This is the first thing people say after I tell them I’m writing a novel. Well, technically, it’s the second. Usually it’s preceded with a “Oh, fantastic!” of some sorts, or similar superfluous knob slopping, but you get the point.
And no matter how many times I’m asked, I never know how to respond. At this specific juncture, I’ll tilt my head to the right ever-so-thoughtfully (to the left on Fridays – I get a little crazy on the weekends) and act completely surprised they asked that question. Like I didn’t see it coming.
My current default reply is, “I’m working on that part. I’ll let you know when it’s done.” Before that, I used, “Oh, I’m about 70 pages in, but I don’t really know yet.”
I’ve pathetically tried to explain it, and the few test subjects, err… the few friends I shared with are treated to a convoluted mess of an explanation. I think I might mention SF or fantasy, something about religious undertones and angels, but I’m not really sure. It’s tough to see past the pinks and greens which is that particular verbal vomit.
After every instance, I tell myself – “I need to come up with a blurb for this book. Or at least something to say so I don’t look like an idiot.”Then I don’t do it, and the next day I tell someone else I’m working on a novel.
“What’s your book about?” they’ll ask.
Insanity is repeating the same action over and over again, expecting a different result.
But I finally sat down, and thought about it for a good minute and a half. This is the most concise working definition I can come up with right now:
It’s a young adult, sf/fantasy about two rivals. One believes he’s found the path to godliness. The other will do anything to stop him, even though he knows he has good intentions. The key to their fight lies in the ability of a young girl who can read minds.
It’s primarily a plot-drive story, with character developing as the they explore their own pasts.
It deals with themes on religion, fate, and limitations of human nature.
I’ll probably take a week to memorize the blurb, and practice delivering it effectively.
But at least the hard part’s out of the way. Now all I have to do is write the story.
Posted by Ming 
