Tag: writing style

Not quite there

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I’ve been writing for myself since I was young, but aside from this blog which I do as a hobby, I’ve completed one novel (though honestly it needs more editing) which I submitted to the Wilbur and Niso Smith adventure writing prize (shortlist in link) and I’ve submitted one other piece to Asimov magazine. I neither got shortlisted for the award of had my submission accepted.

No big deal, I honestly didn’t expect either to be a screaming or immediate success.

What has somewhat surprised me is my lack of pessimism about this. If I had tried and failed 10 years ago then I probably would have packed it in altogether and focused on my current career fully and completely…or at least other things.

That’s not how I’m feeling though. I want to put more energy in. I want to refine and improve my writing and put more ideas down on the page.

Maybe I’ll never make it something I can subsist off of, though I can hopefully get something published and I can definitely enjoy myself while doing it. I’m not convinced the pure aim of life, of writing is to simply enjoy what you’re doing. It does feel like a good starting point though, if the business of survival is in order.

So, here’s to my writing hobby. Long may it continue.

How I’m writing…

vbnelliganLeave a comment

My approach to What to do after wrestling with a serpent

I thought it would be interesting to write a few notes about how I’m writing one of the serial posts here. I think it is a short story, but maybe it’ll be a novel. Also, there’s a high probability that it will be an unfinished. That’s also OK.

The parts

Writing in parts is more for convenience of writing on my phone during commutes. Eventually the plan is to go back and edit these parts either into longer chapters or combine some. During that stage I’ll recheck my poor spelling and grammar apparent in my commuting writing (I admit that some of it will just be my poor writing on a first go around as well).

The writing

On the commute, lounging on the sofa, lying in bed, etc – invariably with my right hand only on my phone. Occasionally I’ll go back and look at things on my laptop. I should really write on their because I find it cones out better and probably saves my fingers a bit (at least my thumb) from strain in the same way. Still, it’s most convenient to do it on either side of work and normal life. Mostly, I’ll do it when I’m happy as it gives me pleasure in those moments. I hate for it to feel like a chore, which is how it seems some approach it.

Idea

Immortality has always been interesting. The idea of stealing some time and living longer. Somehow being able to pull off several lives is fascinating. For me it’s not about regrets, but possibility. If there was a space program that was more active in 100 years and I got to start over my life (with all my loved ones doing the same) then maybe I’d do that rather than what I’m up to now. Or maybe I’d do that just to try something else. If you’d saved up enough money in your first life then maybe you could do whatever. Perhaps you’d be more cautious.

The prospect of a world where almost immortality is interesting. The technology is there, but society still limits it. Surely someone would try to circumvent that system eventually.

Unfinished

Always the big question when I start something. Will I ever see it through to a point where I’d call it complete? Maybe.