Excited by a New Novella

I’m always writing. I just love it. And I always will. It makes me happy, and improves my mental health, and keeps me going.

I write many different things from flash fiction to poetry, from novellas to tiny drabbles. I always have several projects on the go. I’ve just finished a novella in flash about my sight loss journey, and have also been working on a science fiction epic based on mythology which if I write any more will become a novel. A novella usually finishes its word count at 40,000, and I am slowly approaching that landmark. And the tale is almost finished as it is, only a few more things to add. And mentally, I think I’ve reached the end of it. I’ve been writing it for about the last five years, and of late I’m getting tired and stuck with it.

Recently, I began a new novella. I know, I should finish the science fiction epic first. Its all Ursula Le Guin’s fault. I finally read her Earthsea collection on Audible, and loved it. It was just incredible, with more magic and dragons than I could have wished for, brilliant characters, wonderful world building and some colourful places full of vivid description, and ambient sounds.

In it was a character called Tehanu, who has sparked a new exciting project. Tehanu was a young woman in a fantasy book who had a burnt eye, and couldn’t see out of it. She was never forced to change or cure this. It was just accepted, and supported. She gained magic, and ended up becoming a daughter of dragons, and turning into a dragon herself by the end, despite the visual impairment. And it was wonderful.

Again, within fantasy, there aren’t any other characters like this, that I have found. And I’ve been reading fantasy since I was about seven. The characters with sight loss conditions often gain full sight the second they gain powers, learn magic or become a vampire. Or if they are losing their sight, its the older generation. Which is grand, but not like me.

So I’ve decided to create one. My new novella project centres on  a visually impaired young woman in a fantasy setting, who gains an apprenticeship with the top sorcerer in this world, and I’m loving it. Its really exciting to explore this, and the accessibility of education. And also because I’m writing it one 500 word piece at a time, I don’t know what will happen next. I’ve spent the last five years stressing about plots and end points, and what needs to happen. So its a lovely change, not to. I’ve been sharing it with my writing group, and everyone has been loving it, which boosts my excitement even more.

Its a new project, and I’m really enjoying it, can’t wait to write more.

By Sarah

A visually impaired science fiction and fantasy writer who loves music, mythology, and plays the clarinet. Had one short story and eleven flashes published both in print and online. A work in progress, improving my mental health one story at a time.

15 comments

  1. Oh my goodness! an incredible article dude. Thanks However I’m experiencing problem with ur rss . Don’t know why Unable to subscribe to it. Is there anybody getting similar rss drawback? Anyone who knows kindly respond. Thnkx

  3. I was recommended this blog by my cousin. I am not sure whether this post is written by him as nobody else know such detailed about my problem. You are incredible! Thanks!

  4. I have been surfing on-line more than three hours today, yet I never discovered any fascinating article like yours. It’s pretty price enough for me. In my opinion, if all webmasters and bloggers made just right content as you probably did, the web will likely be much more useful than ever before.

  6. I have learn several excellent stuff here. Definitely value bookmarking for revisiting. I wonder how much attempt you put to make this type of wonderful informative web site.

  7. You could certainly see your expertise within the paintings you write. The sector hopes for even more passionate writers such as you who aren’t afraid to mention how they believe. Always go after your heart.

  12. Whats Taking place i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I’ve found It absolutely helpful and it has aided me out loads. I hope to give a contribution & assist different users like its helped me. Great job.

  14. I think this is one of the most vital information for me. And i’m glad reading your article. But wanna remark on some general things, The site style is great, the articles is really great : D. Good job, cheers

Comments are closed.