I got some great advice today (well, probably me and several hundred other authors) that I wanted to share.
Paraphrasing, it went something like this:
Don't be afraid to fall in love with writing (again). Remember why you started to write? Remember why you still write? If you're struggling, find a new idea you're passionate about, let go of your fears, and pour your heart and soul into this new book. Try to release expectations for this book and just savor and enjoy the writing process and the amazing new story. Relive the excitement and enthusiasm that got you writing to begin with.
This is seemed to be a highly respected opinion from out-of-the-blue that reinforces my decision to step back and dive into the trilogy-on-the-backburner-of-my-mind-for-many-years. To bring back to life the saga that first got me enthused about writing professionally and publishing, and yet, I just never seemed to be able to get that first novel to the publishing stage, in spite of it's nomination for a Golden Heart Award (Remember those?) and multiple writing competition wins a decade ago.
This story (in three main parts) is a sweeping family saga...in spaaaaaaace. But it's about so much more than that. It takes great swaths of history and myth from here on Earth and creates the hopefully convincing worldbuilding for the trilogy, which essentially follows three generations in a time of great change.
How far have I gotten?
Well, to be honest, not far...on paper (er...computer), but I've written multiple scenes in the current project as I developed the plot, motivations, conflict and characters in my head. The story for Gen One is written, but just needs a bit more editing and scrubbing before it's publishable. But I'm going to wait on that and publish them all in close succession -- provided I decide to traditionally publish them at all.
Gen Two is the story I'm mentally developing now, which will be followed by Gen Three. (This are generic WIP tags for titles I'm not yet ready to announce.)
Let me share just a tiny thread of a scene -- one that's actually written but not yet revised, refined or edited -- to give you a taste of the Gen Two story. Yes, it's Science Fiction -- or Space Adventure, as I prefer to label it -- but like many sci-fi settings, it probably invokes the language and social etiquette of a past age. (More on that later.)
Tucked into the midst of her escort, Shanna approached a group of men, all clad in uniforms or festive finery. Her eyes were drawn to a man who wore an imposing uniform of pristine white, with golden stripes adorning the sleeves of an elegant tailed jacket, his trousers delineated by a wide gamble stripe. His light hair, thick and cut in a taper, just brushed the back of his uniform’s collar accentuating broad shoulders. An ornate scabbard gleamed at his side, the grip of the sheathed sword decorated in cascading scarlet tassels.
A commander of the King’s Guard, maybe? Or even a captain?
As her escort drew closer, he cast a glance back over his shoulder to inspect the new arrivals, and spying her, his whole body pivoted to follow his gaze.
Shanna stopped mid-step, drawing a quick breath. “Blue!” she whispered. His hair was shorter, his bearing more regal than the friend she'd come to know. But how had she not recognized him?
His aqua eyes widened as he took her in, lavender gown and all.
“My Lady,” he replied, and after shaking off his surprise, moved closer. “You are here in time for my reception.”
“Your reception?”
In answer, he made a sweeping gesture to the grand entrance to the Royal Quarters, where she caught sight of the large crowd milling in the main hall. A reception for what? Surely not his wedding!
“Our hunting party returned just a few hours ago.” Shanna nodded to Macalla, “My Confidante told me there was a celebration I must not miss.”
Nakondus tilted his head. “Indeed.” He gave Macalla a quick glance and a slight smile. “I am beyond pleased you decided to attend.”
“I’m a little uncertain what it is I’m attending. You said…your reception?”
Nakondus dipped his chin slightly. “My Recognition Ceremony was held this afternoon. By tradition, a grand reception always follows.”
Shanna relaxed with some relief. “Recognition Ceremony. I don’t know what that means.”
