I’ve tried to compile a bunch of questions and answers about the book. If these don’t cover it, feel free to send me an email at tripp at madeofglass.
- What is this?
This is the website for my new (and first) novel, “Stories for Boys” that I have decided to self-publish as a paperback, digital files and a blog.
- Is this your first novel?
It sure is. I’ve got several more in various states at the moment; the plan is to publish the next one sometime in 2009.
- You’re blogging this novel?
I am. I’m throwing up two sections daily, meaning this should run with new content until sometime in March. Check back often or even subscribe to the RSS feed to get it in your reader several times a day.
- You left comments on while you’re doing this?
Sure did. This book is about memory and time, so I’m curious to hear and see what might resonate with you, the reader. It’s also an experiment to see what types of conversations or community might evolve around passages. Finally, it’s a neat reason to come back to the site on a regular basis.
- So what’s this Creative Commons stuff?
It’s a licensing agreement that allows people to see “some rights reserved” instead of all of them. This way, it’s easier for people to share and find new uses for.
- And you’re giving it away for free?
Here’s my thinking: releasing it under Creative Commons is neat. But I’m following the model set up by Cory Doctorow (and Radiohead and Nine Inch Nails) — digital is free, hard copy costs. If it’s good enough for these guys, it’s good enough for me. I’ve got a Paypal button on the download page, so if you do enjoy the digital copy, feel free to toss me a couple of bucks.
- Aren’t you trying to make money on this?
Well, yes. But the reality is that this book is not going to make me rich. The real choice came down to whether this book sat in a drawer or whether I put it out where other people can read and enjoy it. That was an easy question for me to answer. Here we are.
- What’s it about?
The short answer is that it is about memory, first loves and finishing high school in the mid-1990s. The slightly longer answer can be quoted from the back cover: Do you recall your first heartbreak? Looking back at his formative years, Zach pinpoints significant moments in his life, trying to determine how he came to be himself. Most of these episodes are influenced, in one way or another, by Kate, the girl who broke his heart in high school. “Stories for Boys” recounts Zach’s coming-of-age tales, told with the hindsight of 10 years. While much of the story takes place in the mid-1990s, when Zach is in high school, the novel jumps a decade in each direction as Zach tries to understand himself and his relationships, providing a unique insight into one young man’s heart and mind.
- Where can I get a copy?
