On spring and storytelling and website overhauls
It’s been a long, especially challenging winter in my part of the world, and even though spring has sprung, we’re still dealing with cold weather and the threat of yet more snow. I spent a lot of it feeling blue and trapped beneath my electric blanket. But nothing can stop the crocuses from popping their purple heads out of the ground, just as nothing can stop the light from growing longer every day. Happy things, these.
I’ve been seeking refuge in Storyland, with revisions to one piece to get it just right, plans for revising another, and slow but steady progress on my second novel. Work on the novel involves researching Hindu constellations, which I know very little about, and relearning how to let my imagination flow, the way it did when I was little and unhindered by doubt. Laini Taylor talks about this sort of brainstorming here, where you throw out the first few ideas that come to you in favor of letting the more interesting stuff bubble up from the deep. You’re finding the real tale you want to tell, the way only you can tell it.
It’s a journey of discovery, really, something my Adult Onset Perfectionism struggles with. But I’m also very excited; I love my characters and my concept, and I’m curious to find out how the rest of the story goes.
Have a selfie of yours truly, dreaming about her characters while on a train. Yep, I totally got a starry circlet to wear for inspiration, and sparkly silver eyeliner, too!
I’m grateful for many things, and one of those is how packed with joy and people my last few days have been. I got to go to New York City to see friends and attend the monthly KGB Fantastic Fiction reading, a good friend sent me a golden butterfly ornament in the mail when she knew I was sad, I made a trip to Fabric Row in Philadelphia to select fabric for the skirt yet another friend will be teaching me how to make, and yesterday I spent with my fellow Star-Dusted Siren Barb, who gave my website a complete overhaul. A fresh new look for a burgeoning spring, when old fears and thoughts are cast off like heavy coats.
And what do you think of the website makeover? It’s perfectly in keeping with the novel, and I’ve always loved the stars, anyway. The night sky holds a numinous magic for me, one that’s difficult to put into words. But hopefully I can manage it in the novel!
Ahhh, I just feel so full of joy and potential, sweet, raw, untapped possibilities. They’re a warm spring breeze to this girl who just broke free of her chilly, lonesome cocoon. Shaky legs teeter, and wings unfurl, still damp, still slightly unsure. What might lie ahead? Adventure? Inspiration? Fresh-baked cookies? I don’t know, but I have a good feeling about it. After all, no mud, no lotus.
(a flowering plant my husband gave me)
