Friendly Distance

Well, I'm happy to say that the adages are true. When you're not sure if your piece is ready -- and many times, even if you are -- put it aside for a while and then take another look.

I shelved the fantasy short story I was having trouble with for a few weeks. Took it out last night and re-read it, looking for what to fix. Happily, I believe I solved the problems easily, with the removal of a couple of key lines and the addition of just a little more action.

Now, of course, it's off to my critique partner and beta readers, for them to tell me if they feel I've written a compelling story or merely an okay one that must go back to the drawing board. Or at least the shelf. For a while, anyway.

Yours in relieved wonder,
Anita Ensal

Coming Out...Wrong

I'm in the middle of a variety of WIPs, one of which is a short story. I like the story only...I think I'm failing it.

What I mean by that is that the story seems so much more electric and interesting in my brain than it's translating onto the page. I know it's me, after all, who else could it be, but I'm not sure where I'm falling short.

I loved my first draft. Then realized that it seemed somewhat obvious, no surprises at the end, so to speak. So I revised. But it made the story too convoluted. Now I'm at it again, trying to make this work in the way it does in my head.

In my mind, these characters are interesting. Some are mysterious, some are in dire need, some are magical, all are three-dimensional. On the page, they're not working right. And the worst part is that I have a feeling they'd be working just fine in a novel -- only I don't think their story warrants novel-length.

So, I'll dive in again and see what can be done. Many times, if necessary. This is, after all, part of the whole writing process. A painful part, to be sure, but still a necessary one.

Yours in frustrated wonder,
Anita Ensal

Butterflies and Anticipation

I'm so excited -- the anthology that purchased my short story, "The Last Day on Earth", is coming together. The latest news is on the Eposic website (http://eposic.org/) and you can see a blurb on my story as well as many others here (http://eposic.org/exodi/).

I'll keep you posted on the publishing date for 'The Book of Exodi'. In the meantime, I can't wait to both see my story within the covers and also read the others in this anthology.

The anticipation is great, but I must also say how impressed I am with the speed and professionalism Eposic has shown throughout the process. It's an honor to be one of their writers. I can't wait to see the finished product -- they've been a class act all the way and I expect it to continue through to the book itself.

But, the butterflies of excitement don't get stories written. So, it's back to working on my next novel. And perhaps polishing some shorts in anticipation of the next opportunity.

Yours in excited wonder,
Anita Ensal

Welcome to My Worlds

Hello, Blogosphere! I’m a writer of mostly fantasy and science fiction, with other sub-genres of speculative fiction thrown in. As such, I figured it was time to start getting more active in the wonderful world of blogging.

I have a novel series being shopped by my wonderful agent. I also have a short story up at Raphael’s Village, and just sold a short story to Eposic to be included in their “The Book of Exodi” anthology.

I’m looking forward to discussing how the muse affects us all in terms of our individual creativity, as well as share my journey along the way.

Yours in wonder,

Anita Ensal