 Though not the first novel I sold, Singer of Souls was my first solo effort, and thus I consider it my first novel. My mother has often said that no matter the subject matter, a first novel is largely autobiographical. Singer of Souls is about a self-obsessed musician with a drug problem, so I don't know where she gets off saying that. [awkward silence] It has also been pointed out to me, that once you say musician, you don't really have to add "self-obsessed" and "drug problem." (Send your letters to hatfield13@gmail.com, my disgruntled, sober, and selfless musician brethren.)
This book took a year to write. And strangely, I believe, for a first novel, I was never worried that I might not finish it. I had Pay the Piper under my belt (with no small help from Jane Yolen, but nevertheless, under my belt it went), so I knew that I could finish a work of some length. Still, there were problems aplenty, the biggest of which was where to start. I must have begun the book two dozen times before finally coming up with something I liked: roughly nine pages. But then I got stuck. I called my mother, an excellent source of writing advice, to see if she had any hints on how to get unstuck. I explained my nine page beginning. "I'm kind of jumping into the middle, see," I said. "And I'll tell the backstory in flashback while moving the plot forward." Sounding very Zen-like, she answered, "Why don't you start at the beginning, and tell it through to the end?" "Start at the...why that's genius!" And truly it was. The book really came together after that, and I have used that same line in writer's groups and panels dozens of times since then. And every time I start a new book or story I think of it again. Update 8/9/05 I received my first copy of the book. It's beautiful. Charles Vess cover, Anne McCaffrey quote, starred review in Booklist---I couldn't ask for anything more for my first novel. Reviews: - *STARRED REVIEW* "A dour, nihilistic, absolutely marvelous grunge fantasy!" ---Ray Olson, Booklist
- "...a wonderful fantasy debut. Fans of Charles de Lint and Clive Barker will find much to like." ---Publisher's Weekly
- "Well-handled fantasy noir debut, with plenty of local color, arresting musical ideas, rapidly escalating gore index and a set-up promising any number of sequels."---Kirkus Reviews
What fantastically groovy writers say about it: - "What a splendid novel Adam Stemple has in Singer of Souls. It's one of the best first novels I've ever read. He's a natural."---Anne McCaffrey, author of Dragon Riders of Pern
- "Singer of Souls glows with magic and folklore, realistic characters, and vivid language, and has the grit, blood, and tension of good film noir."---Emma Bull, author of War for the Oaks
- "A really splendid story."---Steven Brust, author of Phoenix Guards
- Awards and Recommendations:
- Locus Recommend Reading List for 2006
Readers have left 3 comments. 1. Thank you for this book, from my children
Mark Shawley, Registered Adam,
It took me a while to find this site. I wanted to express my heartfelt gratitude for this book.
I am a 20 year Navy veteran and lifelong reader (read as not home much)with 4 children (3 boys 20, 18, 15 and a 17 YO princess).
This is the ONLY book that all three of my boys have been able to start and finish. Not even Harry could do that.
The truth be told, it is the musical flavor and the amazing ending that did it. Kids these days either know first hand, or have friends, that prove that not all stories end well. Not all life choices are good. Not all PEOPLE are good. We just muddle through.
Your story exemplifies that, to the point that my formerly non-reading children now read at least one book a week.
Thank you for turning on the flame for them. 2.
adams, Super Administrator Thank you so much, Mark. I've gotten some heat for the ending at times, so it's really nice to hear from someone who gets it. 3.
Mark Shawley, Registered Adam,
here is a link to a review I left in February on Barnes and Noble.
We get Steward in a week. Will let you know what the posse thinks. |
