Funny thing about revision. I finally finished the horrendously problematic chapter two (and am pretty happy with the changes!) and promptly ran into an even bigger snag in chapter three. I happened to realize that I'm missing some crucial backstory—not for the novel, really, but for my own personal understanding—and am now finding myself chronicling (read: making up) the entire history of my fictional world from the beginning of time. It's rather exhausting and plenty confusing and has ground revisions to a halt. *sigh*
Today, to be honest, I didn't even open the novel file. I was busy wrestling with the ending of a short story I wrote for a contest (deadline: Friday). I never have trouble with endings. Endings are my specialty. Most of the stories I write excite me because of the endings. But this one just eludes me. I've written three different versions of the ending and none of them feel right. Argh!!!
At any rate, I finally got around to reading Sun Tzu's The Art of War, which I found fascinating and informative. I am now slightly-less-clueless about military campaigns than I was before, and I know exactly what kind of generals to hire for my next fictional battles! :-)
Also, the lovely Jaclyn Dolamore, author of Magic Under Glass, has compiled a fantastic list of 10 Awesome Books for Fantasy Worldbuilding that I've been drooling over. I actually ordered a used copy of The Courts of Europe from Amazon yesterday and am looking forward to getting into it when it arrives!
Also also, the lovely Maggie Stiefvater, author of the poetically sniffle-inducing (and NYT bestselling) Shiver, is having a contest to promote her gorgeous stop-animation book trailer for the sequel, Linger:
2 comments:
Oooo! Short story time! When you finish it will others be able to read? Also, what is the title? That is strange the ending is proving difficult, but inspiration shall strike unexpectedly! :)
I love how you have such complex worlds that you need to think of their story from the beginning of time. Very philosophical/theological! I am unable to do that. I like just creating separate little worlds that just are a backdrop for metaphors and character progression. The Annals of the Northern Kingdom is as far as I am willing to go, and as you know, that isn't very far. Haha! ;)
Anyway, I am surprised that you read The Art of War! For research I know, but that is a book my brother really wants to read. Very ISTJ of you. ;)
Glad to hear revisions are progressing well!
Ugh I dunno if that short story will EVER be fixed. It's called "The Memory Jar." I hope inspiration strikes!!
As for complex worlds, it's not THAT complex, it's just I realized there were some crucial pieces missing in my head. :-)
And I've been wanting to read The Art of War for a long time. It was super interesting and a pretty quick read. I think you would like it!
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