Dobyns Chronicles
Dobyns Chronicles
By ShirleyMcLain Publisher XLIBRISISBN 1499024096
ANSI 1499024096
Published in Aging, Fiction, Historical, History, Parenting, Teen Young Adult,Synopsis
Here is a Treat for HISTORICAL FICTION fans as well as those who are fascinated by late 19th century and early 20th century historical events in both Texas and OKLAHOMA. This Historical novel is loosely based on a true life story of a brave Oklahoman from the mid 1880’s to 1955. This dramatic story also showcases the strugles and intermarriage of an American cowboy and an American Indian.
Dobyns Chronicles is a captivating celebration of the life of Charlie Dobyns. His life began in northeast Texas near Bonham, on the Red River. His Cherokee mother and cowboy father strove to survive on their river valley ranch. Tragedy ended this way of life for Charlie in 1888. Follow him through Chickasaw Territory and on to McAlester in eastern Oklahoma. This is a story of a changing way of life and adaptations made to survive. Charlie’s strong passion for life and dignity equipped him for survival as he raised his siblings with, likeability and dignity. It’s a story of loss, misfortune, hard times and heartbreak, but also love, determination, kindness, joy and spirituality. Follow Charlie’s life through the adventures that shaped the man he became, and that of his family for generations.
Tell us a little about yourself. (What you do for a living, for fun, etc.)
I can happily say that I'm retired after almost 33 years of working as an RN. I live outside of Sapulpa Oklahoma with my husband and fur family of four dogs and three cats. I spend a lot of time with my regular family. I have two children, six grandchildren and two gr-gr sons. I am expecting my family will continue to grow which is the way of life. I enjoy reading, old movies, crocheting, knitting, fur family and my regular family. Since I live in the country, I also enjoy sitting outside on my swing, watching my birds at the feeders and seeing the animals that venture up from the creek. I enjoy my life the way it is right now.
Do you write full time or part time
I became a full time writer at my retirement and now spend most of my time in front of the computer.
How do you structure your day when you write
I am not into structure. I write when I want to. When the urge hits me I write. I have no set pattern but I do try to write every day.
Why do you write? (Example; For fun, to make extra money, a personal experience you want to share with the public)
I write because I love putting words on paper. These days it's typing into the computer but to me it has the same feeling. I guess it is also a way to share a part of me with the world. That does sound egotistical and I don't mean it to be. I think that every storey we write is sharing a part of the writer.
What are you working on right now / or your most recent work
Right now I'm doing a lot of publicizing for my book Dobyns Chronicles which is a family oriented historical fiction. It actually fits into several genres but the historical fiction explains it the best. I'm also writing a Fantasy called Princess Adele's Dragon. It contains, kings, prince's, castles and a witch. I'm hoping to have this ebook finished by the end of the year.
What inspired you to create this book
My mother's family inspired me to write Dobyns Chronicles. It is loosely based on the life of her Grandfather, Charley Dobyns. My sister and I grew up hearing the stories about her grandparents and the life they had as well as the one she had with them.
What genre do you write in and why did you choose it
I am an eclectic writer. I don't have just one genre. I write in them all. It's whatever my muse puts in my mind when I start to write. I've written stories from horror to love.
How much research did you do on your book? (If it applies)
For Dobyns Chronicles I did a lot of genealogy research. I wanted to be sure to keep my timeline correct. I'm doing some research for the book I'm working on now about the Dark ages. I enjoy doing research because I've always loved learning new things.
How do you think you have evolved creatively from when you first started writing until now
I've learned so much over the last four years and I hope to continue to learn in my craft. I don't think anyone can ever know it all. It's a lot like the medical field, there are always changes going on.
What was the hardest thing about writing this book for you
As I alluded to earlier with Dobyns Chronicles, it was keeping my time line straight. For me, a book and it's characters take on a life of their own when I'm writing. I have to be careful with my timelines. For example having a son born before his father. I used to think something like that would never happen but it can when your mind is so focused on telling the story you inadvertently introduce the son by something he's involved with. It's easy to get things out of place.
Why I test it manully
I'm not sure what your asking with this question.
What was the most rewarding
Connecting with my ancestors and family in a very meaningful way. It made me appreciate the like they had and the legacy they left me.
