The following is a three part series, given my penchant for not writing long e- mail posts. The following appeared on the web page Writers' Weekly - a US based webpage that caters to American writers. Those interested in writing could review this weekly web page (revamped every Wednesday) for serious tips on and about writing. Part 2 and 3 will follow over the next few days.
EXPERIENCE of writing a novel in America (part 1 / 3) We'd like to share with the readers the experience of our recently published first novel On Thin Ice. The creative process was such a rewarding one for us we hope we can encourage others to contemplate a similar endeavor. Nearly every one has a story to tell - the challenges and the triumphs, the laughter and the tears, the acceptance of American ways and the dogged adherence to traditional ways. Our novel is not an autobiography. It took us about six months to write and it went through umpteen revisions, drafts and editing. Thanks to modern word processing technology, this wasn't difficult. The approximately 74,000-word novel was a labor of love and satisfaction. BACKGROUND The main character in On Thin Ice is an Asian-Indian-American; the setting is the scenic countryside of upstate New York, a social microcosm which is replicated in cities and towns across the North American continent. As the tale unfolds, East meets West in the myriad interactions between newer and older Americans who become neighbors in a multi-ethnic community. Asian migration to the U.S. and Canada has been significant over the last fifty years. Asians have been well absorbed into their new environment, adding to the country's rich cultural tapestry and achievements. In "The Ballad of East and West" Rudyard Kipling, the British author, born and raised in Colonial India, claimed that "East is east and West is west; and never the twain shall meet"¦. When two strong men stand face to face, tho "they come from the ends of the earth!" This novel negates his well renowned stand. THE STORY The contemporary fictional novel depicts the many winter activities available in this part of the North American continent, including ice-hockey, downhill and cross-country skiing, snow-shoeing, snowmobiling, curling, and all the pleasures associated with them. The main character, Atul Reddy (AR), is an Indian-American physician who lives and works in Utica, New York. Through his professional and sporting interests, Dr. Reddy weaves and links together the ethnic communities and residents of this mid-sized American city. The novel describes how this former resident of the tropics learns, adapts and excels at winter sports - all because of his American-born children. AR's sporting interests gravitate towards curling - a winter sport popular in Utica, thanks to early Scottish-Irish immigration to this region. AR's curling team, comprising Americans of different ethnic backgrounds, advances in the U.S. curling league. Team Utica becomes Team USA. It defeats the Canadians in the North American Championship game. The Uticans take on the Russians who are the European Champions. The Continental Cup gathers national and world attention and becomes a repetition of the Miracle on Ice event at Lake Placid, exactly twenty-five years earlier. Having achieved their nirvana, Team USA receives accolades from across the U.S. and from various ethnic groups that honor the team members who share their heritage. AR also goes on to accept tributes from his birthplace, Mumbai (Bombay). That's where the secret to AR's skill at curling is finally uncovered. ABOUT THE AUTHORS Meena and Gilbert Lawrence make a wife-husband writing team. They were born in Bombay (Mumbai), India, where they completed their postgraduate studies. They immigrated to the U.S. in 1977 and live in Utica, New York. Meena is a reporter and a human interest feature writer. Gilbert is a physician. On Thin Ice - ISBN 1-59113-826-4 (Publisher Booklocker Inc.) Web page: http://www.booklocker.com/books/2194.html
