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kpop---scenarios · 4 years

Text

Don't Break Me Again

Commissioned by: @skittlez-area512

Pairing: Younghyun x Reader

Wanrning: Just Pure Angst

Word Count: 2.4k

"Who was that?" You ask Younghyun, trying to force a smile as you approach him, watching another girl try to slyly slip away.

"The girl I'm going home with after the show, likely my future wife." He says, his face straight, his eyes lacking any humor. He places his guitar strap over his head as he gets ready to step on stage.

"W-what?" You ask, the tears building in your eyes.

"I'm just kidding babe, christ." He scoffs, rolling his eyes.

Before you can respond, he runs on stage, ready to melt hundreds more of girls' hearts.

It took you a few days to be able to fully let go of his comment.

He was joking, at least that's what he told you later that night. You were being dramatic and overly sensitive again, you didn't trust him and he didn't know if he could be with someone as insecure as you, so you told him fine. You packed a week's worth of clothes and headed to a friend's house.

5 days later he called, begging for you to come home. He apologized profusely, promising he was going to change.

You needed to ask him a question that night that you returned, but you were scared. More so scared of his reaction but also his answer. With Younghyun it really could be anything.

"You.. you weren't with anyone while I was gone, were you?" You asked nervously. You and Younghyun sat on the couch, cuddling.

"God no. Why would you even ask that? I spent the entire time missing you baby. I'm so sorry for everything. You deserve more, I'll be the man you need." He whispers, pulling you in closely.

And you believed him. You believed all of it. Until you found a pair of dark purple panties shoved in between the mattress and box spring a few days later.

And they definitely weren't yours.

"What the fuck is this, Younghyun?" You scream, throwing the panties you had found at him.

"Why are you throwing your underwear at me and screaming like a mad woman?" He snaps, placing his guitar case on the floor. "I just fucking got home and you start this shit already."

"I'm starting this shit? You said you weren't with anyone while I was gone!" You cried. Your heart felt like it was going to shatter.

"So fucking what if I was! You weren't here. What else was I supposed to do?" He spits. "I let you have your little tantrums, you run off and do god knows what, with who knows who while you're gone."

"I sit inside and I cry! Because I love you! And I want us to work! And you're out fucking whatever?" You scoff, unamused.

Younghyun scoffs. " I'm just trying to play catch up, whenever I get the chance baby. We all have a past, some more than others." He smirks, looking you up and down, and not in a lovingly way, no. This was a judgemental, disgusted look.

A look that you were no stranger too when it came to Younghyun.

"Wow." You sniffled, rolling your eyes. "Not even surprised you'd end up going there with a line like that." You laugh, no humor to be found anywhere. "I'm done." You whisper.

That night you end up at your best friend, Jaein's house. She's always had a particular distaste for Younghyun, or as she calls him, Brian.

"He's a piece of mother fucking shit babydoll, and you deserve someone who is not a giant man baby piece of shit. That's all I'm saying." She says, shrugging her shoulders before taking a large sip of wine.

If there was anyone you could truly count on, it was Jaein. She never failed to make you laugh, brightening your spirits after Younghyun so viciously tore them down, even though it wasn't her job to fix it.

She always told you how much you were worth and how much you should see it, but she knew you loved him.

Fuck did you love him.

She always took your side when you came to her about your fights, she shit talked him like there was no tomorrow, but she also never tried to convince you to leave him. She knew you weren't ready, she also knew that you would leave him when you were ready. She always gave you a hug when you said it was time for you to go back to him, never pressuring you to stay.

She knew no one could leave him for you.

Early that next morning, you left Jaein's and headed back to your shared apartment with Younghyun. You opened the front door, slipped off your shoes, jacket and hat while making your way to the bedroom.

You unbutton your jeans, sliding them down your body before stepping out. You stood at the edge of your bed where Younghyun slept so peacefully.

You knew you needed to end it but you were unbelievably, unequivocally in love with him. You would do anything for him, be anything for him and he knew it.

You just wished he felt the same about you.

You constantly asked yourself why you stoll stayed, why you put yourself through the torture of knowing theres almost a 100 percent chance he will never love you as hard and as much as you love him. You needed to be done. But how can you quit something you need so badly?

