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November 24, 2005

Two Children Whisper Under the Fireflies

Hopped on the book early today, around 0600, and just finished a nice run. Corrected/smoothed out the last chapter, and wrote seven new pages. Now on page 129. Counting illustrations, frontmatter and backmatter, I really only have 50 pages to go. But again, I am writing to the story, not the page count. I am very excited about the story. it is good, good, very good! Very dark in parts, yet hopeful and magical throughout.

I am making a lot of effort to be original, which can be hard when so many stories have been written, so many evils, so many heroes, helpers, traps and treasures. And I am fighting like hell to live up to the masters, and the makers of my favorite worlds when I was a child. These were Tolkien, C.S.Lewis, Ursula K. Leguin, Lloyd Alexander, and Madeleine L'engle. The fantasy series by each author (L.O.T.R series; Chronicles of Narnia; The Earthsea Trilogy; Book of Three, Wrinkle In Time books) are my Gold standards. I don't presume to assume that this book approaches those Great works, but I am doing my best to make something I can be proud of.

But at a certain point (I repeat), something takes over and the story just runs on its own. Which is the most freeing part. I feel that is where I am now. The story is mapped out, the hard work is done; the backstory is done, the outline is done, Acts I and II are done, and we are well into denouement. Now it is all the telling of the story, and bringing to life the how of it. At this point, I feel I am just opening my hands and all the characters I have populated this world with are walking about on their own, no strings. They are running and planning and speaking and moving toward the inexorable climax of the story, heedless of the hands that brought them forth.

And I am laughing and watching over it all, grateful and thrilled.

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 10:20)