Migrating My Blog

Good day readers!

I have decided to centralise my online presence.  Since I am no longer using Google Sites for my website and Weebly has a blog function I will be posting new content on my Weebly website: http://katarinaclaire.weebly.com/

Also, there is a sign-up field on the Home page where you can apply to receive monthly updates about my projects and posts.  Newsletters will be sent at the beginning of a month for the previous one.

Thank you to everyone who has read this blog and I hope to see you at the new location!

Cheers!

Illustration of a lush, green beside skeletal leaf
© Katarina Claire.

Romance, Without the Romance

As more of my tales enter the world it will become apparent that romances play an important part in most of them. Perhaps it's because I'm a young woman for whom a fulfilling relationship is integral to her happiness yet another factor is the deep connections that can spring from such relationships. On a biological level nothing is more critical than the union of two individuals and subsequent rearing of offspring. On a personal level the experience of lust, love, affection, longing, regret – few emotions are more powerful than the ones elicited by romantic potential. One might say that all of life's complexities stem from the drive to seek out the pleasure of companionship, no matter how prolonged or fleeting.

I enjoy simple romances which focus on characters discovering themselves and each other on the course toward romantic fulfillment. Desire can but doesn't have to be a critical aspect. I have read stories that touched me with their intensity with very little lust and some with a good deal. Both, when done well, can be stunningly beautiful.

There's another type of romance I'd like to acknowledge here. It can live in any type of tale involving two characters who develop an attachment, but differs from more traditional love stories in its treatment of the circumstances surrounding the lovers. The stories I'm referring to are those that draw attention to the fact that the circumstances, more even than the couple, are the source of the romance. An example of this type of story is The Hunger Games trilogy. At the outset the reader does not doubt that, had there been no Hunger Game for Katniss or her sister, our heroine would have ended up with Gale. Although Peeta has harboured affection for her before them it's the Games that make them a couple, the unique circumstances ultimately leading to the two falling in love.

It's very reasonable to say that Peeta and Katniss have no choice in this development since no other person can relate to what they've been through, their emotions manipulated by the people and environments around them. This fact doesn't even particularly matter so long as they are happy together. The importance of circumstance is often overlooked in romances so I appreciate stories that draw attention to what is really the most critical aspect of relationships. You are far more likely to end up with someone who is familiar to you, similar background, ethnicity, physical location and upbringing, than not because it's easier to understand someone who shares these aspects. Yes, perhaps it's not very romantic but it is realistic. 

I commend stories that can weave good characters, intriguing plot, and realism since it is no easy task. Those that achieve it are worthy of recognition as truly great writers.

Image of a man's hand exchanging a flower with a woman's courtesy of Faylinn

Unfurling...

It's a magical moment when all the threads of a story begin coming together.  Characters you like but whose paths have been mindless and destinations whose map was only a figment start unfurling like new leaves, filling an author with the vigor only inspiration can bestow.  The wonder at discovering the promise of a whole narrative with depth and intrigue is a potent brew.  That is how I began to feel about the second installment in my 'Call of the Black Panther' universe yesterday, watching the landscape slip by on a trip to visit family.

If I wanted to get philosophical I suppose the connection makes some sense.  There are many concerns touched on in the Panther books but the notion of 'family' is perhaps one of the biggest.  Tension between creatures different from ourselves, as well as facets that are considered 'different' within a scientific classification, is not a new theme but which still lies at the heart of our struggles as a species.  Embedded in that struggle for balance is the risk of radicalisation, a topic the second book looks at in more detail.  Walking the line between security and freedom is of particular importance in our increasingly connected global society.  In both books I endeavour to show that neither Human branch is completely good or bad, only that individual choice is of paramount importance.  Whereas it is easy to simply 'go-along' with others that inaction can lead to unsettling consequences.  Every society benefits from questioning the perceived 'best course of action' and whose desires are met by making particular choices.

Ultimately, because I'm an optimist, I believe that people generally make good moral decisions.  Repression, stress, lack of education, lethargy all affect the moral quality of a decision but everyone has the capacity to recognise right from wrong and desire an ethical conclusion.  This universe is my own rendition of where such moral tensions can play out, particularly in the thorny area of inter-Human 'difference'.  Characters who are good will make bad decisions and have to live with the consequences.  The reverse will also be true, the actions of those around these characters constantly affecting their view of cause and effect.

One of an author's biggest challenges is capturing a semblance of life in their work, the complexity of interacting forces ensuring that sometimes even the creator will not fully understand where their words are coming from.  Stories are fundamentally lessons about life.  They range from the ordinary to grotesque, simultaneously examining and embodying the nebulous nature of our conscious reality.  This artistic form is at once a source of pleasure and introspection, enabling us to see what we've come to expect in new ways.  That is what I ultimately hope comes from others reading my stories - a new perspective on the world.  Perhaps even one that will help it become a better place.  As any artist will tell you, it doesn't hurt to dream.