You knew he was able to love, you've seen it. He loved his guitar. He loved his music, and he loved his groupies that followed him from small dive bars to even bigger dive bars. He loved the attention that he received from those women, any woman really that wasn't you. In his mind because you couldn't make it to every show, you weren't as dedicated as them. You didn't love him more than them. You didn't support his music enough. Telling him you were working was never a valid reason to not be there to support his dreams even though you were pretty sure he didn't even know what your dreams were.

You were done.

You just wished he wouldn't break you again. And again. And again.

But that seemed to be the thing he was best at.

This time you were actually going to be done. You needed to be done. You couldn't keep chasing him around, waiting and praying that one day he might decide to settle down. One day he might decide you're finally worthy of his unconditional love since he's put you through so much.

One day you might be good enough.

You crawled into bed with him, his arms slipping over your body before pulling you in tightly against him. He nuzzles his face into your head, deeply inhaling the scent of your hair.

"I've missed you." He sighs.

A tear slips down your cheek as you wiggle yourself closer to him.

"Really hope you didn't go fuck some dude last night like a whore." He huffs.

You can't do this anymore.

Now Y/N. Do it now.

"I'm done, Younghyun." You whisper.

"Stop." He groans. "Don't ruin a perfectly good morning."

"I'm not. I just can't anymore." You sigh, wiggling out of his hold.

"Where the fuck is this coming from?" He snaps, sitting up in bed before rubbing his face. "Fucking Jaein is getting in your head again isnt she?"

"No, I'm finally realizing it myself. You tear me down, and build me back up only to tear me down harder next time. You don't care about me. You constantly throw it in my face that I have a past and think I'm always cheating, but that's all you. You think I don't care about your music because I don't attend every show, you crave the attention from random women, not to mention who knows how many times you actually cheated." You snap. "I'm done being treated like I'm the lowest scum when I've done absolutely nothing to deserve it. I've done nothing but love you and support you but it's never good enough for you Younghyun. I will never be good enough so I'm done." You sigh.

"Please don't baby. You're my world. I love you so much, let me prove it to you baby." He cries. Boy was he an excellent manipulator.

"You've had an abundant amount of chances and you've fucked them all up. Save it." Younghyun begged and pleaded for you to stay while he followed you around the apartment as you gathered up the belongings you could think of at that moment, the most important things. You knew you could come back in a few weeks or so to grab whatever you forgot. Because this time was it, this time you were done.

Looking over your shoulder, you see Younghyun's pained face as your hand reaches for the door knob. "If you walk out that door Y/N, I swear to god, I'm done. I won't ask for you back, you'll have lost me forever." He snaps.

"You've already lost me." You whisper, gently closing the door behind you.

A few weeks later, it still felt like your chest was going to cave in. Like your heart was going to glue itself back together before shattering into a million pieces, over and over.

You cried into Jaein's pillow everyday, all day. You missed him so much. Maybe it wasn't time, maybe things could be better this time.

Younghyun had texted, called and showed up to Jaein's apartment everyday. His messages came multiple times a day, his calls even more. Your heart slowly mended itself with every loving message you read, with every soft word you heard him speak through your voicemail. He sounded sincere this time. He sounded like he was going to try, this time would be different. Maybe the 11th time's the charm.

You took a few days to think it over, making sure it was truly what you wanted, and it was. Not to necessarily get back together with him at the moment, but just to see him. See him perform, listen to his voice. You missed everything about him.

This was a good idea.

Or so you thought.

Jaein kept her mouth shut as you made sure your outfit was perfect. Younghyun had told you he had a gig tonight at one of the first bars you met at. You didn't tell him you were going to come, you wanted to surprise him.

"I wish you all the luck with Brian, babydoll." He forces a smile.

"Thank you. For everything." You smile. "I'll see you in a bit."

For the first time in a long time, you felt hopeful. Younghyun promised to spend more time with you, go to anger management, and couples counseling. All things he had never promised before.

He was trying. He was finally trying.

You smiled widely as you pulled the door open to the bar.

Your eyes looked hopeful as you tried to find Younghyun. They widen as you spot him laughing. You can hear the sound of his laugh in your head.

Making your way over to him, you rehearse in your head about what you're going to say to him, wondering if he'll hug you, swing you around, plant a kiss on your lips?

You're distracted as you approach him, the possibility of so much happiness blinding you. When you finally came too, you stopped dead in your tracks. Younghyun laughed as he wrapped an arm around a girl, leaning in closely to whisper something in her ear, making her giggle. Their eyes met, he slightly grips her chin to tilt her head up before leaning down to place his lips on hers.

