Do Not Fear: How We Work Together And Save Each Other

October is in full gear; a time when spooky stories, festive Halloween decorations, and pumpkin spiced everything are usually the enjoyable norm. Sadly, for many, it feels like the scary doom and gloom of October started months early and still hasn’t let up yet. Between coronavirus, protests, and political dysfunction (at least in America), there is little to be cheery about.

People are scared. There’s no shame in that. I believe everyone is, but it’s about how we respond that will determine our future.

America’s divided and it’s really hard to ignore it. It’s become so fraught with differing opinions that it’s tough to recognize this nation living up to its name. But it doesn’t have to stay that way.

For many, there is little that can be done. Some have lost jobs, homes, and most tragically, loved ones during this time of fear and uncertainty. We need to come together and support each other. Whether it be making or buying masks, raising your voice in solidity with another group, or simply being kind to someone, helping each other is how we all move forward.

Not just as a nation, but as a people.

So, I implore you all to look at your situations and see what you can do for one another.

As mentioned earlier, it doesn’t have to be complex and overly grand. Know your limits and search yourself for what you can do. Maybe it’s paying for a service or product at a local business. Maybe it’s attending a rally, protest, or gathering to support a cause you believe in. Or maybe it’s talking with a friend who needs somebody to talk with.

My only ask is to think, “How is what I’m doing or saying helping people, especially people in need?” That is a great question to ask yourself and let it guide at least a piece of your decision-making when you choose to do something.

This all may seem super simple and idealistic, but from what I’ve been seeing, it doesn’t appear we’ve worked real hard at doing that. At least not recently. We need a gut check of our morality, of our ethics. And if we don’t do it now, when will we?

These are just some thoughts scrambling around my head as of recent. I’ll have more writing related content coming your way soon.

Until then, stay safe and be well.

-J.J.

Writing Monsters (and other resources) Review

October has arrived and Halloween is only a few short weeks away, so I thought it would be appropriate to talk a little bit about monsters. Well, writing monsters to be exact. As mentioned in last week's writing update post, I told everyone that I would be talking about some writing resources I bought off Writer's Digest.

I bought a two e-book bundle and a webinar on world building. The two books were, "Writing Monsters: How to Craft Believably Terrifying Creatures to Enhance Your Horror, Fantasy, and Science Fiction," and, "Writing Fantasy & Science Fiction: How to Create Out of this World Novels and Short Stories."

Both books were authored or co-authored by Philip Athans, author of Baldur's Gate and former editor at Wizards of the Coast. When looking at his vast experience in the science fiction and fantasy world, from a novel and game perspective, I thought he would have some great advice on how to create stronger works in those genres. I was correct.

Each book tells you exactly what to expect from it right in their title, no detours. I haven't finished either book because its only been a week, but from the little I have read of each I learned quite a bit.  From, "Writing Monsters," I learned how to see monsters as metaphors. Ironically, that is what drew me to getting this bundle in the first place. It helped me think differently how I approach creating monsters that fill a world, regardless of genre.

Creatures often occupy the horror, fantasy, and science fiction worlds, but they can occupy every other genre if we let them. From a child's pet to a towering giant, creatures (and by extension, monsters) should be in stories to create depth. Using metaphors is a unique way of doing that.

The other book, "Writing Fantasy & Science Fiction," was a great resource on how to develop a world and story construction, allowing to go back to basics on how to craft a living breathing world and the story inside it. It was also a spectacular reference for key elements in fantasy and science fiction stories that often go overlooked like: Economy, Religion, Government, etc.

Even as I worked on short stories, I often found myself having questions about these elements and it slowed down my writing process. The book helped me, especially for science fiction and fantasy stories, think about the story takes place in first in order to better craft a complete story. 

It doesn't need to be done by everyone because each person has their own process, but for me it was a great help.

In regards to the webinar about world building, I decided to hold off on viewing it until I finishing reading both books as I feel the webinar may be a greatly complimentary piece to the reading.

Overall, my early impressions of these books are extremely positive and I will be sure to continue to use them in the future as I try to create more engaging stories. The books also gave me a great idea for a short story (that and the beautiful fall weather). My goal this month is to have this short story completed before Halloween and released for everyone to view.

I will keep people posted on the progress and where it can be read on the next few blog posts this month.

Until next week, keep writing everyone! -J.J.