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

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

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

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/