Eeny, Meeny, Miny, Moe...

[blairmacg]

Ray Bradbury did not inspire me to write.  His stories taught me to think, and to think about what I wrote.  He takes readers on a journey of consequences, often with characters who don't recognize they are making weighty decisions until those consequences come along.  I didn't realize just how much studying his work has influenced me until, on the day I heard of his passing, I read in my own work, "Consequences, Shala.  What must he choose?" 

On my own writing front, I'm feeling adrift--not because nothing wants to be written, but because everything wants to be written.  I continue to work on the non-fiction (my "work day" projects), but must choose which piece of fiction I'll pick up.

Should I dive into the Chant sequel?  No.  I'd be flailing, and end up frustrated.  That story doesn't lend itself to writing without an outline.  Bones needs more time to simmer.

What about the old SheyKhala books?  I've three (and a half) of them sitting around, all completed drafts in varying stages of needed revisions.  My trouble with those is I need a new opening for the first, and haven't settled on one yet.  The bigger problem is the shift in worldbuilding I'll be making with that series, and that isn't settled in my mind, either.  Still, I could just jump in and see what happens.

Drunk is a fun project, but so different in style, that I have to be in the right mood to make progress.  Three times I've written a couple chapters, then deleted them completely because the mood was too serious.  Ah, well.

And then there's my dear, dear Lindelotti story, which takes place in the same world as a novella of mine published years ago.  I adore Lin, his attitude, and his loud and hands-in-everything family.

I would really, really, really like to write Crossroads.  I keep starting on it with great enthusiasm...only to fizzle within a couple paragraphs.  It is beginning to piss me off.  There is something about writing in a real-life setting that is messing with head.  Maybe I need to spend a few days "on location."

So...I think the SheyKhala books are next up.  If I can just find the right pathway in, I'll be off.

Hmm.  Must re-read them all--without a red pen in hand!--to get back in the velshaan groove.

Comments

[queenoftheskies.livejournal.com]

Do you find the re-reading without a red pen in hand difficult?

[blairmacg.livejournal.com]

Oh, yes, especially if it's something I haven't touched in awhile. I just want to make it better right that instant. ;-)

[queenoftheskies.livejournal.com]

I'm the same way, which is why I asked.

I know, when I can finally set my red pen aside and enjoy something I wrote, that I'm making progress.

[blairmacg.livejournal.com]

I've reached that point with Chant. There are a couple places that jar me, but I'm overall very happy.

The new project, on the other hand... There are a couple parts that *don't* jar me. ;-)

[queenoftheskies.livejournal.com]

Hooray, Blair. That's awesome!

LOL, I have unedited novels like that.

[sartorias.livejournal.com]

There's something free and fun in cruising around deciding which one to plunge into next!

[blairmacg.livejournal.com]

Yes! And I think I'm finally-finally able to be both objective and constructive with these old projects. I do need a new working title, though.