Novelist johnny Ray's thoughts. The world of writing novels is changing and perhaps I am not the best one to address this, but it appears that to be the break out type novel, the author must not only be a great writer, but must have a commanding knowledge of the subject. In other words his research must be outstanding. I can see the time when a writer must have a full time assistant just to do, or verify the research. I saw an article somewhere recently where author Tom Wolfe made a comment that he thought the way to save or improve the world of the fiction writer is to make him or her more of a journalist. The comment has me thinking and I'm starting to understand his meaning. It is the research into the real world that is needed to make the story interesting. People want to learn something new , to be taught, to be led, but without being bored or beat over the head with facts they have to memorize.
It would be interesting to see how much time and work other authors put into research. I would like to know their thoughts as well. Let me know your thoughts. if you are a reader, I especially want to know your thoughts on the reality inside the fiction.

Working on the beach as a Novelist, I'm quickly learning that branding the name of Johnny Ray is going to be an interesting project. However, learning that this beach is also quickly becoming known as one of the top beaches in the world is not bad. In fact, just south of here is a small island, Caladesi, that Dr. Beach just announced as the best beach in America for 2008.

Inspiration to write can get no better than this.

Now, it would be interesting to hear what other writers use to inspire their writing This is mine!

Novelist Johnny Ray's reflections on life's little pleasures.

I think today it would be good to stop and smell the roses, so to speak. Life can be good, as my wife often tells me. Sometimes it is so easy to stress out about things not going right in your life. Yes, writing is important, but it is not the only thing. I know all writers have a way of smelling the roses. This picture taken at the Sunken Garden in St Petersburg was the result of such a quick get away trip. It will be good to hear what other writers use to escape from their work. Let me know.

Johnny Ray

Author Johnny Ray's thoughts on promoting your book and yourself in order to obtain an agent.

Promoting your book can be a very interesting project. Especially if the book has not been published, purchased by a publisher or even accepted by an agent for representation. However, it's becoming more and more apparent that before anyone will take on the book there has to be a buzz about the author and the book. I think the best way to start is with a web page. I have mine at www.sirjohn.us and have it arranged mainly to attract agents and give them a brief idea of what I am working on. The next area I need to work on is public relations and think that my attending the right conventions and book fairs that just possibly I can meet the right agent or author that will help direct by path. The third area is getting something published and obtaining the credential that appear to be so valuable. I think by writing articles for papers and in fact anyone that will publish them is the best way to go. And, of course, I need to keep working on my next novel. Today I am working on the fifth chapter and a long way to go. But, I am pouring all that I've been learning into it and hope this thriller will catch the attention of an agent.

It will be good to hear what other want to be authors are working on and how they are actively searching for an agent.

Johnny Ray

I'm working on two items today: building the brand name of Johnny Ray and doing research on surfing for the book I'm currently writing. I think it would be interesting to see what other authors rely on the most when it comes to research. I personally like to go to the places I write about and walk through the scene like the one here.

Okay, so it has been a great day at the beach but now time to get busy working again.
This is going to be the first in a long series of questions and answers that I hope many of my writer friends will add to in regards to their own writing habits.

1) Getting started. What does it take to get you going in the morning. Is it coffee, a big breakfast, a short jog, the bill collector, great music, or are you one that has to shut out the world?
For me, it's a short hike to the local coffee shop and coffee. I read the paper and talk to a few locals before taking up residency there for about three or four hours.