Writing Community

Story Decisions
March 2 question –

Have you ever been conflicted about writing a story or adding a scene to a story? How did you decide to write it or not?

My Answer:

I’m conflicted about my current story. It was never meant to be anything more than a flash fiction story. Making story decisions can be tough.

My article:

How To Write A Good Flash Fiction Piece?

I understood the world I was writing in, as I had created many shorts in it—world building is my thing. I always start with character and build from the inside out.

My trouble was finding my character’s long-term voice at first. I still struggle with my sidekick. I did not intend my story to be YA, but it is—again, story decisions.

So I am writing in a genre I am not totally comfortable in. However, I have been reading a lot of YA lately to get a better feel for it. I am very picky about my story, so had trouble finding great YA story that pulled me into the world, but I did.

Finding YA Book I like to read:

I found a few I am really enjoying that hooked me, but it was a search for me.

In my search, I came across Shade. I started reading and did not stop until chapter six, and only then because I had to do so. I read several before this one and was not impressed. So, I bought the whole series to read. This is a NY Times and USA Best-Selling author, which means she has experience capturing her audience. 

Reading Shade (Shade series Book 1) Marilyn Peak and also, Kingdom of Engines Nathan Van Coops.

I am also a pantser and linear writer. This story I have written, somewhat, out of order, not my natural writing style. Now I struggle a bit with transition scenes and the piecing together. Expansion, revision, and editing are a slow, painful process, but I will not give up.

Finding Character Voice:

The story decision to write this story always belonged to my characters. I write this story because my characters, though difficult, will not shut up. Especially Smoak, my sidekick. If you read my newsletter then you have been talking to Smoak as he has taken the newsletter writing over for now. He is insisting that I go back and rewrite my welcome letter in his voice. I may do that just have not had time yet.

So though I struggle with the long-term story voice, the voice in my head has no problem at all chatting my ear off.

In fact, in the last monthly newsletter, Smoak even shared his favorite movie.

Here is the excerpt from the newsletter:

Okay, on to the question, what is my favorite movie? My favorite movie is Avatar. The local inhabitants of the planet have tails. Tails are handy. Since I am a Fae Dragon Sprite, I have an awesome tail.  

In fact, you could say, I am downright dangerous with it when I can stay in my natural form. All too often, I have to shift into whatever form is needed or promotes safety. The way life and the planet is all connected and symbiotic makes me think of me and Remi. We are elemental bondmates. Our element is FIRE. Avatar 2 is coming December 2022. I can’t wait!     

Smoak even took a special place in the remake of my logo featured below.

My newsletter with my gift story, The Boon. This story is not related to my current story, which for now I am calling Project Atlantis.

I enrolled in Tammi Labrecque, The Newsletter Ninja’s, Cookie Challenge. We will be creating short stories or other choices for reader targeted opt-in related to our reader audiences. It starts March 7th; I am excited about it.