I have daily ideas. It’s just part
of being me and having this profession. A person I meet, I song I hear, a new
story I watch, a place I read about—all of these might potentially stir my
creative mind.
There are some story ideas that
never leave, however. They’re like lost dogs hanging around my front door,
sometimes scratching to get in.
I think it might be a good thing to
keep them outside for a while. Since I’m in a boat of collaborating on a
variety of projects these days, I’m able to hone my craft and also meet
interesting people I might have never gotten to know. My mind is always
broadened to the big world out there. I’m also able to continue making a living
as a writer, which is a blessed thing.
That said, here are some of the
mutts that occasionally bark in the middle of the night or that look
malnourished and needing to be fed. The stories I still long to write and
finish and share with the world.
Stories Already In Progress
The Hinterland Saga--#1: The
Howling Wind; #2: Into the Half Light;
#3; The Dark Before The Dawn. I’ve
already shared some on that story which I’m starting to blog this year.
Story Ideas
Fight Club Idea—I’ve had this idea for years now. I’m wanting to
write my version of Fight Club, except
making the Tyler Durden character a devout Christian instead of an anarchist.
Heart of Darkness/Apocalypse Now Idea—I’m not sure how much I’ve
mentioned about the novel I wrote and finished in 2009 called Persona. I set out to write the most
terrifying novel I could for the general market. My agent read it twice and
ended up saying this to start with in her review: “I think you lost yourself a
bit in this process.” She was right. I ditched that manuscript because it
didn’t work, but I’ve always wanted to take the germ of the idea. I have it and
have figured out the structure and story. Now to one day have a chance to write
it.
Children’s Four-Color Book—This is one I’ve been writing and
working on with an illustrator. There’s a recurring thing that’s happened to us
as parents with our girls, so I had the idea for a cute book showcasing this. I
could see it turning into a series. But children’s books are a tough, crowded
market. So it’s one of those “let’s just dream and have fun” sort of ideas.
Pop Culture/Bad Movies/80’s Era Idea—I spent some time years ago working
on a “Bad Movies” book idea with a couple of colleagues. That didn’t turn out
to be anything, but I still would love to try to do something with it. I have a
movie reviewer friend who I’ve been bouncing ideas off. Again, it’s fun to just
think and brainstorm. Something could always come out of this.
Future Solitary Tales Books: I want to do more series (yes, series,
not books) involving the world I’ve set in motion in The Solitary Tales and The
Books of Marvella. But first . . .
Stories Still Needing To Be Published
Awe & Glory, Books #3 & #4 in The Books of
Marvella: Still trying to figure out how to publish these. Kickstarter
maybe?
My mind is a crowded place. I know
that all of these won’t see light of day because more pillars will arrive in
place. My goal is to keep walking and figuring out which ones will be built and
see the light of day.
One
day, my friends. One day God willing.
Labels: future books, Hinterlands, Process, story ideas, The Books Of Marvella, The Solitary Tales, THS