Image of writing by after-the-party

Complexities of Life

I did not set myself a very ambitious writing goal for the April Camp NaNoWriMo but am pleased to say I am on schedule to achieve my word count goal.  This is the first time I've split my attention between two stories, the sequel to my 'Land and Sea' fanfiction, and a sequel to 'Call of the Black Panther'.  Although I have no idea how long it will take to finish the former I know that it will eventually find its way to the internet.  The latter sequel is still so new to me I'm not sure how it's going to pan out.  It's been many years since I initially wrote 'Call of the Black Panther' so me and my writing style have changed since the universe's inception.  I anticipate that this sequel will flow from multiple character perspectives more than its parent tale did.  Irene is an important part still but I am hoping to explore more of the 'gray' area that exists between the two human species.  Part of the reason it's difficult for me to discuss this project right now is because I'm still not sure where it's going to end-up.

Perhaps the main issue I've had as a mature author is trying to capture the essential complexity of life.  That is certainly what's been holding me up with the Rules Trilogy.  One has to have a destination in mind to know when they've reached it.  Selena's story grew very organically, thus was a perfect fit for previous NaNoWriMo projects.  The Panther sequel is also trying to take on some of that 'screw the plans' mentality.  Thankfully I am excited to follow these characters along as their story unfolds.  I suspect it is wise for me to simply follow the flow of inspiration and worry about the clean-up later.

Speaking of clean-up I'm fairly confident that 'Call of the Black Panther' is ready for the light of day.  I am still waiting on some feedback from my wonderful friends but it's basically the technicalities that remain to alter.  As I put the finishing touches on my Createspace account I am reminded of the obstacles that exist for a Canadian writer.  Since Amazon is a US-based company I am required to supply additional information (namely tax-related).  There is also the issue of compensation which, since direct deposit is available for only the US and Europe, restricts me to a payment option that depends on sales.  Thankfully I didn't go into writing to make money, although being able to support myself doing what I love is an ever-present dream.  Ultimately I am excited to see how the larger world feels about this little story and hope that it can provide some measure of enjoyment and insight.

Until the next update I leave you with an excerpt from my soon-to-be-published book (I still can't quite believe that's true1):

“Don’t go mad with the hate you feel!  Revenge only continues the cycle of violence.  We cannot avenge the dead, only attempt to save the living.”

Turning his gaze from within to her Arminius was ensnared by Irene's determined gaze.   Despite his best efforts to retain it, his anger steadily crumbled away, leaving in its place a strange sense of guilt.  He wanted so badly to crush all of the Creatures that had destroyed his home and friends – but what would doing so bring him in the end?  The thrill of glory and self-righteousness was a tempting brew yet he’d already tasted the shame associated with stooping to the tactics of those he hated.   Others might have considered it weakness to deny the ardor of vengeance but, looking down at the child clinging to Irene’s waist and then into her stead-fast eyes, Arminius knew that it was not fear or weakness to deny those tempting urges.  In this female’s eyes was compassion, compassion for the hate and pain he was feeling… and a stubborn refusal to give into rage.  Irene resolutely believed that only caring would allow peace to return and, given what violence had done for them, Arminius realised he was starting to share that belief."

© Katarina Claire E.R.

Image of a stream through a forest courtesy of Stauffer

Writing Sequels for April Camp NaNoWriMo

As I move towards April's edition of Camp NaNoWriMo the plans regarding what writing project I should work on begin to swirl around in my head.  Whereas in previous years the answer has been clear this time around I have several projects to choose from.  Below I will outline the three key ideas and a brief description of how likely I am to work on them.

1) The Rules Book 3: This book's rough draft is almost finished and it would be nice to complete my first series.  Despite this fact I would need to refresh myself by re-reading the book and am just not feeling it this NaNoWriMo.  I think there will be typing and editing of what I have before I finish it.

2) Land and Sea 2, Sinister Depths:  Sequel to my first Belle and Ariel fanfiction this story follows the two heroines five years after their marriage.  Children have been disappearing from the area where they're tutoring.  Uncovering why leads to the women discovering a variety of Europe's mythical creatures, both benign and sinister.  I've got a good portion of Chapter 1 completed so it's possible that more of this will get written this April.

3) Call of the Black Panther 2: Filled with rage after the events at the end of the first book Irene wanders the wilderness, her sole purpose the preservation of the lives growing within her.  I'm currently quite pumped to write this second installment.  Although not much is set in stone yet there's a great deal of possibility and I look forward to seeing where this narrative could take me.  It is the one I am most likely to work on.

