newbie bill rockwell: new author, new menber, new at posting, old writer

[bill rockwell]

I am new to publishing my novels and short stories, but have written my entire life. Reason for not publishing earlier rests on amount of time spent studying in high school, college (all right, I'm a nerd also), and medical school, then practicing Pediatrics and Allergy in Connecticut. "Early" retirement forced by extended bout with whooping cough (not looking for sympathy, but thought a lifetime of writing, but no publications needed explanation). Now, I spend most of my time writing and revising my works, pubished one so far. Revising is a pain because a lot of my works are set in the 80's or 90's (and yes, a few even older), and need updating to today's technology etc. I'm seriously considering making some "period pieces" setting them in the year I wrote them. Less work, but will the reading public be interested in characters without cell phones, texting, the internet etc? Let me know your opinion. Anyway, 2 grown children, 2 neices and 1 nephew we also raised when parents killed (all also grown), so, my wife and I spend the time I'm not writing and marketing my works together. Love retirement! Hope you enjoy my works and I get to contribute to some of the forums. Peace.

[kelstan]

Welcome to booktalk Bill.

[bill rockwell]

Thanks. I've got lots of posting to do, and lots to learn.

[Chris OConnor]

Welcome to the community!

Good question you ask about whether readers will embrace period stories. I just don't know but I have to believe the answer is yes. Some of the best books I've ever read were historical fiction.

[bill rockwell]

Thanks. That's what most readers are saying. Time will tell, I guess.

[Rhonda Louise]

Hi Bill,
Sometimes it's a real plot bonus if there is no technology. My books are set in the nineties and it makes it funnier if the characters can't simply google their way out of problems.

[tedmagnuson]

Hi Bill,
This is my first day on booktalk.org. I too am a writer. My story opens in 1979 with a flashback to 1969. Glad to hear of someone writing other than fantasy, romance or space opera. Besides books, I am a cyclist. As for my health, I think I caught rotator cuff disorder from my computer mouse!
Ted

[bill rockwell]

Hi, and welcome. I'm glad to see someone writing in the near past, rather than centuries ago. It gives me hope that once I re-edit my '80s novel, I'll have some success also.