*Features adult language and themes.*
Kurt Sampson, a self-help guru, is trapped in the fake life he has built for himself, no longer believing in the profitable shtick he’s peddling. Part of this is writing a monthly magazine article titled ‘How to be Happy’.
Over the New Year period five disparate (and desperate) people from the same small town are guided by their individual issues to seek out Kurt’s advice.
Charlie a young computer genius crippled by social awkwardness which has forced him into a solitary existence.
Daisy a meth addict whose only interest is chasing her next high, no matter the cost.
Simone a strong, independent, business woman. Her life revolves around her job and the comfortable lifestyle it affords her.
Evie is a frustrated artist. Since her son was born she has lost focus. She’s open to any fad or advice that promises to fix her life.
Jon, Evie’s husband, is content with life. He has a wonderful family and a menial job that pays the bills.
Everyone is trying to figure out what makes life worth living, and if happiness is really an achievable aim?
‘Jump to’ LINK INDEX
New Year’s Eve/Day – Charlie | Daisy | Kurt | Evie | Simone | Jon
January – How to be Happy | Evie | Simone | Daisy | Charlie | Jon | Kurt
February – How to be Happy | Charlie | Daisy | Jon | Evie | Simone | Kurt
March – How to be Happy | Charlie | Daisy | Evie | Jon | Simone | Kurt
April – How to be Happy | Charlie | Daisy | Evie | Jon | Simone | Kurt
May – How to be Happy | Kurt | Charlie | Daisy | Jon | Evie | Simone
This manuscript was completed in 2011/2012 after a successful attempt at Nanowrimo. I did send it out to agents at the time garnering a few polite rejections and it has festered on my hard-drive ever since.
After discovering it yet again (when beginning a new novel project) I gave it a read and was shocked to NOT be completely mortified by it. I think my writing has moved on from this, but I also thought this effort deserved a home for anyone that might find it interesting. To that end, I’ll be going through the manuscript again and giving it another hard edit before posting a chapter a week (on Monday’s) until the whole thing lives here.
I will also (probably unwisely) be opening comments under each chapter if you’d like to post feedback.