This Blog is Now a Novel

November 28, 2010 by Julito Varela

Yes, it’s been a while since our last blog post. And, yes, for those that have asked, my brother Fernando is doing fantastic.

This year has been one of many transitions (from small biz owner to editorial director again) and as I have navigated these challenges, I found myself spending less and less time online. I began to write more and more on actual paper, and after having a talk with my sister, I have decided to pursue my dream of becoming an accomplished novelist.

So this blog’s focus is changing. Starting this week, I will begin to post chapters of my working draft, The Two Worlds of Franky Benítez, and use my social media contacts and connections to invite people to read and comment on the book. I plan to add some additional features that I hope will make this experience with this blog a pleasant one.

Yes, my goal is to connect with as many people as possible and find a way to get published and noticed. The novel’s themes are quite universal: how the character of Franky looks back at his 40 years of life and finds the will and resilience to continue to fight, even when life smacks him with pain. In Franky, we see our doubts, our fears, our most hidden secrets. Yet we also see hope.

I invite you to take this journey with me. Let me know what you think, what parts you like and what parts need more work. I am serious. My goal is to get this book published and distributed. I hope you can help? I promise I won’t forget it, and I will always be here to help you out in any way.

I plan to share the Prologue later this week. Hope you enjoy this. And please let me know what you think.

Peace,
Julio

Posted in Books, Latino | Tagged Facebook, LATISM, literature, Social Media, Twitter | 27 Comments

27 Responses

on November 28, 2010 at 11:18 pm | Reply justinthesouth

WOW! You have no idea how happy this makes me!

I can’t wait to read more. Way to go for your dreams man! LOVE IT !
- on November 28, 2010 at 11:24 pm | Reply juliorvarela
  
  Thanks, bro! I figure that I will just use this forum as my working draft, and publicize it through social media and get an agent to notice it. Am freaking going for it. Why not.
  - on November 29, 2010 at 9:39 am justinthesouth
    
    Yes WHY NOT? You know I’m willing to help get the word out! I am really proud of you man!
on November 28, 2010 at 11:20 pm | Reply Laura Scholz

Congrats, Julio! Looking forward to reading it and watching your journey!
- on November 28, 2010 at 11:27 pm | Reply juliorvarela
  
  Thanks, Laura! I figured that sharing this with my online world will keep me motivated and focused. It will also get me back in the groove.
on November 28, 2010 at 11:20 pm | Reply Sean Pifher

Cannot wait to read it Julio!
- on November 28, 2010 at 11:25 pm | Reply juliorvarela
  
  Sean, you are amazing in your support and friendship. Thanks for the kind words. Here we go!
on November 28, 2010 at 11:45 pm | Reply Nancy Myrland

Julio, I am so excited for you, and proud of you!! I know you are destined for great things, and am pleased you are discovering it. Go for it! Your buddies, including me, will be right by your side, helping you in any way we can. Use me in any way you’d like, at any time!
- on November 28, 2010 at 11:53 pm | Reply juliorvarela
  
  Nancy, I knew that the moment I wrote this post, I would be showered by love and support. Now that is a great way to start a journey, no? Thanks again!
on November 29, 2010 at 12:16 am | Reply Sharon

How awesome! Looking forward to reading your novel and watching your successful journey!
- on November 29, 2010 at 1:02 am | Reply juliorvarela
  
  Thanks so much, Sharon!
on November 29, 2010 at 9:43 am | Reply Vanessa Varela

SOO SOO SOO PROUD OF YOU:) Happy you are doing this!!!
- on November 29, 2010 at 10:32 am | Reply juliorvarela
  
  Thanks for the suggestion!!!! Now we HAVE to get some agents looking at this, Titi. Love you.
on November 29, 2010 at 10:41 am | Reply Jennifer Hutcheson @Mami2Mommy

Very exciting news! Looking forward to reading it all and don’t worry we will totally help you get your book noticed!

Dreams make the world go round. Go for yours!
- on November 29, 2010 at 10:42 am | Reply juliorvarela
  
  If I have you on my side, I will be going places! Gracias mil.
on November 29, 2010 at 10:55 am | Reply Papijulio

My dear son, I’m so happy that you have finally decided to start writing a book! This is just the first of many, many more to come. Can’t wait to start reading each and every word of your work…love ya…papi
- on November 29, 2010 at 10:58 am | Reply juliorvarela
  
  Thanks, Papi. Let’s get an agent!
on November 29, 2010 at 11:29 am | Reply Adrian Dayton

You got this Julio! Good luck.
- on November 29, 2010 at 11:36 am | Reply juliorvarela
  
  Thanks, Adrian. Hoping we can get some social media power behind it. Here we go.
on November 29, 2010 at 11:52 am | Reply Amy Akomas

That’s fantastic! Congratulations! Can’t wait to read more.
- on November 29, 2010 at 11:53 am | Reply juliorvarela
  
  Hope you like it. Gulp.
on November 29, 2010 at 1:46 pm | Reply Raul Ramos y Sanchez

I’m looking forward to your progress on this journey, ‘mano. Count on me to help in any way I can.
- on November 29, 2010 at 2:27 pm | Reply juliorvarela
  
  Gracias, mano. You are the best.
on November 29, 2010 at 2:34 pm | Reply Ruth

Wow, that’s great! Very exciting for you and hope to read some interesting and exciting chapters. Best of luck to you!!!

P.S. hoping to still see you around twitter for sports battle jajaja.
- on November 29, 2010 at 2:38 pm | Reply juliorvarela
  
  I will be around! Gracias mil. Let me know what you think?
  - on November 29, 2010 at 2:41 pm Ruth Polanco
    
    Pues Claro!
on December 10, 2010 at 2:35 pm | Reply Buzzing: Organizing, Manifesting and Music

[…] writing online. The title is The Two Worlds of Franky Benitez and Julio explains the why and how in this post. Go cheer him on.Over at Spanglish Baby, you can find information on making your kid a video star. […]