Chapter 20, titled Symphony is now posted. This one kicked my butt soundly. It left me screaming, sighing, and generally pulling out my hair for weeks. I had a door I insisted on attempting to open and when Beth gently pointed out that maybe it was the wrong door, the wall fell away and I finished it.
So musical lesson #2 (give or take): A symphony is a composition of many movements written for an orchestra but with grander proportion and more varied elements. It is characterized by a harmonious combination of elements, a harmony of sounds and agreement. Dark December has been my symphony of sorts. It certainly has several movements and you have to agree it has varied elements.
The posting of this chapter brings me to a finale of sorts with it. I am going to take a short breather, re-assess where I am going with this. When I begin Dark December again, it will be with a new blog and a streamlined new direction starting with Wyatt's story and branching off with a few side stories whose threads were woven into the main one initially.
I doubt that this is making much sense; I think there are people out there who can attest to the fact that I have been confused, resistant. My vision has been clouded somewhat. I want to find some clarity again in my stories. I need to decide how I want to format them in the future. I'm tired and these long, drawn out chapters are killing me. I'd like to be able to post more regularly but with my ridiculously high stress personal life, I can't make that commitment with big chapters.
I also have a PC that has been whipping me to distraction. I need a new graphics card and I need to clean up my Sims2 game. I am lucky I haven't lost the whole thing at this point.
So please understand I am not walking away...I need a break. But I will be back with a shiny new look when I start posting again and trust me, it won't be that long. Plus you can expect to see some photo shoots from me very soon. I find it relaxing and therapeutic. And of course I am continuing to put together short stories every so often as well as a movie or two.
Anyway, I'm not going to post any preview shots here. Go read the chapter.
And stay tuned...
It makes perfect sense to me. I can't handle those long pieces anymore either.
ReplyDeleteAnd this one is wonderful. You bring everything together beautifully, warmly, and seamlessly.
Thank you Beth. You've had first hand knowledge of how hard this last one was for me. And to top it all off, I forgot to add the last shot for that chapter...I even forgot to take it...and I probably will since mini muse is irritating me to no end over it...
ReplyDeleteOh well, it's just one shot; how hard can that be...
I know you've been having a bit of troubles with this chapter and it's been really hard on you. I haven't had a chance to read it yet, (am replying to this from work), but I am sure it will be as fantastic as everything else you've written. You already know that I love your work and I love Beth's work. You're both inspiring people and the persistence both of you have shown in your stories is just amazing. I can only dream of getting that far in any one story.
ReplyDeleteIt's been a pleasure to read and it's been so immersive. I've come to know and fall in love with all the charatcers, cheer for them, cry with them and experience what they have and that is the mark of a good writer. Sucking your audience in and keeping them in their seats from the beginning.
Take a break. You deserve it and don't rush back if you're not ready to. Enjoy the time to just 'play' a bit and to relax. It'll refresh you and when you do come back, I will be here for another wild ride with you.
Just take your time and breathe. You've done a wonderful job with Dark December and you should be proud.
I agree with Anghard, take a break-you certainly deserve it! And imagine how refreshed you will feel after taking some time off. :)
ReplyDeleteThat's the best thing if you are feeling burnt out or the story isn't going where you want. I am really looking forward to reading it and will hopefully get there tonight!
:D Gayl, I didn't know this chapter was going to be the end of "season one"!
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to say that your story is one of favorites, you are one of my favorite writers as well. I loved this story from the begging to the end... from shot of Cooper in cemetery to the last one of Beth hugging Wyatt!
All the emotions you brought up with this story were incredible, realistic. It was a roller coaster of emotions, you almost brought me to tears in more than one occasion.
Your writing is beautiful in every chapter!
And I will be waiting for Wyatt story. Amazing job!
You do deserve your break!!
Thank you everyone. It has been hard to write lately and I don't ever want this story to become a chore; I love it too much.
ReplyDeleteI will bring the story back, I promise but I need to rethink everything and pace myself.
The fact that you have enjoyed it makes me feel very good. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart.
Gayl, you completed the circle.
ReplyDeleteFrom the beginning to the end, incredible writing that has touched me in so many ways. Beautiful, painful, soaring prose and stunning shots, people I have come to love and will never forget.
It has truly been a journey I will always treasure.
Beth, thank you. If it hadn't been for you I would have stumbled and fallen so many times.
ReplyDeleteI am hoping to be ready to move forward on a new journey with everyone soon. There is still so much to tell.