Writing is the Point
Hello and welcome back to a Writer in the Woods. It’s been a minute dear reader and for that I apologize. This month I’m yammering about the subtle traps that can be found around the art of creation, particularly what I’ve found in the writing world.
But first some updates...
Spooky Action at a Distance is gaining some traction and I’m getting very excited about the debut coming out next year. I don’t have any other information, but when I do, you’ll be the first, or at least one of the first, to know.
I’ve been working on putting together a few promotional stories to introduce some of the characters and the world of Spooky. Recently I’ve been reading previews at events and to good acclaim. You will be able to find these stories starting in January on this website, as well as the Uncomfortably Dark Patreon site and their other platforms. However, if you just can’t wait, send me a note through the contact page and I’ll send you one as a thanks for supporting me.
My reading with the Outer Dark New Voices podcast. Picture thanks to Victoria Nations. I've posted a new Short Story on the site. Check it, and others out for free.
I’ll be at Colorado Festival of Horror on Friday, September 4th, doing a panel with the Denver Horror Collective on, you guessed it, Monsters. It is my favorite subject.
All right, let’s get to it.
Writing is a solitary beast. We sit in front of our computers, do our best to avoid distractions, maybe put on some music, and delve deep into our heads to put out stories in hopes of finding readers who can connect. Because of this, we tend to seek out community, groups, and gatherings, where our odd nature can mingle with other odd natures and talk about the one thing we love: Stories. But every once in awhile, things get muddled. Groups and gatherings become popularity contests, or points of political argument. These are the traps I’m talking about. Those moments when our writing is no longer in the forefront.
It’s easy to fall into these traps. After spending so much time alone and in our heads, it’s good to feel camaraderie, to feel like we belong . Yet, if you take a hard look, there is hardly any writing getting done. I’ve begun to write on the plane, get up early and pen a few words during conventions, but it’s different from buckling down and getting to work. Now, I understand, as my career grows I will have to make the time to write, get used to delving into the darkness of my mind in odd places, but I’ll tell you dear reader, it won’t be easy. This is why I do my best to stay focused. Popularity be damned. In the end, it doesn’t matter if a group of writers like me, or if I’m seen as a cool person. None of this will help me finish the story. None of this will get me to a place where publishers and readers will take me seriously. Sure, it helps to know people, I don’t deny that, but those people, (the good ones who are willing to help), can’t do a damn thing if you don’t have anything written.
If you’re going to conventions, go to learn, go to experience, and then write. If you are part of an organization, utilize the resources, maybe volunteer, but write. This is who we are, it’s what we do, and without us, there would be no stories for the readers seeking out the connection we are all looking for. I could give a fuck if anyone likes me, that’s not why I’m kind. I’m kind because I’m happy to be writing and trying to make a lifelong dream come true, but none of it will matter if I don’t get the damn words on the page.
Anyway, thanks for hanging for the rant. With all the discourse, confusion and excitement surrounding the horror industry right now, I hope you have your ass in the seat and are writing, because in the end, none of this would be happening without our stories. I dear readers will continue to do the same.
Until next time,
Millie
This month's Moment of Peace
Comments