Spring Break
Getting the 'write' start
With the publication of his first novel, sophomore Bobby Wegusen is on his way to a careeer as an author
Diane Kupec
Issue date: 11/11/05 Section: Features
Bobby Wegusen, like many Miami University students, has had a busy week. He watched Monday Night Football, took two exams and celebrated his 20th birthday. He also fielded media inquiries and contemplated book signings.
That's because Wegusen, unlike most other students, published his first novel this week.
"It's been a lot at once," said Wegusen, a Miami sophomore pursuing majors in creative writing and political science. "I'm too excited to be happy, but I'm too excited to do anything else."
Wegusen has been working on the book for three years, but he admits that tackling promotional activities and mulling over potential speaking engagements seems surreal.
"It's the first time I've had to think about what it's like to be an author," Wegusen said. "Right now, I can't picture myself sitting behind a desk at Borders signing my own book."
The book, Rush for Power, is a fictional political thriller about conspiracy and homeland terrorism unfolding in post-9/11 America.
For Wegusen, an avid reader and fan of authors Clive Cussler and Tom Clancy, getting started was fairly easy.
"I molded it out of what I enjoyed reading," Wegusen said. "I don't really know where I came up with the plot line."
The origin of Wegusen's literary career is less nebulous. He got his start in a sophomore creative writing class at Parkway Central High School in Chesterfield, Mo. Inspired by positive feedback from his classmates, he began Rush for Power the following year.
"With a novel, it's not as much the writing on the page, it's the overall idea and story," he said.
So instead of spending hours crafting sentences and worrying about word choice, Wegusen focused on developing an action-filled plot. He also deliberately avoided using metaphors and symbolism.
Wegusen admits he's more interested in creating a bestseller than a classic novel.
"I don't intend to write great literature," he said. "I write
entertainment."
That's because Wegusen, unlike most other students, published his first novel this week.
"It's been a lot at once," said Wegusen, a Miami sophomore pursuing majors in creative writing and political science. "I'm too excited to be happy, but I'm too excited to do anything else."
Wegusen has been working on the book for three years, but he admits that tackling promotional activities and mulling over potential speaking engagements seems surreal.
"It's the first time I've had to think about what it's like to be an author," Wegusen said. "Right now, I can't picture myself sitting behind a desk at Borders signing my own book."
The book, Rush for Power, is a fictional political thriller about conspiracy and homeland terrorism unfolding in post-9/11 America.
For Wegusen, an avid reader and fan of authors Clive Cussler and Tom Clancy, getting started was fairly easy.
"I molded it out of what I enjoyed reading," Wegusen said. "I don't really know where I came up with the plot line."
The origin of Wegusen's literary career is less nebulous. He got his start in a sophomore creative writing class at Parkway Central High School in Chesterfield, Mo. Inspired by positive feedback from his classmates, he began Rush for Power the following year.
"With a novel, it's not as much the writing on the page, it's the overall idea and story," he said.
So instead of spending hours crafting sentences and worrying about word choice, Wegusen focused on developing an action-filled plot. He also deliberately avoided using metaphors and symbolism.
Wegusen admits he's more interested in creating a bestseller than a classic novel.
"I don't intend to write great literature," he said. "I write
entertainment."
