a time for everything...

Happy Feast of all Saints.

A time for everything sometimes means, a time for nothing. Well, not actually nothing, but as far as my imaginary world, not much at all. Hard to say what keeps me away -- actually, I know very well, but won't bother you with the details. Life has a way of interfering with fable. Pesky life.

In no way do I compare with Tolkien, who was a professor and determined and pretty much a genius. But I do find glimpses of similarities, aside from creating an imaginary world. J.R.R. was by no means a prolific writer: how long did it take for him to write the Hobbit, LOTR, and Silmarillion (which he never finished)? A lifetime. I'm trying not to take a lifetime, but in reality, I haven't written much in months, aside from a poem and some corrections. Not making excuses, but that's the life of a storyteller. A writer no, but creator of things previously yet seen, I'll claim that one. Keep me in mind as I attempt to kickstart Book four, which is well on it's way -- so there's great hope. Goodnight.

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Details, details...

The excuse of slow-writing knows no bounds. At 60,000 words, I could pat myself on the back; but many others crush my speed with their dedicated writing schedules. No matter - I have excuses galore. (although, I have given up some activities for Lent that directly influence my own writing schedule - so hopefully I'll get moving here) Anyone who reads my blog entries, and bless you if you do, may realize that I rarely speak of good writing/criticism/grammar/punctuation. There are plenty that do, and they do it well. To write well takes practice, patience, and a whole lot of opinion -- the friendly stranger sort. My advice to writing well: join a writing group, and there are plenty online to do it. There I learned a lot, and I learned when it was no longer useful. (it is hard to critique chapter five without reading chapters one through four - grammar aside) As you may know, I'm all about world-building and being immersed in a solid story - even if it spans many books. The ex...

A time to look back

France was my inspiration for Ainiald (and why not?) Getting into that time of year when the days lengthen and our bones warm in the sunshine delight. That's the time to crawl out of our winter doldrums and hit the road -- or air, rails, water -- whatever you favor. But in writing, you are never out of season. "Prince of the Furies" stands at nearly 70,000 words -- with much time recently spent on revising. (And no, I don't always wait until the end to revise) I had a new character to flesh out and went back a ways to make changes to the story. I'm sure she appreciates the efforts. I am building things up now, laying new foundations, darker trails ahead. One challenge rises as another subsides. Face it, Fantasy is a fun read, and just as fun to write. I realize I should be further along, but it is far more polished than earlier writings at this point. (books one and two) I also hope to put more excerpts out there, and here's a wish for a few more ...

What have you created today?

A little dryness in writing needs -- inspiration. It's not too far away. Look around, look it up, look within. Be inspired. Now write something.

James M. Vargo Books

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