Back when COLD MAGIC was a contestant in DABWAHA, an astonishingly fabulous book tournament held at the same time as March Madness (NCAA basketball tournament), I pledged in the second round (I believe) to write a short story about the character Rory should I win.
I won that round (and one or two others before my inevitable defeat to an opponent with a better inside game and stronger dribbling).
I did begin the story, since I knew when it had to take place. But revisions for COLD FIRE took precedence, and my natural disinclination to write short distracted me away, and then my continuing efforts with COLD STEEL made me feel that I must write COLD STEEL rather than work on anything else even if COLD STEEL was not going well.
I just never seem to learn that if one project is going poorly, it really is okay, and even makes sense, to work on something else just to keep the writing flow going.
Water under the bridge.
Yesterday when I mentioned on Twitter that it would likely be easier for me to finish the story if I had a hard deadline, N.K. Jemisin said she wanted the story tomorrow, which means today. Then my daughter solved the last niggling plot problem that remains.
I wrote 1000 words today to bring it up to 5000 words and have a precise outline of what happens in the rest of the story, which should run perhaps 2500 more words. My goal is to finish the first draft by Monday evening, although since I’m traveling that may be problematic. But that’s my goal. And I feel that I’m closing in. So if you actually want the story — which I hasten to assure you has no redeeming social value whatsoever — feel free to encourage me. Because I do not find short story writing easy or natural.
Write, write, write! Finish the story! I’m looking forward to more Rory–and anyway, it’s good to do something different, right?
yes, please keep writing! *thinks encouraging thoughts* I love reading stories and plots outside of a series and anything with rory is bound to be a rollicking good time : )
I would also love to read more about Rory!
I would think putting Cold Steel away for just a bit (despite my eagerness to read it!) and indulging in some purely fun, relatively pointless character development would be quite liberating 😉
I’ve been visiting relatives all weekend but hope to finish it asap. Thank you!
Thank you! I’m really interesting to see how many more people are writing extra stories outside of the main plots of novels. I wonder if this has always been going on and I just didn’t pay attention because I read very little short fiction (I know wriers do write short fiction in their worlds) or if the expansion of fanfiction has brought even more authors around to writing something that in some ways is similar to fanfic– that is, exploring parts of the world that weren’t covered in the main plots.
I guess we’re both writing a short story right now. But I’m visiting relatives and haven’t had time to work this weekend.
Please, pretty please, finish it – the spirit world needs Rory’s guides to what is edible (fat pugs) and what should be avoided (peacocks) when slumming on a different plane.
I do plan to finish it asap. Just had a busy 4 days, and now a busy week ahead. We’ll see. I know how to finish it and I’m 2/3rds done with the first draft.
Is it done yet? Is it done yet? Is it done yet?
When I read Cold Magic the first time, I was completely enthralled; I’ve been recommending it to friends ever since. I reread it just before Cold Fire came out and it was as good as I remember. Now I’ve read Cold Fire and can’t wait for Cold Steel. But a short story featuring Rory would tide me over for a little…
Really, great work; great reading. Thanks very much.
Thank you so much. I will make sure to have a lot of announcements when the Rory short story is finished and posted.