John Herrick Official Blog

REVIEW | The Accidental Tourist by Anne Tyler

2012-01-08T20:34:00.001-05:00

"And it seemed to him, as he sank back into his dreams, that she had as good as spoken aloud. About your son, she seemed to be saying: Just put your hand here [cesarean scar]. I'm scarred, too. We're all scarred. You are not the only one." (Tyler, Ann. The Accidental Tourist, Chapter 11)

Anne Tyler's The Accidental Tourist is a character study on how different people sort through painful experiences in life. After having my eye on the book for years, I decided to delve into it at long last!

Macon Leary, the main character, suffered the loss of his 12-year-old son. He and his wife, Sarah, have discovered they have little in common and have pursued a legal separation. Sarah has moved out of the house.

Macon writes travel guidebooks for travelers who don't want to leave home, such as businessmen. In his guides, Macon helps such travelers make their ways through unfamiliar cities while experiencing as little of those cities' unfamiliarity as possible. In other words, he helps them maintain a cocoon-like existence.

Macon himself has managed to maintain a cocoon-based life. He thrives on the predictable and possesses an unbalanced suspicion of the unpredictable--which probably explains Tyler's choice of the character's last name, Leary (a form of "leery". After attempts to branch out in life, Macon's siblings have managed to return to a sheltered, communal existence within the family home. As the story unfolds, Tyler weaves in a fascinating look at the background of Macon and his family. In doing so, she digs into Macon's psyche to produce a believable character. As you read about Macon's psychological issues as a child caused by instability in his family, you develop and understanding of why Macon and his siblings are, to put it bluntly, screwed up as adults. They are adults who lacked a proper opportunity to experience a normal childhood.

Tyler provides a subplot surrounding Macon's dog, which has grown unruly and has developed a habit of biting people that enter its own cocoon. To help train the dog, enter Muriel, a divorced mother of a young child. Despite her eccentricities, Muriel bears scars of her own. The dog, like Macon, resists and fights change in its life. As Muriel trains the dog to accept change, she also teaches Macon how to step beyond his own limited existence and to embrace change. She helps Macon face the loss of his son and determine his next step in life. Macon has his systems to avoid change; Muriel has her technique to make change palatable and achievable, albeit for dogs.

One word of warning: The story is quite sad as it takes the reader into the characters' pain. This is not an "upper" of a story, and even the ending, although fitting for the characters, felt disturbing and sad. So before entering their world, be prepared for a heavy story with solid insight into the struggles of those who might live just next door.

The novel's strongest suit is its well-drawn characters. The story isn't as much about plot as it is about the internal growth of the characters as they sort through hurt and confusion. In this, Tyler has proven successful.

Happy New Year

2012-01-02T17:57:00.000-05:00

Happy new year, readers! I hope your holidays were blessed big time.

On the home front, our Christmas was extra special because I finally got to meet my baby niece, who lives halfway across the country. She's such a treasure! Along with the visit came the playtime, diaper changing, feeding, burping and all the other good stuff that goes along with a baby, and Uncle John loved every minute of it. I'll play the proud uncle and post a couple of pictures here. My sister-in-law dubbed me the kid's nap buddy because, in the picture below, she managed to nap on my chest like that for about two hours Christmas day.

On the book front, thanks to you readers who ask about my "real" first novel, The Landing, written a few years ago but never published. I should have some news for you during 2012.

Slowly but surely, I'm making my way through the first draft of book number three. I'm about 2/3 of the way to my goal length and only about halfway through my outline, so I'll estimate its final length at 325-350 pages. Due to holidays and schedule variances in the fall, the writing process slows down temporarily, but I'll return to full mode this month.

I always enjoy hearing from readers, so feel free to contact me at my website. May 2012 prove a blessed and prosperous year for you all, and may you take a vital step forward toward your destiny.

Never give up!

John Herrick
www.johnherrick.net
johnherricknet.blogspot.com

REVIEW | Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

2011-12-11T23:21:00.003-05:00

I decided to branch out and try a YA novel for a change in my reading pattern.