After a few seconds, they break apart, smiling at eachother. He feels like they're being watched so he raises his eyes,scanning the room. He lands on you. You with the shocked face, hurt eyes and heavy breathing.

You were so fucking stupid. You should have known better. You did know better. Younghyun had never changed, he had always said he would but never did. What made this time any different? Nothing except you had hoped so fucking hard that this time it was it. This time he would love you properly.

You let out loud laughs/ scoff before turning around to run out the doors you had just so excitedly came in.

"Y/N wait!" Younghyun yells, leaving the girl behind to chase you.

You run through the door to the outside, where it's now pouring rain.

Of course.

"Y/N, please!" He yells, catching up to you. He grabs onto your arm, yanking you back. "Just wait!." He yells.

"What!?" You scream, pulling your arm away from him. "What the fuck do you want?"

"You weren't supposed to show up tonight. You weren't supposed to see that." He sighs.

"Oh." You laugh. "So its my fault for showing up, hoping to fix us, and not your fault for being a piece of shit who just can't keep it in his pants."

The rain pours harder, you and Younghyun stand face to face, water dripping down your bodies.

"You didn't return any of my calls or texts. What was I supposed to do?" He asks. "It's been like a month."

"Wow." You scoff. That's all you can say.

"How long after I left did you start seeing her?" You ask.

"Four days." He admits.

"F-four.. four days? You only waited four fucking days? I'm so fucking stupid. You will never not be a self centered piece of shit will you?" You laugh.

"Excuse me? What the fuck gives you the right to insult me? How's a used up whore like you any better." He laughs.

"Yeah, okay. This just sealed it. I'm done." You say, turning to walk away again.

"You're done because I'm saying you can be done. Got it? Because I'm tired of manipulating you. I'm ready for someone new." He smiles.

"What are you talking about?" You ask.

"I've never loved you, frankly never really liked you. You were just too easy. Too easy to manipulate, to easy string along like a little puppet. I could completely tear you down until you were nothing and say all the right things to build you back up. You're easy to read, easy to fuck, just all around easy. I need a bit of a challenge now." He smirks, patting your shoulder before walking away, leaving you standing in the rain, thinking about the words you'd never recover from.

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taylorloyola1 · 5 years

Text

Book Marketing

Book Marketer & Promoter

Jan 2017 – May 2017

Baltimore, MD

Positioned established author, David Carter’s book From the Edge of the World in the market place by direct sales and by wholesale distribution to chain and independent bookstores published through Apprentice House. Wrote news releases, pitched review media, conducted print and electronic campaigns, planned author events.

Press Release Assignment

Apprentice House to release Goodnight Gertrude by author of “Familiar” and “Lustration Rites” David Carter.

“Goodnight Gertrude” written by David Carter is a classic coming of age story with a modern day twist. The protagonist begins his journey to understand his family and his place and takes him through experiences which help him grow and develop from boy to man. Through getting to know his extended family, the protagonist is able to uncover and understand his family history more effectively and in turn understand himself better as well as his place in the world.

“Goodnight Gertrude provides a unique and enriching perspective for the reader to relate and engage with” Kevin Atticks, Apprentice House director.

David Carter is a seasoned writer who has previously published short fiction, poetry and interviews on a number of regional publications. The author has published the poem, “A Direct Address to Zaccheus” in The Journal of Pastoral Care and Counseling in September 2008. The author has held a previous interview with local cartoonist and musician Brian Walsby. The author has written the short story, “Switcharound.” The author has previously written the novel, ‘Familiar’ published by Wipf and Stock Publishers in September 2016.

David Carter holds a master’s degree in Library Science, Theology and English Literature. The author has received the “Creative Writing Merit Scholarship” from North Carolina State University in 2002. David Carter is currently represented by Rochelle Lurie of Zachary Schuster Literary Agency of Boston, MA. David Carter currently resides in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Include an image of the book cover in the press release.

About the Book:

Title: Goodnight Gertrude

Author: David Carter

List price: $16.95

ISBN: 978-1-934074-

Specs: Paperback, 172 pages, 6 x 9” perfect bound on white paper.

Designer: Julia Joseph, Class of 2018 Loyola University Maryland.

