What went before: Yesterday, as I was staring out the window, my brain informed me that it wanted to write an epistolary Liaden novel. I pointed out that we couldn’t do that, because we were going back to Catalinc Station and the Action! folks, who — while they can write letters — really prefer not to.
Recommencing with the staring out the window, it — finally, some will say — dawned on me that while Diviner’s Bow and Book the Next are — ahem — “unrelated” novels, there’s a character who is leaving the traders and headed for the Station. And that this character not only knows All The Players — he corresponds with them. And the Action folk do write back to him.
I don’t usually like to think about Structure this early in a project (which may be why my first drafts always end up with everything happening on Tuesday afternoon), and I can’t in fairness to the action players have a book that is only letters, but I can use the letters to frame and illuminate the action.
And that? Sounds like fun, which none of the other things I’ve been slinging at the wall, looking for a conceit that will bear a novel, have done.
Also, the letter structure may give me room to do A Thing I wanted to do and shelved, because I couldn’t figure out how to make it fit into a novel set on the Station.
All that being said, I resolved to Sleep On It, and if it seemed good in the morning, I’d go forward.
Going forward!
Friday. Grey and chilly. ‘beans are calling for a high of 36F/2C, following yesterday’s deep freeze.
Breakfast was leftover fried rice. I don’t have one clue what lunch will be.
Today’s Big Ticket To-Do List item is Trooper’s vet appointment. He’s been … off … with many many complaints, so either I’m providing really subpar service or something’s up. I worry; he’s 15, and he’s outlived both his childhood sweetheart, and their daughter.
Speaking of cats. Negotiations have taken a major step forward. I’m awaiting a call from the escort, and it could — could! — be that the new director will be with us on Monday. This will require some finagling in and around the Greater Portsmouth NH Megalopolis, and thus we await that call from the escort, with deets.
The Hybrid Epistolary Novel still sounds good to the me, so! Next step is to open a file and start writing.
That’s all I’ve got; hours spent staring out the window don’t make for a riveting narrative.
What’s your riveting narrative for the day?
Below, a “memory” offered up by the photo app on the phone. Sprite and Steve, sharing a moment.
That is a very cute moment!
I like the idea of the interspersed letters to give some perspective from a wider framework than just where the Action Folk are acting out.
I rather like several epistolary novels, but I agree that Action-oriented Folk are unlikely to be prolific enough writers of detailed enough letters to convey All The Action necessary. But occasional highlights or side-lights provided this way could be very useful (and intriguing, illuminating, or whatever other word might apply).
Glad to hear you’ve found a handle that might help get you into the story.
That is the sweetest picture. Steve being rewarded for being well trained.
What a wonderful photo and sweet memory! Cherish them closely in spite of the grief ambushes. On to my day–a bit belatedly for those on the right side of the continent–a slow work day means I had a chance to get my taxes done. Everything is finished, and sent off electronically. Hooray! Much better than last year when I was right up against the deadline! Finally, I am very happy with your idea for epistolary Liaden novel. It sounds as if it will be fun to write and to read.