New Project

Yep, I did have a new project emerge from the mists! It’s a juicy one, but still in the exploratory stages.

I start these things by writing a paragraph about the basic concept. Then I go on to start asking questions about the bones of the story. Who are these characters? Why are they doing this? What kind of society are they living in? Especially with fantasy, I work through the social viewpoint on magic. Is it known and accepted, or strange and feared?

As I work on this, I try to come up with as many possible answers as I can. The next step is to go through and highlight the ones that seem most interesting. And that typically leads to another round of why are they doing this, what does it mean?

Not that I ever develop a full outline with a list of required events or plot beats. My stories are more like a river that flows in (I hope) unpredictable but still valid directions. Usually I do have an idea what I want the ending to look like. Thus far I haven’t developed that.

I also need to consider length. Is this a novel or novella? Who is the intended audience? Based on my initial concept, I doubt it will be a YA title. Though there are a number of child characters, the content is too mature for young readers. Maybe. It’s early to say.

The last step, which I’m currently working on, is to start naming people and places. When you follow your plot like a river, it’s a pain to have to stop and think up names! However, I’m nearly at the point where I can begin drafting and see how the tale takes shape.

I’ll be sharing more of this soon, I’m sure.

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