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

Why Do I Write?

At every point in history and most certainly in the current economic climate authors have faced answering this question.  Since writing is not an occupation usually sought out for its monetary rewards, delving into the depths of an answer often results in vague and unhelpful explanations such as: ‘I just have to’ or ‘I do it because I love it’.  In an attempt to avoid this dead-end response I will analyse and then add a personal twist to why I conduct this activity despite the numerous other demands in my life.  

Writing is a solitary activity yet the process by which any composition comes into being requires an understanding of human social nature.  Writing is a form of communication which, by its definition, is the transition of information from one being to another.  Given this fact it’s no surprise that authors generally want to be read by others.  What starts as pure personal enjoyment of and fascination with ideas, characters, and circumstances slowly branches out to demand interaction with other minds.  The desire and ability to communicate complex messages and concepts is one of the key aspects that define humans as an advanced species.  What began as a solely oral medium evolved into a longer-lasting record of human thoughts and realities, first through art and then written language.  

The passing on of knowledge gathered over one or many lifetimes makes up the realm of nonfiction, a genre valued for its practical implications in our material world.  Storytelling, by contrast, has become a genre of entertainment to be indulged in for escape rather than higher contemplation.  While practical knowledge definitely has its value in the exploration of this Earthly existence I believe very strongly that fiction is as important and educational a genre as its purportedly ‘true’ counterpart.

“Of course she does,” you may say, “she writes it.” But hear me out.

Storytelling is perhaps the most accessible means of communicating truths and lessons.  While a lecture will only stay with its listener in bits and pieces a story can capture and become imprinted on the mind in far less time.  Such accessibility encourages active engagement with a wide variety of subjects in a sphere that lacks the threatening aspect of being based in real life.  Nonfiction can foster such interactions but the multicultural and multi-generational audience for stories make them a powerful medium for critical and creative exploration.  In a world where the creation and dissemination of information is proposed as the new economic frontier, a wide variety of arts but perhaps particularly writing has the ability to spread, build and challenge the human species.

Critical thinking and problem solving are two essential aspects of human interactions in every context but the democratic process is perhaps the most obvious example.  Exposure to different cultures in relate-able contexts leads to increased empathy which, in turn, can result in greater acceptance of diversity and more well-rounded citizens.  Stories introduce readers to such differences in safe environments, sowing the seeds of understanding and open-mindedness.  Reading preference and choice can, of course, influence the extent of such positive results.  Books that people read because they are ‘easy’ or ‘light’ can serve the same functions but at less intense levels.  I choose to write in the genre of fantasy because it provides me with limitless possible avenues to explore the topics and characters that interest me.  Although readers may have preconceptions about what they enjoy reading the truth is that stories can appeal to a wide variety of individuals no matter the genre.  Some might say they love mystery and hate science fiction or hate romance and love fantasy but, ultimately, it is the storytelling style more than the genre that determines a good book for readers.  According to Joyce Saricks’ Appeal Factors, readers usually read for Character, Pacing, Language, or Story.  As a reader and author I focus on Characters and Story.

Ultimately, no matter why you may like a certain style of book, all literature expands the perspectives of those who read them while also providing a source of inspiring and genuinely pleasing entertainment.  To explore the myriad of themes and circumstances that interest me and to (hopefully) provide enjoyment and inspiration to others is why I write.  The ability to sustain myself on a monetary front would simply be an added bonus.  

I hope whoever reads this will find it informative and perhaps even a little interesting.  I will try to update with a post every two weeks but, seeing as writing is not my main source of income, life may dictate otherwise.  The next update will include some details and links to my original works.  Until we meet again.