The Short Attention Span Strikes Again!

I have a notoriously short attention span when it comes to my writing. This is how I’ve ended up with so many different novels in different stages of writing/editing/publishing. And to top it all off, I’m adding another to the works. I’m not sure how many of you will have seen this illustration by Tom Gauld before:

I like a good challenge, so I’ve decided to write An Epic Tale (title to come later, for now it’s just An Epic Tale). I’m going to incorporate every character from this illustration into my novel somehow. I’ve already half-planned groups for the characters to fit into, and a plot is brewing. I feel the story will most likely be fantasy, and I will try to make it of the humourous kind. I actually started writing a little bit this morning and this is what I’ve got:

“Doomed! We’re all doomed!”

Abernath rolled his eyes at the man standing in the centre of the square, screaming at the people walking past—it seemed like every week there was some new oddity in the centre of town. He hitched his bag higher on his shoulder and looked around for Lewin. The old bloodhound was stalking a flock of pigeons that were scavenging the cobbles for pieces of food. The doom-sayer’s cries were drowned out by Lewin’s manic barking as he bounding clumsily towards the birds.

Of course, this is not perfect, but first drafts never are. I’m getting the feel for Abernath (who will most likely be called Abe for the majority of the story) and his dog, as well as their (as yet unnamed) town. I don’t want to say too much about the story yet, but there will be a strange group of characters joining Abernath and Lewin on their journey–journey to what? You’ll have to wait and see…

There’s going to be a carnival as well, carnivals are fun things and I’ve never written about a carnival before so I’m really looking forward to that.

And now onto other news!

I visited my old high school last week and spoke to my old high school teacher. We had a long chat about my writing, my published works, and what I’m doing with my life. My purpose for visiting was to ask her to be a beta reader for my current and future works, and I was very relieved when she happily agreed. She also told me that they have an author on staff, and that one of the Biology teachers was looking for help on self-publishing her own children’s book. Who knew that one little trip would breed so much good contacts?

The main positive thing that came away from the meeting was the possibility of me creating and presenting a writing workshop at the school! I went home that day and instantly got an idea for a program that lasts 12 weeks! (One lesson a week for twelve weeks). It’s still under-construction but I’m really excited about it. I’m also working on some shorter worksheet type things that can be done in one lesson. Basically, I’m throwing all my ideas for what I wish my English classes had been like onto paper so I can make something fun for the kids that will get them interested in writing and creating their own stories.

So, I think I’ve babbled on enough for one day. I’m off to find out more about Abernath and his world before I have to go back to reality with my mundane job.