Many of the authors who work with me ask, at one point or another, if I also write. I usually manage to evade with a vague sort of, “Yes, kind of, but…” type of answer.
My usual writing outlet is interactive, collaborative fiction. It’s a cross between writing and chess: I write a line, you write a line, and the scene goes where it goes. It’s not planned, it’s dynamic and spontaneous, and it’s more like being a child and playing make-believe over the internet than it is a serious exploration of writing as a craft. I get my creativity fix through it. I get to try out ideas in an environment that’s anonymous and free of pressure. It’s not to be published. It’s just for me.
Author P.G. Holyfield wasn’t content with my answer. His Parsec-nominated Murder at Avedon Hill is one of my current projects: I’m working with P.G. on the print edition for release with Dragon Moon Press. In the meantime, he’s putting together an anthology of stories taking place within the Avedon Hill world, and I was honored when he invited me to contribute. My idea, framed as it had to be within the boundaries of the anthology, came to me at once. I pitched it, and was approved. The actual writing took me only three days. It fits in the world, but I think it also stands alone.
At first, I playfully called the project “Holyfield’s Revenge”—we have a good working rapport, and he made a bemused comment about it being his turn to edit me.
Once the story was finished, it became much more than a joke. I informed him that I was ready to submit the draft, attached it to an e-mail, and then realized I hadn’t come up with more than a working title. Now he was expecting it—refreshing his inbox for it, even—so I didn’t have much time to spare.
I stuck a working title onto the draft, completely forgot (in my flustered haste) to change the title in the header to match, and sent it off. My hands were shaking and cold; the chill of them surprised me.
I received a confirmation message, and was told I’d receive comments the following day. Even though I’d had the impression that the story was accepted and it was a sure thing, the night was an anxious, sleepless one. I was stunned by how deeply the uncertainty affected me, and it left me with greater appreciation for what writers go through.
I do try to handle my slush pile in a timely manner. It doesn’t always happen, but I’m more aware of it now that I’ve experienced it for myself, and I do make extra effort to try.
Meanwhile, Tales of the Children, a podcast anthology based on Murder at Avedon Hill, will debut September 9, 2009. More information will be forthcoming soon!