Description:

Goodnight Gertrude takes the reader through the coming of age story for sixteen year old Victor Flowers. Victor is a sad, distant and somewhat of a loner. Goodnight Gertrude is a young adult work of fiction, taking the reader through intense emotion and teenage and hormonal agnst. Victor begins developing romantic feelings for his cousin. The story is told through the perspective of Victor. Goodnight Gertrude takes the reader through a journey of Victor coming to terms with his complicated family life and troubled past. Victor’s parents are divorced and his father is a bigot who is living with his new family. Victor leaves his life with his immediate family to live with his extended family. Victor becomes well acquainted with his grandmother, cousin and uncle in North Carolina. Through getting to know his extended family, Victor is able to uncover and understand his family history more effectively and in turn understand himself better as well as his role in the world.

About the Author:

The author has attended Episcopal Divinity School in 1998. In author attended North Carolina State University where he graduated in 203. The author most recently attended North Carolina Central University in 2015. David Carter holds a master’s degree in Library Science, Theology and English Literature. The author has received the “Creative Writing Merit Scholarship” from North Carolina State University in 2002. David Carter is currently represented by Rochelle Lurie of Zachary Schuster Literary Agency of Boston, MA. David Carter currently resides in Raleigh, North Carolina.

David Carter has previously worked with Durham Technical Community College in Raleigh North Carolina where he taught English and Humanities in January to December of 2013. The author worked with Central Carolina Community College in Sanford North Carolina where he taught English and Humanities from 2009 to 2011. The author worked with Guilford Technical Community College in Greensboro, North Carolina where he taught English and Humanities in July 2008 to 2009. The author worked with Forsynth Technical Community College located in Winston-Salem in North Carolina where he lectured during January 2009 to August 2009.

The author has previously published “Cities and Roads” and “The Journal of Pastoral Care and Counseling.” David Carter is a seasoned writer who has previously published short fiction, poetry and interviews on a number of regional publications. The author has published the poem, “A Direct Address to Zaccheus” in The Journal of Pastoral Care and Counseling in September 2008. The author has held a previous interview with local cartoonist and musician Brian Walsby. The author has written the short story, “Switcharound.” The author has previously written the novel, ‘Familiar’ published by Wipf and Stock Publishers in September 2016.

Apprentice House

Being the nations first entirely student-managed book publisher, Apprentice House works directly with a variety of authors and book themes and styles. Loyola University Maryland students are responsible for the publishing process including both the design and publication process. Acquisition House allows students to become an active and engaged member in the book publishing process.

Acquisition House is a new program with the Communications Department of Loyola University Maryland. Acquisition House is used in the following student courses, Introduction to Book Publishing, Book Design and Production, and Book Marketing and Promotion.Therefore, students in these courses serve as staff in Apprentice House’s acquisitions, design, and marketing departments, respectively. After students move on, AH professor-managers and AH student staff sustain the on-going operation of the company and market its frontlist and backlist titles.

More Information

Have questions? Reach out directly to the author at @email. (Provide an interactive email that the author will be comfortable to use to engage and interact with his target audience.)

https://taylorloyolawebsite.wordpress.com/book-marketing/

Book Marketing Plan- Due 4/12

The following plan was submitted as a project for CM384 Book Marketing course.

Book TitleGoodnight Gertrude

AuthorDavid Carter

Submitted byTaylor Garrison

Market (SWOT) Analysis (1,000 words)

List the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities & Threats of the book, the author, the genre.

Strengths:

The strengths of Goodnight Gertrude include, the unique and intriguing book title. A second strong aspect of this book is the perspective of the book. Goodnight Gertrude takes the reader through the situation of Victor as if they were in Victor’s situation. This book has a relatability factor which will increase the number of individuals we are able to market to. The relatable aspect of this book stems from everyone comes from certain heritage and has specific family culture that is unique to them. Goodnight Gertrude takes the reader through Victor’s journey of understanding the members of his family in order to understand his place in life and where he originates. Victor is struggling with what most teenagers are conflicted with.

Weaknesses:

The weaknesses I found with the marketing aspect of the book is that there does not appear to be a clear season or event which stands out evidently as a strong day/dates to promote Goodnight Gertrude.

Opportunities:

This book has the opportunity to reach certain groups and people suffering from similar ailments. Goodnight Gertrude includes the character Anthony who is briefly mentioned. Anthony was Victor’s’ cousin, Shelby’s brother. Anthony died in Vietnam when Shelby was very young and Shelby never had a chance to get to know her brother. Reaching out to organizations and creating a tie between Goodnight Gertrude and Vietnam would be a strong marketing opportunity because it would branch out your market and create awareness of the book.