In Speak, Laurie Halse Anderson peels away the layers of a broken heart and traces its step-by-step journey to find emotional healing. Anderson chose to work within a first-person narrative. The prose is blunt and contains minimal window dressing. Anderson made a wise choice: when someone endures the type of mental and emotional turmoil the main character endures, she wouldn't feel motivated to go into detail. In fact, narrative is external (words) and mimics the main character's struggle to gather the courage to vocalize the hurt and rage that boil within.

Anderson digs deep to expose complexity in the simple. She delves into the psychology of the victim. The novel seems to reveal little in its first half, but again, this mimics real life: the main character finds it difficult to trust, so she spends the first half of the book building trust with the character. As you listen to her daily observations on life, she begins to trust the reader a gives a glimpse of her inner pain. In fact, I believe a second read would reveal depths in the first half that seemed insignificant the first time around.

Effective, heartfelt. Speak is a winner.

Today's playlist: Icon (The Cranberries), My Christmas Wish (BeBe Winans).

REVIEW | In Sheep's Clothing by Michelle Sutton

2011-10-10T23:26:00.002-04:00

Michelle Sutton's In Sheep's Clothing was a delight to read. I loved it. The novel begins with a nice balance of humor, which made me want to sit back and join the characters. Sutton layers her characters well. By the novel's halfway point, through a blend of romance and suspense, she had drawn me into such a well-crafted web that I found myself racing through the pages. I tend to read slowly to absorb everything, but I flew through this book in about five hours.

The novel centers around Stephanie and Jacob in the early stages of their relationship, and a deceptive friend, Brittny, who seeks to gain the upper hand. It's a story of deception and trust. As the story progresses, Stephanie must sort through each. Too often, I find such novels predictable. The author must have had a reader like me in mind as she crafted the book. Perhaps the strongest quality of In Sheep's Clothing is in how the author plants seeds of deception. Sutton does an excellent job of planting coincidental seeds early in the book to keep the reader guessing between truth and misinterpretation. In so doing, she draws the reader into the same confusion and search for facts in which Stephanie finds herself. If I had to find a weakness, I would have desired a little more perspective on Brittny's psyche, but the author even covered that base to some extent with the featured presentation on the "movie night." The book's earlier half seems stronger than its latter half, but Sutton provides a roller-coaster finish.

Just like Stephanie and Jacob's relationship, the book begins with innocent effervescence and morphs into a web of suspicion. Sutton also weaves in another interesting parallel: The circumstances in which Stephanie "meets" Jacob are similar to how Stephanie's nemesis "meets" Stephanie, yet their motives are completely opposite.

And, in true Sutton style, she doesn't shy away from the passion of romance.

Bold, fresh and addictive. Although classified as Christian fiction, it's a heated love story and creepy thriller. Michelle Sutton has crafted a winner with In Sheep's Clothing.

NEWS | Book Signing - Sept 24

2011-09-18T18:17:00.001-04:00

This Saturday, September 24, I'll be signing copies of From The Dead at the Barnes and Noble store in Springfield, Illnois, from 10:00 to Noon. It's a store event highlighting several regional authors. I'm looking forward to it. If you're in the area, come on by! http://bit.ly/qslToq

Never give up!

John Herrick
www.johnherrick.net
johnherricknet.blogspot.com

Latest Update - Next Novel

2011-09-06T23:23:00.001-04:00

Momentum has begun to build for the next novel now that the foundation is in place. Just passed 20% of the goal length for the draft.

South Bend Thanks

2011-08-14T23:54:00.003-04:00

Had a great From The Dead book signing in South Bend, Indiana, yesterday. Always love to meet new readers at these signings. Thanks to South Bend, Barnes and Noble, and all who came.