Here is the link to my Camp NaNoWriMo page: http://campnanowrimo.org/campers/starfire-falcon/novels/cotbp2

Image of a bobcat and two kits.  

Source (Google search): http://fineartamerica.com/art/photographs/bobcat/all

Inspiration

            There haven’t been many times in my life when I’ve been at liberty to wallow in the search for story ideas.  Generally I am working on completing or polishing a narrative that presented itself many years before, not lazing around in the summer sun waiting for inspiration to strike me with its fiery bolt.  Still, I can recall one occasion in the past when this did occur.  I had just finished writing Call of the Black Panther, it was late in my high school days; I was sitting under a tree in my backyard pushing around ideas, waiting for one to grab me with the rush of exhilaration I’m certain some drugs elicit.

            Most of my story ideas happen in mid-project rather than neatly at the end of one.  This is both a blessing and a curse.  One encounters the challenge of never finishing all of their projects but also has several to choose from should enthusiasm be lacking for the current tale.  Inspiration is not something that can be forced although it can be encouraged.  Exposing oneself to literature, interacting with others, and simply experiencing the world exposes an author to millions of themes, backdrops and characters, and within this mix of constantly shifting existence lies the hearts of stories waiting to be realised.

            This topic came to mind since I am currently reading a fanfiction that, while interesting and expansive, follows a few too many romantic clichés and is dragged out a bit too long for my liking.  Reading this fanfiction has made me want to write my own romantic adventure, although I like to focus my energy on original works rather than fanfiction.  This is an example of how reading another’s work, whether you love it or hate it, can benefit an author.  Although I’m not sure where this desire to write a romance will lead I’m glad that my creative will is still active.  Perhaps by the time April Camp NaNo rolls around I’ll have some more ideas to work with.

                                             Great little image about inspiration by Lehanan

Editing for a Living

While assisting others edit their stories the notion of earning a living as a freelance editor came to mind.  Although I would have to accumulate some experience on this front it's something that would be attainable since I have spent most of my life pursuing English literature informally and, for four years, formally.  I would have to learn not to put too much of myself in the process since I do have a tendency to arrange the works of others after my own style and preferences but I'm certain I would get better with practice.

I toss around ideas like this so I have options to deal with whatever the future holds.  I don't think I will ever have great difficulty finding a job thanks to the opportunities I've been fortunate enough to receive but as I get older and contemplate what I'd like out of the rest of my life doing what I love (and having the time for it) becomes increasingly important.  Working for oneself offers flexibility and chances for diversity that no day job ever could but can come at the price of security and a steady wage.  It's an intriguing idea but not one I think I'm quite ready to pursue.

Perhaps when I live in my paid-off, environmentally-friendly home with a large plot of vegetables I will feel more confident taking that step.

Image from http://io9.com/look-beneath-the-surface-of-these-incredible-undergroun-1269686668

Writing as You're 'Starting Your Life'‏

Every writer encounters the challenge of finding time to write.  This is particularly tricky when you're a young adult expected to be 'starting your life'.

Once post-secondary is completed you have to find a job, establish yourself in your field, pay the bills, and balance a social life.  Soon after (hopefully) achieving some stability in your working life one is contemplating settling down with a partner, starting a family, maybe buying a home.  Before you know it you're in your late thirties and writing has taken a seat back on the bumper.  This is something I would like to avoid if at all possible.  I want writing to be integrated into my life so that, even if it's just a few lines a day, I never completely lose touch with the medium.

The next question to answer then is 'what type of writing do I want to do'?  Despite my practiced ability to construct essays (thank you four years of University English) I vastly prefer the narrative form.  Even once one has hit upon this preference, however, there are myriads of choices.  I'm fortunate to have written a fanfiction that continues to garner appreciation from the internet community but with that appreciation comes the demand for more of the like.  While I'd already contemplated a sequel to the work I am also receiving requests/prompts to develop the ideas of others in the community.  Since my intention is to put the majority of my attention toward my original works I am having to turn down these requests and encourage their sources to pursue their own inspiration.

At least it is nice to have one's literary skills appreciated so I am thankful for the time all my readers take to supply me with imaginative fodder.

As for my original works I have discovered a fantastic companion in Boxjelly . Her story 'Princess of Prongs' introduced me to her style and from the first chapter I knew this was an author I wanted to follow.  Her hold of language, expansive imagination and characterisation makes every one of her stories a pleasure to read.  After I left a review stating the like on the above mentioned story she contacted me and the two of us have begun a literary exchange, assisting one another in improving our stories.  I am so thankful to have her trained eye and masterful awareness of narrative to assist me and look forward to our continued correspondence.

Boxjelly1's deviantart.com Profile: http://boxjelly1.deviantart.com/