Hello, friends! It’s Wednesday again and that means we celebrate things worth celebrating, no matter how small.
Woo Writing
I’m still working on the prequel to High Lonesome Sound. So far this month, I’ve written about 60 pages. It’s modest progress, but it’s progress. I’m finally figuring our the story, so that should start picking up soon.
Woo Woo
It could be argued that I have enough tarot and oracle decks. I would argue back that no one can have too many. Which is why I recently bought the Wild Unknown: Archetypes deck by Kim Krans.
It probably won’t surprise anyone to learn that I love reading about Jung and Campbell and all sorts of archetype-y stuff. Anyone with a passing knowledge of these topics can probably see them heavily at play in my books—heck, most of Prospero’s War is based on a book by one of Jung’s students.
Anyway, I am loving this deck. First, the cards are round, which gives a whole new tactile experience. Second, there’s nothing to memorize because most of the symbols are pretty embedded in our collective imagination already. Third, the guidebook that comes with has useful and interesting prompts for a deeper experience.
Woo Vikings!
So I’ve mentioned I was watching The Last Kingdom on Netflix, which I finished last week. While I wait for the next season, I decided to check out Vikings on Amazon Prime. It’s a bit different in that it focuses more heavily on Norse culture, where as The Last Kingdom storytelling was more balanced between Saxon and Dane. But Vikings has shield maidens, which I freaking love.
Did I mention I’m also reading Beowulf?
Clearly, I’m on a kick. Also I tend to yell a lot at these shows. (DAMN IT, UHTRED! OH SHIT, RAGNAR, SHE’S GONNA KILL YOU!) Maybe I have some Viking blood in me somewhere?
This will inevitably lead to me seeking out nonfiction on these topics. I tend to do deep dives into research, which inevitably leads to story ideas. Could this mean I’ll eventually write a big ass fantasy novel? Who knows!
Any other Saxon/Viking geeks out there (besides Jennifer who is an expert and has already sent me lots of Beowulf goodies)?
Let’s go berserk in comments!
Woo Write-Ins
So far, I’ve hosted two write-ins for the paid subscribers of this here workshop. It’s been so fun and productive that this week I’m adding a second opportunity. Our first evening write-in happens tonight (Wed, Jul 29) at 8:30 CDT. We’ll still have our usual Friday morning at 10:30 am CDT, as well.
If you’re interested in joining us, all you have to do is subscribe. It’s only $6 a month or $50 a year to support the newsletter AND get access to all the posts, write-ins, and other goodies. I hope you’ll join us!
Now, I really want to know: What’s woo with you?
I had talked about reading Max Brooks' new book Devolution when we met last night. I failed to mention that one of the audiobook narrators is Nathon Fillion. *swoon*
I just reorganized my decks, between the tarot and the oracles I have just over 60. I've got three projects going and I"m having trouble figuring out which one I should be working on.