Sunday, November 25, 2012

Whoa...where did the time go?

So it looks like I took some time off from Blogging.  About a year.

Which, I cold have sworn was only like a month or so ago.  Damn.  Where does the time go?

Well, in my case it's split between a day job, my kid, my wife, yard work, and writing.  And not usually in that order.  So when it comes to choosing between working on the next chapter or writing a blog, guess which one got picked?

Not that 2012 was the best publishing year for me.  I garnered all rejections on my short stories, and while I sold a novella that company went out of business.  So, from a writing perspective it's been kind of a crap year.

Now, mind you, I've improved my craft by continuing to practice at it.  I've expanded my circle of industry connections.  I've participated in the raising of my child- extremely important to me. So, I've put my time and energy into the people and things I consider important.

But back to writing steampunk.  I've got the time travel novella sitting around from last year. It needs a re-write.  Originally, it was about a young inventor type that built a time machine, and traveled back in time to save his father's life in time for Christmas.

He failed, but learned a vital lesson about life that was remarkably similar to the Christmas Carol life lesson.  He had a side-kick that was secretly the Angel sent to guide him through those choices- yes, I was crossing It's A Wonderful Life with A Christmas Carol.  What?  It's totally allowed.

Anyway, I think I need to add a character, specifically the love interest already in the story.  She can function as the antagonist that wants him to fail- she filed a complaint with the police over the noise he makes building the machine- and the life lesson they both learn is to be more charitable.

Seriously, you can't go wrong with a love interest that is working against the protagonist.  Instant drama! 

Sounds like a winner winner Christmas dinner, doesn't it?