For me, a writing project needs passion to succeed. These last six months, I’ve been writing stories that, while they interested me intellectually, I wasn’t passionate about. And ultimately, they failed. There was no heart in them, and I didn’t particularly bond with the characters. My latest project, however, has reinvigorated me and reminded me why I write.

Untitled Novella

This year has been about science fiction. I’ve devoted myself to the genre, reading it, writing it, breathing it. But as October rolled around, I returned to reading horror for the Halloween season. It was while reading Stephen King’s Rose Madder that I remembered an old project from years ago.

My first short story to appear in print was called “The Uytoroi” (pronounced WEE-toh-roy, a stupid name I admit). It was only 1,500 words, and I always felt there was a lot more story to tell. It’s been on the backburner for over three years now, simmering away in my subconscious. As I thought more about it, I realized this was the perfect project for me. And more than that, I felt a passion that I hadn’t had in a long time.

I’m expanding “The Uytoroi” into a novella (and changing its name). While the original story was considered “eco-horror,” the longer version will be cosmic horror—my absolute favorite subgenre and one I’ve only tinkered in. It’s set on a tiny island in the Salish Sea where ghoulish polyps appear on the beach. From there, it grows darker and more surreal. I’m emphasizing atmosphere over action.

As I mentioned in my last post, I’ve learned more about writing in the last six months than I have in twenty years as a writer. I used every bit of that knowledge to construct this novella. The positive changes are already evident.

I’ve always focused on plot, deciding what’s going to happen before developing the characters. This project is the opposite. I’m beginning with the characters and watching how they deal with the hurdles set before them. It uses my gut as much as my brain.

As of posting this, the characters are fully developed and I’m piecing together the final details of the plot. I hope to begin writing December 1st.

Update – M: The Plastic Prometheus

It’s been a while since I’ve done anything with my gothic horror novel. With my SF obsession, I relegated it to the back of my mind. Now that I’m dipping back into horror, I thought I might spruce it up one final time and try to find a home for it.

Back in August, while attending KillerCon, I pitched M: The Plastic Prometheus to a publisher. This would have gone much smoother had I planned this in advance. Instead, I decided on the second day of the convention that I would attempt it. My friend Jeff Burk helped me come up with a decent logline, but when the publisher asked me for further details, I bungled my words.

Fortunately, the publisher was kind and understanding and told me to submit it in March to their open submissions. Next time, I will be prepared, and hopefully, I’ll find a home for the novel in the coming year.

BizarroCon Astoria

November is my favorite time of the year. Not because of Thanksgiving or the beautiful leaves, but because it’s BizarroCon time. This year, it took place in the picturesque seaside town of Astoria. Cameron Pierce and Kirsten Alene, the event coordinators, arranged a wonderful convention.

With no large hotels or conference rooms, BizarroCon was spread throughout the small town, different events at different bars and restaurants—everything within short walking distance.

I saw some of my favorite people on this planet and met some new friends as well. Unfortunately, I had so much fun that I forgot to take any pictures. As BizarroCons go, this was one of the best.

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Tchau,

Zé