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

Call of the Black Panther - Expanding History

I have just completed a somewhat intense overhaul of Chapter 2 with the assistance of Boxjelly1.  Her insightful comments led me to expanding an important scene where the main character (Irene) learns about her past.  It's interesting looking back to when you originally wrote a story and psychoanalysing why it was formed a certain way, particularly in the case of most of my stories since they were completed many years ago. 

Call of the Black Panther was envisioned late in grade 8 after I finished 'Beneath the Surface' (another story that needs heavy editing) and was finished in late high school.  Reading over the original version now I can see how action and romance rather than detail were my priorities.  Chapter 2 provides a lot of context and background for Irene as well as the reader but both of these aspects were glossed over in the first draft so I could get to the more interesting stuff.  With a publication date of spring 2015 I need to ensure that this story is in tip-top shape so I cannot assume that readers will be able to read my mind.

I'm a bit concerned that Chapter 2 now contains too much 'tell' and not enough 'show' but since this section of Irene's life is what I chose to focus on I must do my best to bring clarity to her narrative.  In addition to Irene's familial history the Chapter also touches on Creature thoughts and experiences with Humans, enriching the social environment of this story.  I'm much more confident in its state now but it and Chapter 3 will probably require some more touching up before I'm completely satisfied (or as satisfied as an author ever is).

Below is a short excerpt for your reading pleasure:

“A little over a decade ago Humans established a research post on the western edge of our island. After the casualties suffered during our last encounter the Tribes were hesitant to engage them until we could discern their intentions. When it appeared that they were minding their own business in the structure our people ignored them.” 

Tom strode to the Cat Tribe leader’s other side, his arms crossing over his chest as he favoured her with a frown. Arminius remained motionless near the window. 

“Your father was a young man then but his ambitions were well-formed. He was a wandering male when he began courting your mother. We’re not sure what his original intentions were towards her – whether he was simply interested in learning more about Humans or whether it had been his plan from the start to court her. Regardless, Sandra Melina, a Human scientist studying biology, fell in love with him.”

At first Alan’s words rolled off Irene like water. After several seconds of silence in which the elder appeared to be trying to read her thoughts Irene’s brain began to process the implications of his words. My mother, a Human?" 

Beautiful image depicting memory by Gondalier