Visitors included two people named Ashley and Craig. I later met Ashley's mother, who thought she'd be forgotten, so a special shout-out to Ashley's mom. :)

NEWS | From The Dead Reaches Bestseller Status

2011-08-12T22:57:00.004-04:00

Well, it's official. Amazon included From The Dead in a promotional effort. The novel hit some of Amazon's Kindle bestseller lists, #1 on the Religious Fiction list and also #1 on the Suspense list. What this means is that the novel has become a bestseller. What an amazing privilege. Thanks to all who have read and supported the book.

Never give up!

John Herrick
www.johnherrick.net
johnherricknet.blogspot.com

NEWS | Book Signing - South Bend

2011-08-07T06:50:00.000-04:00

If you're in the South Bend, Indiana area, I'll be in town signing copies of From the Dead on Saturday, August 13, at Noon. Swing by Barnes & Noble - University Park Mall location and say hi! Looking forward to it.

Never give up!

John Herrick
www.johnherrick.net
johnherricknet.blogspot.com

NEWS | Chapter 2 Complete

2011-07-21T23:34:00.003-04:00

Well, I've started the first draft of the next novel and am happy to report I'm finished with chapter 2. One interesting aspect of starting a new book is that you and the characters are strangers at first, much like the characters are strangers to a reader who starts to read a new book. As a result, my pace seems to start slow when the process begins. Besides the lack of action during the introductory scenes, it feels awkward getting to know who the characters are, how they speak and respond to each other, and their mannerisms. At that point, plowing through two or three pages can take a while. Soon, however, everything seems to fall into place and the per-day pace can triple or quadruple.

On another front, I've returned to my first (unpublished) novel and decided to put it through yet another revision during my lunch each day. After completing two books, you tend to grow as a writer and recognize how much polish that first book requires!

I plan to keep everyone updated on the progress for this third book.

Never give up!

John Herrick
www.johnherrick.net
johnherricknet.blogspot.com

Today's playlist: Let's Get It On, Marvin Gaye (No, that's not a joke.)

Musical Friends

2011-06-27T20:32:00.003-04:00

Years ago, I remember having read about screenwriter/director Cameron Crowe, who keeps a journal of the music he listens to while writing a screenplay. In other words, he assembles a "mix tape"--to borrow some Gen-X lingo--of the songs he listened to while working on the project. He documents the sounds that influenced his mental and emotional state while writing.

I've long believed the same thing. When I write a novel, I'll discover a particular song or album resonates in my heart and provides emotional inspiration that will help fuel the story or characters. The novel is not modeled after the songs. The lyrics don't influence the story. In fact, the lyrics often tell of a completely different story. But a lyrical phrase or bits of instrumentation will emerge as something to which the characters can relate--how they want others to treat them, or the emotions that drive them to act the way they do.

For From The Dead, Casting Crowns' album Lifesong , Bruce Hornsby's Greatest Radio Hits, and REM's Out of Time and Automatic for the People all emerged as as musical friends to the story for one reason or another. While none of the novel's content was derived from the songs, the songs themselves helped keep me in the emotional state necessary to see the novel through to completion.

Having completed the outline for the next novel--and by outline, I really mean a detailed, 50-page sketch!--I've noticed the main character would relate to Rascal Flatts' Greatest Hits Volume 1 album. It's one CD she would play over and over in her car.

NEWS | Next Novel Update

2011-06-15T20:57:00.002-04:00

At long last, the outline for the third novel is finally done! A little more research, then I hope to begin the first draft later this month or early next.

Final Day - Disaster Relief Special

2011-06-09T23:23:00.002-04:00

Friday, June 10 is the final day to take advantage of the 99-cent Kindle book version of From The Dead and have all author earnings go toward Service International's disaster relief efforts. If you're interested, it's a great opportunity and a great cause. Thanks to those who have responded!