How do you think you have evolved creatively from when you first started writing until now
I've improved as I think anyone would that really wants to. The more you write and read others the better you become.
Are you a planner type person, or do you prefer to dive right in when you write
No, I can't say I'm a planner, I'm a very spontaneous person and have been forever. I don't use outlines, I sit down and begin writing. The story line is pulled out as I go. Of course during the editing process some things are deleted and others are added.
How much dialogue do you have with your readers
Different amounts. I'm on the social network sites so I'm available to answer any questions anyone might have. Sometimes people I speak with may be about the craft of writing or not involved with writing at all.
Do they influence your writing
Of course they do. I have been involved with a critiquing group that has been so helpful in giving me feedback. I also am not afraid to ask questions on the social sites and there have been times I have made extensive changes because of a conversation I've had with someone.
Do you recommend being a part of a support groups to help you with your writing
Definitely, as I mentioned above I belong to a group of people who also write and we share the work and critique each other.
Do you work with an editor If so, how much input do they have
Yes, I have worked with an editor in the past and they have complete freedom to make whatever suggestions they deem necessary. Most of the time they are spot on, but I do have to admit there has been other times I just could not bring myself to make the changes. I think it's a decision that each of us has to make.
Was there anyone in your past that you think influenced your writing
At this point in time I think everyone influences my writing. People I have met in the past may have characters based on them or other parts of a story because of a life experience I have had. My husband is very supportive of my writing and encourages me every chance he gets. I would have to put him at the top of the list.
Do you have any tips or useful resources on marketing
If you want to sell books, it's never ending. I enjoy writing and dislike the marketing. It's a necessary evil, so to speak. Promote what you want to promote. Make friends on the internet social sites. Talk to people around you about your work. I write a blog, I've been on blog tours, I've done radio online radio interviews. I advertize as often as I can afford in magazines. Take advantage of any free advertising you can get.
How are you publishing this book? (Indie / self-published, traditional)
I am a Indie Author. I published two books though Xlibris but now I am going to concentrate on ebooks for Amazon.
What are your thoughts on book series
I like some series. Diane Gabeldon is on of my favorite authors. Her series The Outlander was fantastic. I am one that likes for a book to be able to stand on it's own just in case someone can't buy the next one. I have read some series which left me hanging at the end of the story. Usually i don't buy the next in the series. I think the main story line should be carried forward but finish secondaries in each book. That way the reader doesn't feel as if they are being held hostage. I want my readers to want the next book on it's own merit because of my writing.
If this books is part of a series, can you tell us a little about the series overall
No, none of my books are a part of a series.
Do you have a strategy for finding reviewers
I usually watch the social sites for book reviewers and read what I can find out about them. Bottom line for me is asking. If you don't ask you can't get.
What advice would you give to your younger self today
Start a story now. Don't wait until you've retired. Life has a way of interfering with what you enjoy. In hind sight I would've started learning the craft a lot sooner than I did. In a way that's kind of misleading because I was learning the craft in all of my English literature classes and in my nursing classes when I had to write papers on a particular medical topic.
What is your favorite book or film Why is it your favorite
I have two series of books that are my favorites, The Outlander and Harry Potter. They are totally different styles but they pull the reader into the story and hold them there. Everyone fell in love with Jamie in the Outlander and rooted for Clair for overcoming all the obstacles placed before her. I think everyone that enjoys fantasy wanted to see the good guy win. Harry Potter was very much a good vs. evil story.
If you don’t already have one, do you have plans to have a book trailer and what are your thoughts on them overall
I have on for Dobyns Chronicles on YouTube http://bit.ly/1sjC720 I like them. I think they are a great way to actually show what your book is about and help the reader gain interest in the book.
What are you working on next
I believe I mentioned earlier I'm writing a fantasy called Princess Adele's Dragon that deals with Kings, princes, castles, a witch and of course a dragon. It's based in the dark ages when magic and spells were common. I'm hoping to have it finished by the end of the year.
When you come to a point in your writing where you get frustrated for some reason, how do you deal with it
I stop writing and do something else. I also talk to people about my problem and gain all the perspective I can.
What advice would you give a writer that is just starting out
Don't be afraid to write. If you've always wanted to write a story, sit down and start writing. You don't have to do anything but type. Everything else can be taken care of at a later time.
About the Author
