It’s been a busy school year and I haven’t gotten as much
writing done as I’d hoped. That is often the case, however, so is nothing new.
I managed to finish a sword and sorcery story over Thanksgiving for a project
that I’m sworn to secrecy on. It’s going through my writing group for feedback
now.
I was badly knocked for a loop by Robert Reginald’s death. I
still think about him every day. I’ve been quite busy, though, which has helped
me. I did get some positive news. I’d sent Rob the fourth Talera novel before
his death. Everything was pretty much up in the air over that but it now looks
like the book, called Wraith of Talera, will be published in 2014. I’m actually
looking over the galleys now, although this is also the last week of classes,
to be followed by final exams, so I’m being pulled in many directions.
Also, “The Machineries of Mars” did better than I’d feared
it would. Not as good as I’d hoped, but you gotta grab the positives where you
can. I’d actually made a kind of deal with myself, that if “Machineries” didn’t
sell better than “Micro Weird” did I’d just hang it up. Good thing, perhaps, I
didn’t have to be tested on that commitment. I don’t know if I could really “quit”
anymore anyway. I’ve just been banging my head against writing for too long.
Speaking of “The Machineries of Mars,” I picked up a nice
review by Keith West over at the Amazing Stories Blog. Keith also reviewed Tom
Doolan’s “The Pirates of Themos.” Both of these stories are tied in to the
concept of the Lost Empire of Sol. The review is here if you want to check it
out.
There is also a review of "Machineries" over at James Reasoner's blog. Thanks much to him for the kind words.
There is also a review of "Machineries" over at James Reasoner's blog. Thanks much to him for the kind words.
Now to get the last bits of the school semester dealt with
and have some time for writing over the Christmas break. That time is already
spoken for with a nonfiction project I need to complete. But maybe I can work
in some fiction as well.
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21 comments:
Just keep reminding yourself that it's not a sprint, it's a marathon. I've heard plenty from people who were in a sales slump for months or years until they released a certain new title or made a new connection, and the spark ignited a much higher level of continued sales.
Also, like you said - when writing is in your blood, it's in your blood. Why not share your work with the world, and make the occasional profit from it? I'm beginning to feel like there's nothing sadder than the "desk drawer novel" that never sees the light of day. You might get a drubbing, or you might make a mint. Why not find out? Life is too short to hold back creativity from the world.
Bittersweet victory with Wraith of Talera.
Jack is right - it's not a sprint. As one who is an incredibly slow writer, I'm very thankful for that.
May you survive the next few weeks and get some time to write over the holiday break.
Let me just Ditto Jack's post. :)
New S&S, you say? Color me intrigued (I hope "intrigued" is a shade of green...it's my best color).
"Now to get the last bits of the school semester dealt with and have some time for writing over the Christmas break."
Congrats on the review.
But oh, we writers!
I completed my Black Icon novel over my honeymoon!
Jack, that's generally the way I feel. Let it out there and roll the dice. Someday you might get a big hit.
Alex, hoping so. Should have some time.
Tom, lol.
Ivan, egads, man. Now that is dedication.
Wish I could escape into other realms as I was once able through such writing. Horrible confession, I know. . . Perhaps the magic portal will admit me once more. . . .
ALOHA to YOU Charles
from Honolulu
Comfort Spiral
=^..^= <3
My review of "The Machineries of Mars" is coming up on my blog tomorrow morning.
Hmmm, it looks like I've missed the post where you announced "The Machineries of Mars" - I was waiting for it. I'm glad it came out! Congratulations!
You can never quit, Charles, you know it.
If you quit, I will hunt you down and kick your butt. Just sayin'.
I'm glad you liked the review, and thanks for the shout-out.
Good luck with finals. Ours start in 3 days, and the forecast is for ice and sleet. Great timing.
Oh, and this sword and sorcery project definitely has me intrigued. Looking forward to it.
Nice review! I couldn't stop writing. The bulk of the writing I do, and have always done, is for myself.
When I was a reporter I'd actually write more for me that I had previously, just to fight back :)
PS I just bought "Machineries of Mars." I don't normally read sci-fi, but I take it you don't normally read children's books :)
Charles, I'll be blunt: You are far too talented a writer to ever consider quitting.
Whether it's adventures on Mars or beer-fueled memories of days gone by, you can write.
There. Said my piece.
Cloudia, I can't wait to get back to the magic portal. Real life keeps dragging me back.
James, thanks, man. I appreciate you taking the time.
Vesper, I think a lot of stuff was happening around that same time.
Keith, Took me an extra 45 minutes to get to work today because of fog on the bridge. I'll be glad when finals are over.
Riot Kitty, I do read YA, but not often books for younger kids. Used to read them to my son all the time but he is 26 now. I sometimes miss reading to him. I'm sure he would have enjoyed Black Jack Pepper.
Ty, thanks, man. I appreciate it. Good words help.
Charles, it's nice to come across someone who cherishes writing as much as you do. Christmas is a lovely period to spend time with the family and for some good writing.
You'll never be able to hang it up, my friend. Once storytelling's in your blood, it has to be adhered to no matter the pace or the sales.
Prashant, yes, I love getting that concentrated time off to pursue fun things and family life.
Bernard, aye, tis true
nice....its great to get those reviews...not to rest in them but it does make it feel like you have accomplished a bit...ha, time...maybe i should ask for some for christmas....
Three years ago, I had a job, care of two parents, and partial care of a grandchild. I got about the same amount of writing done as I do now. I think I have become more of a dreamer and less productive without the busy schedule. However, my house is cleaner.
Let's hear no more talk of hanging it up.
Brian Miller, it is very nice to hear that someone enjoyed your work!
Patti, for me, I get immensely more writing done during breaks, like Christmas and Summer than I do during the school period. I'd guess my output goes up at least 80 percent
Ron, every gunfighter hangs up his guns at one point or another. Or else I guess he gets buried with his boots on. :)
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