Amazon page: http://amzn.to/gqGEtr

All best,

John Herrick
www.johnherrick.net
johnherricknet.blogspot.com

My New Listen

2011-06-01T20:38:00.004-04:00

After years of waiting and well worth the wait, I got to download Joy Wilson's new album Four from iTunes. A terrific musician, she won me over as a fan with her last album, ...in the meantime--to such an extent, I wanted to give her a cameo in one of my books. So if Joy's name sounds familiar, you might have "seen" her in chapter 8 of From The Dead. On their way to Santa Monica, Jesse and Jada popped her CD into the car stereo on the 405. :-)

Joy's website

Disaster Relief - From The Dead Proceeds

2011-05-24T00:21:00.002-04:00

I wanted to let you know that from now until June 10, I will donate 100% of my From The Dead author earnings from Kindle sales toward disaster relief. Currently my novel is priced at 99 cents for maximum convenience. No special coupon codes are required; Amazon provides authors with a tool to monitor Kindle sales, so I can easily locate the total.

As a St. Louis resident, my state and others across the nation have experienced an onslaught of disaster, including floods and tornados. As I write this message, news footage of the Joplin, Missouri, tornado is mind-boggling and the deadliest U.S. tornado in more than 50 years.

For years, part of my attraction to writing books was the hope that I could encourage people and help charity projects. This is my first real opportunity to put it into action. I will donate my Kindle earnings to Service International, a St. Louis-based relief organization. I have participated in Service International projects in the past, have seen its impact firsthand, and believe in it firmly.

From The Dead Kindle link: http://amzn.to/gqGEtr

Service International link: www.serviceinternational.com

Thank you for your consideration, and enjoy the book!

All best,

John Herrick
www.johnherrick.net
johnherricknet.blogspot.com

INSPIRATION | You Alone

2011-05-02T23:07:00.001-04:00

Are you an individual who doesn’t fit in with the majority? Did you grow up on the sidelines, an outsider looking in on cliques and groups? Or did you just have a nagging sense that you didn’t fit in?

Perhaps you do things in a way others don’t understand. We seem to celebrate outside-the-box solutions—but not way out there!

If no one’s ever told you this, then I have some good news for you …

You weren’t born to fit in. You don’t want to fit in. You were created unique.

I’ve heard it said that every story has already been told. What makes a story fresh and new is the unique blend—characters, plot details, background and so forth—the author introduces to an old story.

Pick any well-written story and you will discover the main character has a trait that makes him or her unique. Whether a physical trait, an emotional struggle, or an unusual background or life experience, something will set the character apart from others you’ve grown accustomed to.

This is what intrigues us about the character. We look for different. We actually seek it out.

In other words, if the main character doesn’t stand apart from characters in other novels, we tend to gravitate away from the book. Why? Frankly, typical is boring.

We love to cheer for the underdogs. This seems amplified among Americans due to our historical heritage.

We love to see someone break away from the pack or overcome an obstacle.

And such is the case in life.

If you don’t fit in, keep it that way. Maintain your God-given uniqueness. Foster the qualities that cause you to stand out from the crowd.

That’s the type of person about whom stories are written.

Never give up!

johnherricknet.blogspot.com
www.johnherrick.net

Today’s playlist: Gin Blossoms, Major Lodge Victory

From The Dead - 99 Cent Kindle Special

2011-04-03T23:51:00.005-04:00

Kindle version of John Herrick's novel From The Dead is available for 99 cents for a limited time. If you haven't read it, now's a great opportunity! http://amzn.to/eoIUUR

John Herrick
www.johnherrick.net
johnherricknet.blogspot.com

NEWS | Kansas City Book Signing

2011-03-29T21:45:00.005-04:00

If you're in the Kansas City area, I'll be stopping by for a From The Dead book signing this Saturday, April 2, at Noon. I'll be signing copies of the novel at the Barnes and Noble - Country Club Plaza location. See you there! For more info, visit http://bit.ly/dNWEn6

The following week, I'll stop by Columbia, Missouri. Details to come.

