I'm writing in a new world, and I'm terrified.

I'm terrified because I'm stepping into a world that no one has seen me write in before, and it's not completely mine, and it's VERY different from what I've written before. I'm comfortable with Molly, with Sapph, with Shanna. I know how they react to things. They're old friends who I can talk to, and writing them feels like coming home.

Blue is not an old friend. She's prickly and wary and looking at me sideways as she slips into the booth, and I don't know what to order for her. Sapph is Dr. Pepper, Shanna is a rum and coke, Molly is tea. But I don't know what Blue wants, and she doesn't even bother to study the menu. Instead, she's studying me, just as much as I'm studying her, and her body language is closed, not giving anything away. It's been a long time since I've written a brand-new character, in a brand-new world. I'm moving just as cautiously as she is.

But under the terror is excitement. This is new territory, and let's be honest - I haven't done anything really new in a couple of years. You have to do new stuff every so often, or your readers will get bored. (I know, it's hard to believe, but even the most hardcore of you will get bored of Schrodinger after a while). I'm working to rules that I haven't quite gotten used to, and I don't want to mess up this world (since it isn't mine). So the challenge is real.

So I'm going to order my signature drink (a Dark and Stormy, thank you, with real ginger beer), and see what she orders. We'll talk, maybe. Or maybe we'll just sit and enjoy our first drinks in silence. Maybe we'll order dinner. I'm not sure yet.
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It's a funny thing I've discovered. I write more when I have a job.


No, really. I do.


I always think that when I don't have to work, then I'll get a ton of writing done. Because dude, I'll have nothing else to do! I can write! And just write! And then...life intervenes.


I sleep late. I see friends. I crochet and knit and putter around my house and play games...and I don't write. This is why I don't think I'll ever make it as a full-time writer with no other job, because well, I can't seem to get my butt in the chair and blog, never mind write.


Then again, it might be that because I have other sources of income, I don't feel the NEED to write. I watch some of my full-time author friends and realize that they put in the time because if they don't, there's no money coming in. If I don't write, well, my next paycheck comes in 2 weeks, and I have savings. But I'm not depending on that writing to pay my rent or put gas in my car or pay for my tea habit.


Which is why anyone who makes the jump to full-time writing has my admiration. It's NOT easy. It's NOT carefree. It's a decision that should be made with open eyes and a clear idea of what is going to be expected of you.


I'll be going back to my day job in two weeks. I have managed to finish Winter's Storms, and have gotten it back from the editor. I'm starting on the SSP (aka the Sooper Sekrit Project) and I'm also starting to work on Sapph and Shanna again. I think there might be some shorter stuff on the Patreon for the next month or so, while I get myself back together. Also, I've discovered Southern Gothic music on Spotify, and I'm kind of in love.


Now, off to write.
 
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