Thursday, July 19, 2012

Recouped At Last!

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Well, at least it feels that way. Rewriting Falcons over 18 months wore my brain thin, I tell you. It felt numb and zombified after that project. My goal, during these months of rest, was to write several short stories and revise some old ones that have been lying around the house, but in that state, I couldn't force my brain to think of  a single new idea. Even sleep was dull. I barely dreamed at all, not dreams that stuck with me after waking up, which is really odd for me. I got to worrying, "Is this how it's going to be? Have I lost it? Has my imagination been wrung dry? Will I ever care to write again?" Really distressing stuff. But I waited. And waited. 

And here it is. At least for now. This week, my brain seems to have come alive again. Bizarre story dreams prove it. Several nights in a row, dreams that have characters, plots, intrigue, the whole bit, so I guess that means all is returning to normal. One dream was about Janis Joplin, and I'm converting it into a bizarre spec fic. After I type "the end" on that one, I do believe it will be time to drag out Falcons 2 and start looking it over. It's been lying on my writing room floor, collecting dust, and tapping an irritated foot. I had to keep telling it, "Not till July. Give me that long to rest, at least, please." So, here it is, the middle of July, and things are heating up again.

What makes me even more eager to get started on Falcons 2 are the sells on Falcons 1. I never expected the response both volumes have received. Both have made it into the Top 100 Epic Fantasy list, alongside George RR Martin, Stephen King, Brandon Sanderson, Steven Erikson, and Tolkien. Then there are the other self-pubbed authors, like Michael G. Manning, on that list. I feel like my twins are competing with the big boys now, and the feeling is surreal. A little unbelievable. But I'll take it and run, thanks.

In any case, here we go again ...
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4 comments:

Jeff Chapman said...

Congrats on the success with sales. I'm trying to imagine how Janis Joplin figures into a spec fic story.

Court Ellyn said...

Thanks, Jeff!

Hehe, yeah, it's been a lot of fun writing that story this week and last. Hope it works...

Morgan said...

Just finished Volume II. Not to bash Martin, but I'd rather reread Falcons than read any more of his epic series. I'm a little sad that there isn't more Falcon to read, in fact! Game of Thrones was amazing, but I lost interest after forcing myself through the 4th book.

That being said, I've never met anyone else who has story dreams. That's awesome! And good for you for doing something about them! Mine continue to beg for that kind of devotion.

Court Ellyn said...

That is about the most flattering things I have ever heard, Morgan. Especially since Martin is one of my favorite authors. Haven't finished the Ice and Fire series, however, and I keep hearing mixed reviews on Dance. So sad. The series had such an amazing beginning. Here's to keeping Falcons 2 interesting all the way through!