Film Reco - Breadth of Hope

2011-03-07T20:38:00.000-05:00

A friend told me about Breadth of Hope, a documentary about ALS, so I ordered it. Just finished watching the film and it's terrific. Inspiring and life-affirming. www.breadthofhope.com

Signed Copies Available

2011-02-27T21:15:00.003-05:00

A number of people have asked about this, so here you go! I have a limited quantity of From The Dead available to autograph and personalize to you or someone else. Details on my website: http://bit.ly/ieByQ4

Thanks for reading!

www.johnherrick.net
johnherricknet.blogspot.com

INSPIRATION | Reviving Dead Dreams

2011-02-23T22:33:00.001-05:00

Did you bury a dream years ago?

Maybe it was a childhood dream or an idea for a new invention. Deep inside, you sensed it wasn’t a mere silly fantasy. Something told you your dream was within reach.

But somewhere along the way, your dream died. As each year creeps along, a piece of you grows dry, like you thirst for water but don’t know how to quench your thirst.

From time to time, maybe that dream has resurfaced in your heart—a dim, subtle glow that emanates from your core. But the ember fades again.

At some point, you might have said, “That dream is dead to me.”

I’ve been there. It can feel as if a part of you dies on the inside. Yet the concept seems too abstract to take action. If you’re in that sort of rut, you probably don’t know what to do.

The answer might be rather simple: Do something. Start somewhere.

Oftentimes, the plan will come together—but we need to take that first step of faith. We don’t know what comes next. Then again, maybe we don’t need to know what comes next.

Don’t feel like it? The good news is, feelings don’t count—they really don’t!

So do you have a dead dream? What can you do today that will get you one step toward your dream? It might be a simple step, but it counts. Each step adds up. One step can turn into 1,000 steps if we stick with it long enough.

If you’ve shared your dream and some people don’t understand, there’s a reason: God didn’t give the dream to them. He gave it to you. It burns in your heart, not theirs.

Do you have a dream to write? Write a poem. Try keeping a journal. Brainstorm some story or song ideas on a napkin.

Do you have a business startup idea? Start some research. Grab a book from the library and learn more about the market. Chances are, a niche will surface eventually.

In other words, prime the pump. In a short while, you’ll find yourself more fired up. I’ve found it to work. And even today, I return to the same principles. I needed the reminder today!

You’re not alone. You’re not defeated. Hang in there and revive a dead dream!

johnherricknet.blogspot.com
www.johnherrick.net

Today’s playlist: Bruce Springsteen, Greatest Hits

Ohio.com - MAKE A WISH Boy's Wish to become Published Author Comes True!

2011-02-17T23:18:00.000-05:00

I love this. Make-A-Wish Foundation fulfills a wish in honor of a young author from Hudson, Ohio, the town where From The Dead takes place.
Ohio.com - MAKE A WISH Boy's Wish to become Published Author Comes True!

Novel Journey: Author John Herrick ~ Interviewed

2011-02-04T18:40:00.000-05:00

Novel Journey: Author John Herrick ~ Interviewed

Blkosiner's Book Blog: LRC Featured Author: Interview with John Herrick

2011-02-03T20:55:00.000-05:00

Blkosiner's Book Blog: LRC Featured Author: Interview with John Herrick: "The Twitter version: tell us about your book in 140 characters or ..."

NEWS | Next Novel Update

2011-01-20T22:20:00.002-05:00

When planning my novels, I tend to prime the pump with brainstorms, outline attempts, and so forth. It starts out with my feeling like I'm at a standstill. But in time, something unlocks and pieces of the puzzle come forth. It's a long process, but I've learned it's worth the wait because the resulting novel tends to be written from the heart, driven by a passionate hunger.

I'm thrilled to report that, at long last and to my relief, the unlocking seems to have occurred! So the next novel continues to build. My goal for 2011 is to construct an outline, conduct research, write the first draft, and complete the first revision by December 31. If all goes well, the final manuscript should be ready by spring of next year--about 14 months away.

Thanks for everyone's support!

John Herrick
www.johnherrick.net
johnherricknet.blogspot.com

Tonight's playlist: New Beginning by Tracy Chapman