Writing something different

Today I wanted to share some of my creative agony. As you know, I've gotten some amazing pieces of artwork from an artist friend, but in exchange, I've been writing stuff for them that incorporated original characters of theirs. Both Val's Blog and Wolves and Wild Roses incorporated some of her wonderful characters. I'm looking to do another one, but I'm trying to do something different. I want to step out of my comfort zone and play with new genres and worlds. Unfortunately, I've set myself up for something difficult.

I don't want to get too far into details about what I'm writing as my friend might actually be reading and it would spoil things. Suffice it to say, I've never quite written in like this before and its requiring a crap ton of research I wasn't prepared for. I'm loving it, really, but I'm also agonizing. I want to get this written and presented, but I am out of my element on this particular story. I'm looking through so many other works in this area to help spur my imagination, but it's just so ... complicated.

I guess I just wanted to vent a little. I'm excited, incredibly so, to do this new story, but I just have no experience in writing something like this. It's supposed to be just a short story, but I feel like I'm doing as much mapping and out outlining for this as I did for my entire novel, The Paladin.

In the end, I'll get this written and I'll be all the better for it, but right now, it's a sweet agony. I don't want to disappoint my friend, so I'm trying so hard to make sure this works on all levels, but that's taking time. I guess it doesn't help that she's talented enough to go from concept to finished art piece in just a couple days where my craft can take weeks to months.

Oh well. That's my rant today. Thanks to everyone for listening. I'll try to have something more informational for you tomorrow. Until then...

Don't Forget to be Awesome!