Victor’s Uncle Buzz is a main character in the book who is suffering from cirrhosis of the liver. Uncle Buzz plays a major role in developing the storyline of a struggling family. Victor comes to stay in South Carolina, however due to Uncle Buzzs’ physical therapy Victor has to bunk in the living room. Shelby, Uncle Buzz’s daughter discusses the various activities and events she missed out on such as learning how to swim because of her father’s illness. Marketing Goodnight Gertrude to raise awareness for families suffering with cirrhosis of the liver would be a strong opportunity to both raise awareness and create a broader market for the book.

Threats:

The target market is individuals within the age range of 12-18, although they can be older. However, this book can be more relatable to individuals within this age range as it deals with maturity and coming of age. This book is a work of fiction and can be placed in the group of “Young Adult Fiction” books. Young Adult books can be condensed into the following themes such as bullying, dysfunctional family, alcohol abuse, suicide, depression, racism, sexuality and identity. Goodnight Gertrude includes a large majority of these topic with the overarching theme of identity.Young adult fiction books are a very popular book genre, which can make it difficult when differentiating yourself from the competition.

Marketing Action Points (concise, specific recommendations)

Identify five groups or organizations to which this book could be marketed? What’s the pitch to get their attention? The author has strong network connections with music and art venues as well as galleries located in Raleigh and Durham in North Carolina. Writers for local radio stations and individuals who work for the local independent weekly newspaper also know the author.

The author grew up Roman Catholic and has strong ties to the community. Mr. Carter attended Episcopal Divinity School in 1998. The author attended the seminary school in North Carolina and has been involved on a broader geographical scale, with a number of progressive/liberal religious communities. Including progressive Roman Catholic organizations, progressive Mainline Protestant organizations, Reform Jewish, Unitarian, etc. The author has ties to the professional organization from his time working as a hospital chaplain. The author has specifically worked with along the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education and College of Pastoral Supervision and Psychotherapy.

Mr. Carter has stated his support for the LGBT community. The author has been an active volunteer and advocate for the LGBT community. The author had previous had his other two novels published which concentrates on ‘religious’ titles. The author’s first novel featured both LGBT characters and issues.

Young adult “Follow sixteen year old Victor Flowers on his journey of self discovery as he comes to terms with his family history in the fictional work, Goodnight Gertrude. David Carter, the North Carolinian author of Familiar and Lustration Rites, has published his most recent work, Goodnight Gertrude. The book takes the reader on an adventure with angst-ridden Victor in this coming of age story. Author David Carter stated, “I want the reader to take pleasure in the book and to feel as if they have made friends with my characters, that the experience of reading has entranced them.” Goodnight Gertrude takes the reader through the relatable theme of growing up, family dynamics and questions of self discovery.”

Fiction

Family

Mr. Carter previously worked with Durham Technical Community College in Raleigh North Carolina, where he taught English and Humanities in January 2013 to Decemeber 2013.

Mr. Carter previously worked with Central Carolina Community College in Sanford North Carolina where he taught English and Humanities in 2009 through 2011.

Mr. Carter previously worked with Guilford Technical Community College in Greensboro North Carolina where he taught English and Humanities in July 2008 to August 2009.

Mr. Carter previously worked with Forsynth Technical Community College in Winston-Salem North Carolina where he lectured beginning in January 2009 and ending in 2009.

Mr. Carter attended the following educational establishments, North Carolina Central University in 2015. North Carolina State University 2003. Episcopal Divinity School in 1998.

Which holiday(s) or designated week/month provides a marketing opportunity for the title? How can the author/AH take advantage of these holidays?

Fiction

Family

Young Adult

LGBT

Identify four specific retail outlets (store, museum, other) that present a unique opportunity to display/sell the book. What’s the pitch to get their attention?

So & So Books ([email protected]) ([email protected])

704 N. Person St. Raleigh, NC 27604

2) Quail Ridge Books

Rene Martin- Events Coordinator.

4209-100 Lassiter Mill Road

Raleigh, NC 27609

Store: 919-828-1588

Identify five specific locations where the author could speak/read.

