http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJtwEpQe6w0
A few days ago, I came up with a story idea that had an odd issue. This issue was that I thought it was a great idea that I could never do. It would be novella or short story if I attempt it. Hoping to snag a person or two in private to use as a sounding board while doing the general prep work tonight. Anyway, this would be something that I do this week to give myself a break from Legends of Windemere.
The idea is that it is a post-apocalyptic Earth (sit down, people. I bolted the doors anyway, so you’re stuck) and there is a colony that is struggling to survive. I might take the alien or monster route, but that’s not important. The story actually focuses on someone named ‘The Hopeteller’. This is a person who somehow made a niche by telling nightly stories to the entire colony in order to keep their spirits up. The first part of each chapter will be a diary entry of ‘The Hopeteller’ and the second part will be a fairy tale like story. Probably be only 5 chapters.
The challenges?
- It would be my first attempt at a real ‘First Person’ story and might even be written in past tense. Don’t hold me to that second part.
- I need to think of 5 fairy tales with associated diary entries. I have an idea for ‘Two Brothers’ and another for ‘Finding the Light’. Going to stick with the traditional ‘3’ like main fairy tales. Considering doing one fairy tale that deals with handling a heckler.
- I have no idea what the categories would be for this.
- If I want to do a June release then I need a quick, cheap cover artist.
- I also would need a few trustworthy beta readers who can read and critique over a weekend. Short time table, which puts me in a pickle.
- I’M NOT 100% CONFIDANT THAT I CAN DO THIS! Seriously, Bestiary of Blatherhorn Vale sells 1-3 every month. Catalysts died pretty quickly and I’ll be doing the same type of low-level marketing that I did with that. That was basically nothing because I need to keep the money aimed at the big series. Maybe I can use AskDavid.com if I still have steam after writing the Amazon blurb.
This is where my mind is going and I might have to leave Luke and friends in the lurch for a bit to get my mojo back. Anybody think this sounds like a good story? It really depends on if I can figure out 2-3 more fairy tale ideas.
Legends of Windemere 
Considering you want a June release, you’re only giving yourself a few weeks to plan, write, get reviewed and edit this thing. You don’t even know what format it’s going to take yet. I think the idea is great but the overall project is rushed. Maybe if you intend for a July release or no strict deadline at all it’ll take the pressure off and allow you to formulate solid fairy tales, otherwise you run the risk of having tales for the sake of having tales. 🙂
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You’d be surprised how much I figured out since I made that post. I still have a few hours left too. The problem with a July deadline is that I have my next novel coming out at the end of that month. It’d be too close.
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Also factor in that this might be 50-60 pages at most and I typically do 10-15 pages a day.
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Sounds good to me!
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Thanks.
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Yes, yes, yes. This is a brilliant idea. There is so much you can do with this, don’t rush it, take your time, and produce something stupendous. Because you can.
Cheers
MTM
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I was only thinking of a novella really. The structure I’m toying with is like a journal/fairy tale combo. I came up with 6 potential fairy tale topics to work with. That means it could take about 1 to 1.5 weeks to write the first draft. I’m factoring in all the meetings I have this week.
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I like the idea, a lot (not too fond of the monster thing though, if you are reffering to there is a monster danger everyone is hiding from, like zombies, or mutants or aliens, but that’s jsut me “) ) I have no idea though how will you finish all of this in such a short time, but you are basically a literary wizard already, so I believe in you! 🙂
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It’s not going to be as long as people are thinking. 50-60 pages with 6 fairy tales. Those typically don’t run more than 5-6 pages. Journal entries might even be shorter than I expected. As for the monster danger, I’m not even sure that really matters. I might not even mention what caused it like in ‘Shaun of the Dead’. The story is really about the storyteller and his growing important to the group.
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I like the idea, Charles. Hope you can relax into this and enjoy the process.
Ellespeth
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Me too. Going to be a busy week no matter what though.
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Go for it Charles. It sounds like a great idea. You know I’ll be reading it. Eva
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Thanks. I’ve already got the 6 themes and fairy tale concepts written down.
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Good luck with this. I hope it works out well. 🙂
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Thanks. So far the cover art decisions are the hardest part. It’s ‘post-apocalyptic’ in some ways, but the bulk will be the 6 fairy tales.
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It seems like categories and the visual category (i.e. cover) will be a challenge.
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I’m hoping I can get a few beta readers and they’ll give me a few suggestions. Right now I’m thinking since the bulk are fairy tales that I should put it there. Maybe fairy tales and post-apocalyptic? I’d probably get in trouble for any category I take. The blurb will have to be great.
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Did you decide what you’re going to do and what fairy tales you’re going to use? Were you talking about adapting known fairy tales or making up your own?
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Making up my own. Did a basic synopsis for each one. All have a rule of 3 thing like classics. This thing might be shorter than expected. Scared to make a public request for beta readers though.
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You write GREAT fairy tales,Charles. Vanilla and Lily can attest to that!! I think it sounds like a fun break from Luke et al. Would it out too much pressure on you?
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Hope not. So far it’s becoming a slight challenge because the fairy tales are more condensed. I’m not using pre-existing characters either.
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You are going to be an even busier man the next couple of weeks!!
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Then I should probably sleep all day to make sure I have the energy.
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