Writing progress

I’ve been working on the book “Æther” for close to six years now. Not so much the actual written pages but, mainly recording ideas and plot lines I want to explore. Last year was the first time I truly pushed myself to get serious. It’s the first time I was committed to putting pen to paper and starting to build a more concrete framework. That meant creating a storyboard for the epic journey I want my characters to go through. That effort led to a solid arc for about two-thirds of the story I want to tell, which feels like real progress. It’s nice to fill in gaps between plot points vs. having ideas that are fun but don’t fit.

Sitting and writing has also brought me to an unexpected (but rewarding) side project: The encyclopedia! I am creating a world an encyclopedia for the fantasy and real world elements is helping make sure I’m not creating conflicts within my work. I’m building this story with some familiar aspects of our world mixed with ones that are of the magical variety. I’ve been imagining how magical elements could play out in a world very similar to ours. I look at tiny moments in history and think “how could this change had magic and different tech existed”. It’s a fun writing prompt to get the juices flowing but also a way to make high stake events that feel authentic because I already know a real life outcome. It’s been fascinating to reimagine the natural world through a magical lens. Helping some bits of nature while making other terrifying with just a flick of fingers across the keyboard.

I’ve also spent time fleshing out each character, giving them more defined personality traits and motivations. After establishing a framework for my story it became much easier to create the personalities that would lead to the different plot “checkpoints” I have. Even my side characters are starting to feel more real, many of them inspired by people I know in real life. I’ve stolen little quirks, aesthetics, and moments from my friends, mashing them into molds that fit the story. When they eventually read the book, I hope they’ll recognize the parts of themselves I’ve borrowed.

2025 is the year I’d like to finish a draft. I know that’s a massively daunting task, but it’s time to fully bring this world to life. The idea of flushing out every last detail is both intimidating and exciting. There’s so much more to explore, but I’m motivated by the progress I’ve already made.

One word at a time,

K