The Regulator Bookshop

Amy Spauling- Events Coordinator

720 9th Durham, NC 27705

919-286-2700

[email protected]

Malaprop’s Bookstore/ Café (Asheville)

Literary Outpost with Reading and Clubs

55 Haywood Street

800-441-9829

The Public Library systems in the area are worth looking into as well. (Wake, Durham, Orange, Carteret, Greensboro) Contact information for these system is easy to come by on their websites.

Identify three contests/competitions into which this book could be entered. Ensure these are good fits for the book.

Kirkus.

Contest

Identify two specific TV/radio/podcast, etc. “shows” on which the author could be a guest (either to promote the book or as an expert/reference). What’s the pitch to get their attention?

Newspapers:

Raleigh’s News and Observer ([email protected])

The Durham Herald

Greensboro News and Record

The Independent Weekly ([email protected])

Radio:

WUNC in Durham/ Chapel Hill

WKNC ([email protected])

Social Media Recommendations

Compile a list of the following for use by the author

Twitter handles of influencers/gatekeepers, including bloggers, writers, reporters, media outlets.

Twitter: @yabookcentral. Tweets: 23.3K. Followers: 36.9K. “Get your bookish fix here! Post your own reviews or read ours, enter giveaways, see cover reveals & new releases, chat with authors and readers, and much more.”

Twitter: @HarperTeen. Tweets: 28.8K. Followers: 128K. “Teen division of HarperCollins, publishing quality young adult books. Frequent contest, giveaways, and the latest news for YA readers!”

Twitter: @IreadYA. Tweets: 12.1K. Followers: 33.3K. “We solemnly swear we are obsessed with YA! Online community of young adult book lovers and divison of @Scholastic.”

The Independent Weekly (Newspaper in North Carolina). The author has previous ties to the writer, Brian Howe, BHowe@[email protected].

The News and Observer (Newspaper in North Carolina). The author has previous ties to the writer, ([email protected]).

Provide four example social media posts from author to promote the book.

Facebook:

“Follow sixteen year old Victor Flowers on his journey of self discovery as he comes to terms with his family history in the fictional work, Goodnight Gertrude. David Carter, the North Carolinian author of Familiar and Lustration Rites, has published his most recent work, Goodnight Gertrude. The book takes the reader on an adventure with angst-ridden Victor in this coming of age story. Author David Carter stated, “I want the reader to take pleasure in the book and to feel as if they have made friends with my characters, that the experience of reading has entranced them.” Goodnight Gertrude takes the reader through the relatable theme of growing up, family dynamics and questions of self discovery.”

Media channel: Facebook

Time/ Schedule: Possibly within the next few weeks/ months.

I would include a cover image of the newest/ most recently updated cover art work for Goodnight Gertrude as it is engaging and intrigues the viewer.

Twitter:

Instagram:

Facebook: A post Dave Carter could post himself:

“Author David Carter stated, “I want the reader to take pleasure in the book and to feel as if they have made friends with my characters, that the experience of reading has entranced them.” Goodnight Gertrude takes the reader through the relatable theme of growing up, family dynamics and questions of self discovery.”

I have intentionally shortened this message due to the character limit of 150 characters per tweet for Twitter.

Media channel: Twitter

Time/ Schedule: Possibly within the next few weeks/ months.

I would include an image of the cover art for the book or an image of the author to provide the audience with an image of the author (more personal feel).

“Follow sixteen year old Victor Flowers on his journey of self discovery and coming to terms with his family history in the fictional work, Goodnight Gertrude. David Carter, the North Carolinian author of Familiar and Lustration Rites has published his most recent work, Goodnight Gertrude. The book takes the reader on an adventure with angst-ridden Victor in this coming of age story. Author David Carter stated, “I want the reader to take pleasure in the book and to feel as if they have made friends with my characters, that the experience of reading has entranced them.” Goodnight Gertrude takes the reader through the relatable theme of growing up, family dynamics and questions of self discovery.”

Media channel: Instagram.

Time/ Schedule: Possibly within the next few weeks or months.

“Follow sixteen year old Victor Flowers on his journey of self discovery and coming to terms with his family history in the fictional work, Goodnight Gertrude. The book takes the reader on an adventure with angst-ridden Victor in this coming of age story. I state in an Acquisitions interview, “I want the reader to take pleasure in the book and to feel as if they have made friends with my characters, that the experience of reading has entranced them.” Goodnight Gertrude takes the reader through the relatable theme of growing up, family dynamics and questions of self discovery.”

Media channel: Facebook

Time/ schedule: Possibly within the next few weeks or months.

