How It Started: Pt. 2
Alright, to continue where I left off. For those that haven’t checked out part 1, definitely give it a read! This post is continuing how my debut novel, The Hacker’s Monarchy, came about. The origin story!
So, a week had passed since I handed out my 25-page chapter about an action/adventure set in an alternate reality with a dystopic timeline featuring elements of sci-fi and magical realism. I went to class, ready for my critique. Now, during these critiques, I’m not allowed to talk or answer questions. Everything is a discussion amongst the students themselves to brainstorm together, as well as the professor. Granted, my project was not the only one up for critique that night.
So the first couple of critiques came and went, and the professor saved mine for last. This is a three-hour class, mind you, so when we had only taken up about an hour for all the other critiques, I felt I was in for it when the professor shifted the discussion to mine.
Honestly, the room’s mood became electrified. People’s faces lit up with complete excitement, ready to discuss everything. Students who barely even spoke in the class would not stop talking. They were just so excited to talk about the work. They would look at me, asking me questions, while the professor reminded them I couldn’t speak. The response I received was so overwhelmingly positive I didn’t know how to react.
Students were finding ‘easter eggs’, discussing characters, talking about the setting, raving about the narrative and beyond that, they were just thrilled to read more. Even the professor had a hard time guiding the energy of the class. I thought to myself, man, I might really have something here! So, taking that critique following several caffeine fueled writing sessions, I submitted the second chapter as my next assignment, an additional 25 pages. Nervous, but excited, I received the exact same praise as the first time! It felt like a movie. I knew I had to finish whatever story this was becoming.
At the conclusion of the class, my professor gave me one last bit of parting wisdom. Don’t stop writing. A bit of advice that would echo in my mom’s words as well. He told me, don’t revise, don’t edit, just keep writing. Finish it. Then go back.
That’s how it started! Next, I actually didn’t touch the story again until almost four or five years later. Why I picked it back up is a tale for another blog post! As always, I love hearing your thoughts and comments, so make sure to post them!
- Dan