Ten years back, all I knew was that I wanted to write a book some day. The terms “young adult” and “fantasy” never crossed my mind. Who knows what I’ll have written (or not) ten years from now, but it’s fun thinking about what I’d want to have written. Would you call that a sense of purpose or wishful thinking?
High fantasy epic
In 2013, I was contacted by a TV production company and asked if I’d be willing to write a story for a proposed series. I got all excited, but they didn’t like what I came up with. However, I later realized I was left with a fairly detailed outline of an epic fantasy novel and a yearning to maybe write it some day. It’s got all the usual ingredients: magic and other-wordly creatures, fantastic lands and epic journeys, good and evil. Now, if only I could get off my butt…
School story
I’ve been enthused about writing a school story since my teens and even have a few aborted attempts lying around amidst old backups. This includes a protected file whose password I’ve lost, which, in hindsight is a good thing, for I’m fairly certain I don’t want to be faced with my cringe-worthy adolescent work. The good news is, this is one wish that may by fulfilled in the nearish future. I’m currently in talks with a publisher to collaborate on a multi-author school series. If and when things progress, rest assured I’ll be screaming it from the rooftops.
Spin-off of the Shadow series
I’m plodding on with Shadow IV: Amazing Grace since I feel there were some loose ends in The Timeless Land and I have a lot of unused material and also because I promised a few people—you know who you are. On top of that, I’m considering setting up events in such a way that there could be potential for a spin-off series, set in 2025 or thereabouts (which falls into place very nicely schedule-wise, considering my progress with Amazing Grace!). The protagonists are (most likely) going to be a couple of teenagers, with the Shadow in Eternity/Maya characters forming a supporting cast. Tamora Pierce has done this wonderfully in her Tortal books, though her’s are massive footsteps to follow in.
A non-fantasy young adult novel
Another wish that might just come true in 2014. I’m presently working on a novel provisionally titled Slightly Burnt, where a sixteen-year-old girl finds out something about her best friend that is going to change their lives. Or maybe it won’t. We’ll just have to wait and see.
A romance
I’m fairly certain I’d be terrible at writing a romance novel, but I’ve been challenged to write one this year. That said, I’m not sure yet if it’ll be for public consumption, but if I do manage it, I’m going to buy myself the largest bar of chocolate I can lay my hands on.
~PD
I like to think I could do an okay job at a romance novel. Well, except for the sex scenes. I’m always so awkward with those.
Would you consider writing one? I’ve been told they are the ones that sell the most/make the most money.
I sometimes think about it. I wonder if I could stomach it.