I would include an image of the cover art for Goodnight Gertrude as it is engaging and draws people in.

Sample “Author Q&A” for use when pitching interviews

Please

1. What inspired you to start writing?

“My answer is something of a cliché, I’m afraid, but I have to say that I’ve always known that I would be a writer. For as long as I can remember writing has been a necessity for me; if I go for too many days without spending at least some time working on a project I begin to feel like something vital is missing, like I’m lacking some nutrient. There are lots of ‘leisure’ activities that I enjoy… I can draw and paint a little, and while I’m not athletic, I’m active; I do a lot of bike riding, swimming, etc. But none of those ‘pastimes’ feel as essential as writing, and particularly writing fiction. It’s odd, because I tend to dread doing other forms of writing; I always labored over essays for school and reports for work, even though I did them pretty well. But working on a story energizes me . . . even when it’s a struggle.”

2. What are your favorite and least favorite parts of being an author?

“It’s only been in the past few years that I’ve begun to share and publish my fiction, and while I’m always anxious that my writing might be judged harshly, I feel very gratified by much of the feedback I’ve received. It feels wonderful to know that characters I’ve created and lived with and have come to love have the ability to come alive for other people, so I guess that must be my favorite aspect of becoming a published author . . . having the opportunity to share a very personal vision with others. It’s hard to think of any negative aspect of being an author, given that I’ve wanted to be recognized as one all my life … but maybe that’s the answer right there . . . it has taken me years to become confident enough in my ability to share my work, and decades to find opportunities to publish. I’m the type of writer who needs the support of a publisher in order for me to feel as if my writing has merit . . . that’s NOT to say that self-published work lacks any merit . . . it’s just my hang up! And so as someone who needs a publisher, one negative about writing is how difficult it can be to find one that will take a chance on you!”

3. What is your process for your writing?

“It really depends upon what stage I’m at with a particular project. For initial drafts, I seem to need to work with a great deal of structure. I have set hours of the day that I work . . . early in the morning before it’s time to go to my ‘real’ job— and a set environment— at the desk in my studio at home, with the door closed and no distractions! First drafts must always be written in longhand as well, as I don’t trust myself not to hit ‘save’ often enough on my computer. As I revise, I can write anytime, anywhere, but I still must spend my early mornings writing. . . otherwise the rest of the day feels empty. “

4. How do you come up with characters for your books?

“That is a question I don’t think I’ll ever be able to answer . . . it’s a complete mystery to me how and why particular characters show up in my stories. They just seem to appear of their own accord, and while I can often detect similarities between my characters and persons I have known or encountered in my ‘real’ life, the fictional characters still seem to me to be distinct individuals in their own right. Victor, the main character in Goodnight, Gertrude, is a good example of the mysteriousness of this process . . . I really can’t identify him with any one person I’ve ever known, and yet his reactions to events and his inner life came to me quite clearly, as if I were describing someone very familiar. Some have said that all of an author’s characters are an aspect of his or herself, and while I think there’s some truth to that, there always seems to be an element of ineffable otherness to every character that I create.”

5. What inspired you to write Goodnight Gertrude?

“It’s really hard to say what the initial inspiration for Goodnight, Gertrude was . . . it began as a short story about my main character grappling with the effects of having been institutionalized by his parents, but it didn’t take long for it to turn into a completely different story featuring the main character, Victor. I know that I am inspired by particular locations, and Goodnight, Gertrude emerges, at least in part, from my fascination with the unique landscape and culture of coastal North Carolina. More than that, though, I think that my own experience of working in a family business when I was very young provided much of the energy that fed my impulse to tell this story. That experience was, for me, much like Victor’s experience of learning to live with and to appreciate and to transcend, when necessary, family history.”

6. What was your writing experience or process for Goodnight Gertrude like?

“Goodnight, Gertrude took a long time to complete. As with all my previous two books, I wrote it during the early morning hours every day before going to work, and it went through several . . . I think three or four drafts . . . before I felt it was polished enough to send out to potential publishers. As I’ve mentioned elsewhere, I found the beginning difficult to figure out, and it was only after I’d laid the whole thing aside for many months . . . close to a year(!) that I could look at it with eyes fresh enough to detect some rough spots in the narrative and smooth them out. Like most of what I write, Goodnight, Gertrudeemerged little by little, one day at a time, over a long period of time. I have never outlined a work of fiction, and rarely have a solid idea of what’s going to happen when I get started. It’s as if I have to tell the story to myself as well as to the readers!”

