A. F. Kay
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March 26, 2022 - Update
🕑 Added 2022-03-26 07:23:25 +0000 UTCHi!
No topics jumped out at me for this week’s update. The one thing that comes to mind I’m a little reluctant to talk about. It relates to my writing process. But, since I don’t have anything better to discuss, and it’s already past 1:00 AM, I’m going with it.
The reality is I’m behind schedule in delivering this book. I’ve discussed the reasons why, the impact to others and myself, etc. a bunch already and I don’t want to rehash that. What I wanted to discuss is how it impacts the story.
The answer is, probably not enough.
I find myself in this time crunch near the end of every book. It creates this pressure that becomes harder and harder to deal with. A sane person would work hard to stay focused on the beats already outlined and work toward finishing that story.
But I am literally incapable of letting a cool idea or additional piece of wonder go. I overcomplicate everything. I spend extra time with the characters as they interact.
This happened to me at the end of book two. In my story beats, Ruwen was supposed to briefly speak with the Dungeon Core. Instead, Fractal was born. Imagine this story without Fractal and the Shattered Sun. And we haven’t even got to the most important parts of Fractal’s story yet.
It boggles my mind how things like that happen. My mind insists on something it knows is important, even if I can’t see it all yet.
I’ve learned to trust it. And it happened again this week.
I don’t want to spoil anything, but the conversation that Ruwen has was always supposed to happen. But what happens next, wasn’t.
I’m so behind, but I wrote the chapters anyway. They feel right. A hundred ideas have already spawned as my mind lets me in on the things it has planned. Some of them for events outside this series.
Now, I don’t know yet if what happened this week will impact the story like Fractal did. But I’m guessing it might.
The reason talking about this makes me uncomfortable is because that process feels like magic to me, and I don’t want to examine it too closely.
Anyway, once again I’ve filled a page with text when I had nothing to say. Sheesh.
I’ve opened up chapters 58, 59, 60, and 61 to Root.
I’ve opened up chapters 62, 63, 64, and 65 to Harvester.
I’ve added chapters 66, 67, and 68 to Step Master, Blapy’s Favorite, and Divine.
Enjoy!
Thank you for being here and supporting this story. It only gets written because I know you are out there, just as excited as I am, to find out what happens next. Thank you so much for that.
Take care,
AFK
Comments
Samuel Strode
More then ready to read about it. I keep thinking about the band Queen when I read your stories princess of the universe for all the revivals and I want it all, but you are teaching me patience…and I don’t like it;)
A. F. Kay
Jester's outfit would be hilarious. I've had something in mind for over a year. It almost ended up on the cover, but it didn't look right. I love it so much and I'm so excited about revealing it. I hope you like it too.
A. F. Kay
Such great wisdom. The biggest repercussion is missing my deadline with Travis. The next biggest is the weight of all the months it has taken to write this book. I do need to keep quality in mind. I take a lot of care and I don't want to blow that at the end.
A. F. Kay
I appreciate hearing this. We are our own worst critics. We could all probably use that excellent advice of not being too hard on yourself. Thanks!
A. F. Kay
So very very true. Probably more. I know there are readers out there that will be frustrated with the larger plot progression. We shall see if the ending satisfies any of that.
A. F. Kay
That is so nice of you to say! Thank you! You are so right about not stifling creativity. Thanks!
A. F. Kay
So true. And I'm intent on cramming as much wonder as possible into this world.
A. F. Kay
I appreciate that! It is great advice. The Weekly Update is so weird for me because I'm normally a super reserved and private person. I guess that means everyone here has earned enough trust that I'm open.
A. F. Kay
Thank you so much. Thankfully I always know where I'm headed in the end so that helps. Things will turn out just fine. : )
A. F. Kay
Yes, that is an excellent example. I really love it. When books are outlined, unless the author is very good, it feels like Serenity to me as it drives from plot point to plot point. Compared to a more seat of the pants type work where the characters are alive, just like Firefly. I love your example so much!
A. F. Kay
Thank you both! Those are some wise words from the two of you.
Samuel Strode
This is completely off topic but I have been re- listening to the fifth vault where Blappy said she has something special for ink warden outfit I am picturing either the blue and gold Vatican guards but black and silver or a jesters outfit bells and all. Just an idle thought
Daemon Shade
Not even yourself. ;)
Daemon Shade
I'm interested to hear what repercussions missing a deadline might have for you. If it's just your personal schedule, I would say let the story come first. If there's some publisher-related risk, there are solutions available, depending on the details. I want to say that you should aim for a product you're completely satisfied with, but I know you have more to consider than we do, and I don't want to add to any internal dissonance. That being said, this is my favorite series so far, and I would hate for something to keep you from making it as incredible as I know you're capable of. You're doing awesome, Kay. Don't let anyone tell you different.
Adam Boshcoff
Don’t let deadlines and obligations interfere with you discovering and telling the story you want. I’m sure all your fans would prefer that you take your time and make the story the best it can be, rather than rush something out to give us content sooner. You’re doing great! Don’t be too hard on yourself.
Iron Knight
The journey is just as important.
Lena M. Lucente
Imagination and inspiration should never be stifled. That's your gift let it soar. That's why I Love this story so much. You are an awesome writer.
Rick White
It is magic and it’s okay not to look too closely at it. It’s how wonder is born.
Joe
I am glad you are doing what you feel is needed to get the story out, but like Andreas, I trust you to get it out when and how it should be out. Please don't feel rushed on my account. If you are doing it for your own time table to create internal pressure to drive you, I can understand; but I'll wait for when you believe the story is ready for release. I also wanted to add a "Thank you" for giving me more to look forward to with your weekly update. I can't wait to see the new developments.
Dave Michaud
A huge part of why your writing is so incredible is how alive your characters are. There's nothing wrong with letting them live, now that you've given them form. :) Thank you for taking the chance to let them be all they can be, even when it feels like things have jumped off the rails from your original plan. You (and they) are always stronger for it, in the end.
Samuel Strode
Agreed you don’t talk about the trip you made where you went from point a to b you talk about the detour the flat tire the worlds largest book that you had to stop and see let the story speak and develop
Matthew Dodwell
I think stories come from a deeper place than the rational planning mind. The rational mind is useful, but I'm guessing stories come from that place where the rational, emotions and something deeper come together as equal partners. So not always on the preplanned timescale, more invited by setting up the right conditions. Magic when it happens. I think the story will get where it needs to and this tension between enough and not too much is possibly part of the process - and might some of that judgement be where it 'all comes together in the edit'? 😀 It's lovely when the story has space to breathe and for conversations. I always remember the film of serenity, compared to Firefly. The film sacrificed too much to maintain momentum. Maybe necessary for a time bound movie, but it's not a classic because of that (and don't get me started on JJ Abrams idea of momentum!)
Andreas F. Sørensen
I trust you to do what's best for the next installment. I don't mind a delay for a better story.
