The Writer’s Life: Fall 2024
The Abduction of Joshua Bloom
Close to five decades ago I wrote a short story, based on a dream, entitled “The Light”. That evening, I had smoked a little too much weed and woke up in the early hours of the morning recalling the dream I had just had. I wrote myself notes and went back to sleep. The next morning, I wrote a short story that would eventually evolve into a science fiction novel. At first, it was included in the curriculum for a reading course I had developed. About the short story, my boss quipped, “It looks more like an outline for a book. You should expand it into an exciting science fiction adventure.”
I informed him, “I’ve never written a book before.”
“Give it a try,” he said.
So, I did, but it took a long time. Twenty years later, after I lost my hearing to a virus and had to resign my tenured teaching post, I dusted off the old manuscript, edited it, and sent it off to Adventure Books, a Canadian publisher, who changed the title to “The Light: An Alien Abduction”.
That lasted a few years until the nascent publisher folded. I researched other publishers and decided to turn the book into a Young Adult (YA) novel. This meant an overhaul in characterization, dialogue, and even plot. I submitted the book to many different literary agents and publishers finally getting noticed by Solstice Publishers in 2012. They gave the book a newer title, “The Abduction of Joshua Bloom”.
That lasted for nine years until Solstice decided they didn’t want to publish YA novels any longer and would just produce books for older readers. I chatted with a few writing buds who suggested I self-publish on Amazon, which included a huge frustrating learning curve, but I did it.
After my novel, The Lip Reader, was published by Paper Angel Press, I noticed the publisher was beginning to develop a selection of YA books and enquired about The Abduction of Joshua Bloom. The managing editor loved the book’s premise and agreed to publish it, but first I needed to rewrite it according to his specifications. I lost count the number of times I had re-written the book, and couldn’t do it again. Besides, I was working on another book and didn’t have the time. I did what any other self-respecting writer to do: I hired an editor, the same talent that edited my award-winning novel, The Lip Reader. Jan did an amazing job and so I sent the publisher the file. A page has been set up on the Paper Angel Press website for the book, so everything is ready.
The Abduction of Joshua Bloom is scheduled for publication November 20, 2024.
A few reviewers would be very helpful. If anyone reading this wants a free copy of The Abduction of Joshua Bloom for an honest review, email me at [email protected].
The Lip Reader
In September, the International Impact Book Awards honored The Lip Reader as its most inspirational novel.
The Lip Reader, by Michael Thal, unlocks a mesmerizing journey of resilience, love, and determination. As a young child, Zhila Shirazi loses her hearing to meningitis. But adversity doesn’t stop her from pursuing her dreams. From Tehran to Los Angeles, Zhila’s journey unfolds, revealing her courage, intelligence, and unwavering spirit.
In 1985, disgusted with the treatment of Jews by the new Islamic government, Zhila immigrates to the United States. Her goal? To receive a cochlear implant and improve her hearing. But it isn’t until she meets her soulmate, Mickey Daniels, that she truly feels her life is complete. Together, they face love, loss, and an aggressive form of cancer.
Why Read The Lip Reader? This gripping true-life story captures Zhila’s voice authentically as a first-person narrator. Michael Thal’s writing immerses readers in Zhila’s world, celebrating her triumphs and touching our hearts.
Get a copy now clicking on the link and be inspired by Zhila’s unforgettable story:
Currently, I’m working on a memoir with the working title, “Hardly Hearing: A Journey into Deafness. I add a few blog posts every month to my website, tutor an eighth grade boy, and teach ASL to a few special people.
