Transitions

 
It's a hard thing, laying a book down and transitioning from one story to the next. Even harder now that writing has transitioned from a love-to-do thing to a need-to-do thing for me. I've been living and breathing through the pages of THROUGH A GLASS DARKLY for so long, that the mere thought of starting a new story starts a small thread of panic in the fabric of my soul.

Yes, I know. Over-exaggerate much, Kim? But really, when you've looked out at the world through one particular lens for so very long, the prospect of a new perspective is unsettling. When I look at the world, I see the reflections in it more clearly than I ever did before. Ripples on water, light catching a window in just the right way, the way you can see different things in someone's eye depending on what they're looking at. My world view is shaped by the story I'm writing, and I'll miss this one. There's been beauty and sweetness, heartache and grief. And even though it's a story, there's been truth.

My new story is a harder, darker thing. But it needs to be written and despite all the above, I'm eager to begin. I know I'll find new beauties and new heartaches through its lens, but until I'm there in the thick of it, I can only speculate about what the experience will be. I can only guess what I'll see, and how I'll live.

So I lay THROUGH A GLASS DARKLY down to sleep, and wake up my new story with a whispered, "It's your turn now." And my heart wars with itself, weeping for the one, exulting over the other. Transitions are hard, no matter how wondrous the destination of them.

VanderVision Tip of the Day: Being a writer is the best kind of awesome. It's like playing a favorite video game and having unlimited lives.

12 comments:

  1. Transitions are hard, but new stories are SO EXCITING! I love "Through a Glass" and I'll miss it, too! Good luck with your new project! You can do it!

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  2. THIS: "Transitions are hard, no matter how wondrous the destination of them."

    I'm living it in a big way with both my writing career and as a mom.

    Truth right there!

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  3. "And my heart wars with itself, weeping for the one, exulting over the other. Transitions are hard, no matter how wondrous the destination of them."

    First of all, I love your beautiful voice. Secondly, I completely get this. *hug*

    I'm so excited to see what you write next!!!

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  4. Transitions are difficult -- in life, and in writing. But I can't WAIT to read what you imagine up next. You're the best kind of awesome!

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  5. one of my favorite things about laying down a tale and beginning a fresh one is the change of voices that live in my head. :) and you, you always have the bestest voices.

    ps loved the tip. not only do we get unlimited lives, we design the worlds in which we play. enjoy this next one!

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  6. Yes, yes. Transitions are exciting and painful, and kind of just what make life happen. Excited for your new adventures.

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  7. Stephen King talks about British novelist Anthony Trollope's uncanny ability to transition from one book to the next. He worked in the mornings for exactly 2 1/2 hours, writing these huge, 600 page novels. If he was mid-sentence when his time was up, he left it unfinished until the next day. If, on the other hand, he finished one of those massive manuscripts and he had 15 minutes left, he typed "The End" and started another book. I don't know how you detach yourself to that degree, but I do know that your writing is always worth waiting for. Take your time -- but not too much time -- and your loyal readers will be ready to read whatever comes next.

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  8. I know just what you mean. I'm still kinda hanging on to the last story I wrote. Maybe it's because I never really got any closure as far as publication goes. Still...onward and upward. :) And good luck on your next project!

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  9. You go girl! Full steam ahead, and try not to look back!
    P.S. I love your awesomeness :)

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  10. I can't wait to see what you write next!

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  11. Thank you for cheering me on, my lovelies!

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  12. I'm so excited that Through A Glass Darkly is at that point that you can put it to bed and move to the next. I don't think I know anything about this next one, do I? Well, it will be astonishingly awesome, like everything else you do. Can't wait to learn more. You rule the world. And several outlying planets. xoxox

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