1
Sep

Adjusting to Change

   Posted by: Michell   in About Writing

I used to be one of the lucky ones. I had a writing routine where I could sit down at the same time every day to write and edit and do all the things that writers are supposed to do. Then, along came that terrible nemesis to routine and messed everything up for me. You know the one. It’s called change.

Yup, once again, my life is undergoing change and my muse is not very happy. It all began with a three week writing hiatus while on holidays. Then I started a new job with all the upheaval that comes with it and my kids are going back to school and… Well, suffice it to say, there are many new things going on.

Still, I’m coping and I expect that within days I’ll be writing up a storm once again. It’s just frustrating right now to have stories to tell and no apparent time to tell them. I also have a novel to finish revising with the same problem as my writing faces.

It’s not the first time I’ve had this problem nor will it be the last. I’ll do what I’ve always done which is write anyway, even when I’m tired or sick (which is another problem right now). The routine or schedule or whatever will sort itself out.

What is most annoying though is my networking time is also suffering. I miss all my online friends and with the reduction in available time, I’m neglecting them terribly. I hope they will all forgive me. :)

How do you deal with changes to your life in your writing?

Personal Update

Only two more episodes (I think) of GalaxyBillies left. I say, “I think”, because stories can sometimes go in unexpected directions.

I’m back to editing my YA Novel. I’m really behind the schedule I set myself. I had hoped to be finished by now, but I’m only at chapter 11 of 24. I blame two things for this: (1) I ran into a major hurdle in chapter 10 which I couldn’t seem to work my way out of and, (2) I  was on holidays for 3 weeks and barely did any writing at all.

That’s it for me. I hope you all have a great week.

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29
Aug

GalaxyBillies – Episode 17

   Posted by: Michell   in Galaxybillies

The battle lines have been drawn and a new gang of toughs enter the picture. Vice Chancellor Greklor’s true colours have been revealed to the entire galaxy and there is no turning back.

The Kinfolk numbers are swelling. We are now up to 16. For those of you interested, you can send an email to: kinfolk at irreverentmuse dot com and tell me you want to join the Kinfolk. I’ll set you up with your own Kinfolk name and post it on this site.

I have also received more entries for the Easter Egg hunt. If you want to get involved send an email to: galaxybillies at irreverentmuse dot com and tell me the Easter Eggs you have found along with the episode number. When the podcast is finished the two people with the most correct answers with join me for the after show.

I would also like to invite you to send your comments, feedback and questions to galaxybillies at irreverentmuse dot com or to my voicemail line at 206.203.2031. I’ll play them on the show.

I also have two Facebook groups for GalaxyBillies. Friends of GalaxyBillies and Michell Plested’s GalaxyBillies. I’d love to have you join.

Thanks for listening.

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25
Aug

Endings

   Posted by: Michell   in About Writing, Irreverent Muse

With a title like ‘Endings’ you might think I’m quitting something, but nothing could be further from the truth. Instead, I’m thinking about writing an ending to my SciFi/Comedy podcast ‘GalaxyBillies’.

For those of you who have been following GalaxyBillies, you know that there are only a few episodes left (three, I think). I’ve enjoyed writing and recording the story but, I must confess, I will be glad to have it finished.

Why? Certainly not because I don’t like the characters or the story itself. Discovering both has been a real joy for me but it has been a LOT of work. I’ve got other stories to write and a novel to finish revising. I’m just eager to get onto the next project is all.

The story has been a definite experiment for me too. I’m plotting as I write so I still don’t know exactly how it ends (although I do have some ideas). The question I’m asking myself now is “How much do I want to actually tie up all the loose ends?” I honestly don’t think the characters are done with me yet so I don’t want everything wrapped up too neatly.

I remember hearing an interview with L.E. Modesitt Jr. He mentioned that he always leaves loose ends behind when a story is finished. That leaves him with an easy way to get back into the flow if another story idea comes to him. I like that logic. To me, it also means that, in the minds of my readers, the characters continue on after the story is finished. I like that too. I think it makes everything feel more real.

Most of my favorite books and series have left me that way; with the feeling that life goes on. That always leaves me with the hope that more stories will come down the pike. That’s what I want to do for my readers too. I don’t think I’m being cruel by doing so either. I’m simply trying to let the enjoyment continue as long as possible.

So, with only a few episodes left, I’m still wondering what threads will be left hanging. Which characters will live and which will die? Whose lives will be changed forever? Lots of questions and little time left to answer them.

Personal Update

My holiday is practically over now. I feel refreshed, recharged and eager to get back to my writing projects. I’ve actually come up with a few new story ideas. One new one with Charlie the apprentice wizard, another one for VG Ford’s coming Anthology and another one for an Anthology I’ve heard about from another writer friend of mine. All that and even one more set in the near future that I think will be lots of fun. I can’t wait.

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