What a great question this month! This got me thinking about what stories I've really loved.
Published: "The Complete Works of Jane Austen on a Desert Island"
My favorite story is one I wrote based on a prompt that I read on Gail Carson Levine’s blog. I don’t remember the prompt, probably something about writing something from the point of view of something unusual.
I wrote it at a time when I was really busy with work and homelife. This story, which is from the point of view of a book (my copy of The Complete Works of Jane Austen), just flowed out of me. It was also the first time I really experimented with humor in my work. In fact, one of my critique partners couldn't believe I'd actually written it. It was so different from my normal work.
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| The book that inspired my short story. |
Why do I love it?
It was something I just wrote for the love of writing and story. I was so pleasantly surprised that The Arts Alliance of Yamhill County enjoyed it too. It was so fun attending a reading for all the winners of this contest published in Paper Gardens.
Unpublished: Pink Fortune
When my younger son was in preschool, he had a year with two surgeries a few months away from each other. Understandably, I really struggled with my writing at that time. I remember writing in my journal over and over again: “I can’t write.”
At this time, since I was so discouraged, I decided to write something I just loved. I’d been reading a lot of Gail Carson Levine, Shannon Hale, and the Blue Fairy Tale book. (That winter we’d had a lot of snow, so I couldn’t go to the library. Lang's fairy tale books are free online.) I wrote a historical fantasy set during the time of Louis XIV in France. It was a loose retelling of the Pot of Pinks by Madame d'Aulnoy. It was a book I wrote for myself, and thanks to a wonderful critique partner, this book was where I really learned how to create engaging characters and plot.
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| Madame D'Aulnoy, the author of Pot of Pinks, who had a cameo in my book |
Alas, although I had a few bites and interest from online contests, I was never able to find an agent or publisher for it.
But recently, I’ve had some new ideas about how to refresh it and make it more reflective of the person I am now. So, stay tuned…
Common Thread
Do you see a common thread? I wrote what I loved, and what I love to read. That made all the difference. Also, I didn't realize how much I've been inspired by Gail Carson Levine.
What is the most favorite thing you have written, published or not? And why?
I really like Gail Carson Levine too. How cool that your favorite story was inspired by a writing prompt on her blog. And being able to write humor is a talent I wish I had.
ReplyDeleteGail Carson Levine is the best and gives so much to writers. I don't know if humor is talent. I've had to work at developing it, but it's gotten easier over time.
DeleteSounds like your just for fun writing has been the most enjoyable.
ReplyDeleteYes!
DeleteYou know, it's amazing how healing writing can be -- especially in dark seasons. I love genre jumping! It can be SO refreshing.
ReplyDeleteSo true! I often see how certain books/stories were my way of processing something in my life. And yay for genre hopping. 🙂
DeleteIf I didn't write what I love, it would be a time and mental space wasted as the odds to traditional publication are low no matter what. At the very least, it should be a worthwhile ride for self and maybe a few Beta readers. Publication is the icing, but the cake is the real deal.
ReplyDeleteYes! Success may be out of hands, so it is important to enjoy the process where ever it leads.
DeleteIt is satisfying to write for ourselves.
ReplyDeleteIt sure is, PJ!
DeleteYes, that is what I do too - write what I love, and to hell with all the critics. I might not be a famous writer or make big money with my writing, but I'm having fun. Right?
ReplyDeleteYes, exactly!
DeleteWriting for the love of writing is always the way to go. :-)
ReplyDeleteAnna from elements of emaginette
Yes, it is!
DeleteWriting what you love to read is the best. I would love to read these stories! :)
ReplyDelete