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November 21, 2005

A Glassy Onyx Eye and Two Wings That Unfurl

Well, I met my quota today, but it was a long, long day. Started at about 0600, and it's 2037, now, and I am finally printing out hard copy now. The story is getting pretty long and involved, and I've got to start a new system soon to keep track of everything that is going on. Flow charts and such.

Did an initial illo of Nini. Good starting point. I like her. I like Eli, too. Hell, I like all of them. Even Mister Zee, and Rusty and Grime Nose.

I truly love when the story surprises you. You do rough outline work, planning. You need to know what is supposed to happen and when, more or less. Nothing fixed, but you have to have guides for your free-fall. But then, after a certain point it is time to let go of planning and structure and steps. Sooner or later the time comes to let go of the ropes and just fly. And the fun parts come during those little moments of inspiration. When your fingers are just moving and moving and your eyes are burning, and you are staring right through the white of the page and into the sun of another world. It's those unplanned moments, it's all really about those unplanned moments. Those perfect little transitions or metaphors or tying up of loose ends that you hadn't even seen coming. Those bursts of creativity and invention that provide for those Perfect Lines, or those Perfect Endings, or that Perfect Twist. That part of your craft, of your mind that circles around back while you're untying the horses. How I do love that part. That is the gift. That part is the uncontrolled. That part is the part that knows what I cannot, and without which I would have no talent at all, just a restless mind and hand and heart and eye...and no way to find satisfaction.

joaquín ramón herrera writes for children, adults, and other humans found elsewhere in the continuum of development. He is also an illustrator, musician, and surprise protagonist. If you have found his glasses, wallet, or keys, please contact him here.

(neuralpermalink established at 20:44)