I have some self-imposed rules of writing, mainly to prevent my literary ego from running amok.

Running Amok is a technical term, by the way.

But I digress.

My Sassy and Feminine friend Cassie Hart from New Zealand recently pointed out good writing for me comes from a challenge.  So my next target for my love of writing was Dragonsong. The characters and plot speak to me, almost like a call. It will be difficult to pull it together in 100k words, too.

One of my rules of writing, fantasy writing, is that the setting must have a voice. It’s not enough to have a heroic fantasy, character-driven plot. I have very high fantasy standards as a reader. I need to be there. I need to feel it deep in my bones. I need to see it and smell it. It’s visceral or it’s nothing.

I got to chapter three of Dragonsong, and realized the setting isn’t speaking to me. I have a very specific vision for it. I’m not going to hash out the book and then in draft two spruce up the setting, either. The setting is a character, she has a voice or I murder her for one that does. It’s my First Rule of Fantasy Writing.

Unfortunately, nothing repair-wise is nibbling on my little brain, so I’m setting it aside. This novel is better than I am, so I’m going to let it fester.

Thus, I’m living large on The Baby Dancers. That YA setting speaks to me. Yes it does. Maybe she can tell me a few things. Teach me.

That and I’m at the point where I just have to know how the story ends. It’s driving me crazy.

Thank you all who suggested I pick the novel back up because the plot sounded compelling. Because I believe, you’re right.

Goblin Ninjas. On fire.

<giggle>