Hi everyone! I know it’s been a month since I last updated here. I thought for a while that I was going to get back to my novel, but then I spent several weeks thinking about that and not having the energy to do anything about it.
I had thought if I were only to manage one 2020 Writing Goal, then “Finish the draft of the novel” should be it. But now I’m thinking maybe “Submit 4 short stories” is more doable.
So a week ago, I scouted Literarium for some places I could feasibly submit to, did some brainstorming, and now I’m working on a short story called Quiet for The Voyage Journal. I read a number of the stories on there when I was sussing out their style and I encourage you take a look! There is some really great YA short fiction on there.
The premise of Quiet is that my two main characters both hear others’ thoughts, whether they want to or not, but when they touch, it cancels out the power. I haven’t figured out all the world-building just yet, but the main issue is that any kind of magic/supernatural ability is unwelcome and children discovered with these powers are called witch-children. That’s where this paragraph comes in.
The circus is supposed to uplifting. A sign of hope. Look at the brave witch-kids putting on a show. Finding their way in their world. Making something of themselves. People will part with their money to gawp, but would any of them think about giving a witch-kid a job? A home? Would they spare a glance if they saw the same kid on the street?
Circuses and dragons really do seem to be all I’m writing about this year. I’m glad I have them both on the list on my homepage. đŸ˜‚
I hope you enjoyed this one! Talk again soon!
Emily Wrayburn 