7. This is your third book. How did the writing process from this book differ from your previous books, Familiar and Lustration Rites?

“This book is very different from my previous two published books! For one thing, Goodnight, Gertrude is far more realistic than the first two books, which involved the supernatural, some non-human characters, and highly dysfunctional and melodramatically religious settings and themes. Those two books, while not farcical (I hope) are fanciful, and it was interesting for me to restrict myself, with Goodnight, Gertrude, to pure realism. I’m not sure, though, that this difference in genre, so to speak, made much difference to my process. I will say that the writing of Goodnight, Gertrude was slightly easier, it came more fluidly, as some of the issues of logistics and internal consistency that one has to deal with when working in non-realism just didn’t come up in the straightforward narrative world of Goodnight, Gertrude.”

8. Your book, Goodnight Gertrude, has a theme of coming of age and family conflict. What drew you to choose these themes?

“I never write with a theme in mind . . . the theme just tends to emerge as the story unfolds. I do think that conflict is inherent in every single story ever written or told, and family conflict is particularly rich in possibilities for the development of character. In this book, I found that I was exploring the dynamics within a somewhat unique expended family structure, a family that has undergone a number of disruptions and communication breakdowns, and that in a certain sense is unfamiliar with itself. The process of my main character finding his place within this imperfect, but ultimately loving family fascinated me, and so I enjoyed working it out with him.”

9. What was the most difficult part of writing Goodnight Gertrude? If so, how were you able to overcome it?

“Definitely the beginning! I consistently have trouble with the beginnings of my stories; it’s hard for me to come up with something that ‘hooks’ the reader. I generally don’t worry about it when I’m working on an initial draft, I just start where I start and go back to the beginning after I’ve reached the end. With Goodnight, Gertrude, the beginning did not suggest itself until a long time after I’d considered the book finished . . . out of nowhere, I just knew that the right place for the story to start was with my introverted main character being reluctantly pulled out of his shell by a drunk stranger . . . that scene aligned with the overall trajectory of the story, but I couldn’t have known that when I first began…”

10. What do you want your reader to take away from Goodnight Gertrude?

“I want the reader to take pleasure in the book, and to feel as if they have made friends with my characters, that the experience of reading has enriched them somehow. Ideally, I guess, the readers experience will reflect that of the writer, that together we experience, along with my main character Victor, the realization that a sense of home and belonging can be found in the most unexpected of places . . . even amongst those strangers who are our family. As the story begins, Victor is something of a lost soul . . . and it’s really through finding himself taken in by his barely remembered relatives that he begins to feel connected enough to make mistakes, make decisions, and accept the challenge to hope. I think we all need the love and support and even the flaws of some type of family to be able to grow.”

Recommendations for the author

Please develop a list of recommendations of how the author can better develop their web and/or social media presence… related to the promotion of themselves and their book.

Mr. Carter has mentioned his concern of his previous two Facebook pages for his first two books ‘Familiar’ (2016) and ‘Lustration Rites’ (2018) published by Wipf & Stock. The author discussed the lack of activity and views his page is receiving by his friends. Facebook has adapted their site to encourage current users to pay to for promotion. I discussed this issue in class with Lisa Hillman author of Secret No More. I would not recommend paying Facebook to promote your page.

Instead, I would recommend developing a wordpress site for free where you can develop a website. The website could include a biography of the author a list of contact information where individuals can reach out to the author including the author’s interactive email and social media pages. The website should include a link of the listing of where individuals can purchase the book. Having a website on wordpress will be an important tool to use as wordpress will allow for blog posts. The author can post upcoming events or event directly pertaining to his books and then easily share the post from his wordpress site to the social media of his choosing for example, Facebook.

Another recommendation I could make to the author would be to develop a Twitter page. Twitter is frequently visited social media site for the desired target market, it will be an important tool to market your book and develop your Twitter profile.

Provide a sample press release about the book’s release

(Ensure it includes info about the author, Apprentice House and, of course, the book!

credible , why your author was credible to write this book

be professionals with your correspondents

advanced reviews from people that begin to help back you up

-similar degree, someone in profession,

-having a good endorser, attach a name to the book

-market your rights, signing contracts to publish and produce your book in all manners, finding an agent

-invest in your business, agents help a lot

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