, SOONER than everyone else, plus gain access to ADDITIONAL fun goodies, please check out my Patreon page!
