I love history. When I write, I try to place myself in a different time, a different era, and let my imagination run wild. So I hope that you find your journey into the past with me to be worth the read. Don't forget to visit my forum and let me know what you think!
Writing takes a team. I've been lucky enough to assemble some of the brightest, most talented people around to help me put my stories together.
AUTHOR: MARK ARBOUR
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: SHARON
HISTORICAL ADVISORY BOARD:
CHAIRMAN: PETER A. NONYMOUS
MEMBERS: PETER ANDERSON, GEORGE RICHARD, ADAM PHILLIPS, AND JAY
MUSICAL DIRECTOR: JEREMY SMITH
The process begins with me. Usually I'll see something on television or read something in a book that will give me an idea and inspire me. Then I start writing. Once I start on an idea, it usually comes out fast and furious as I try to immerse myself in my characters and the era I'm working in.
Once I've hammered out a chapter, it goes to Sharon for editing and feedback. Sharon is phenomenal. Not only does she edit, she gives me her opinions and suggestions. If you know Sharon, that won't surprise you at all. It never ceases to amaze me how lucky I am to have her advice, her expertise, and her friendship.
After Sharon cleans things up and gives me her approval, I send the story to my Historical Advisory Board. These guys are great. They each bring unique skills to the table. Peter Anderson, for example, is a physician, so he's a great resource for medical issues. George and Jay have a wealth of historical knowledge, and are great beta readers. Adam Phillips, one of the best writers on the web, helps me keep my characters real, and chews me out if I kill off the wrong person. And then there's Jeremy. Jeremy is my muse. He throws ideas at me, some of them are even good, and he puts together musical recommendations to accompany each chapter. He amazes me with his resourcefulness. One minute he picks a top 40 hit that brings back memories, and the next he's managed to dig up some obscure song from the era that fits the mood perfectly.
Finally, the stories go to my Chairman, Peter A. Nonymous. Peter is incredible. He gives the story a final edit, checking it for inconsistencies in language, story line, and character traits. That, and his comments in the margins are either insightful or hilarious. He is a joy to work with. Once Peter gives me his blessing, the stories are published.