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Writing more than one story

Mark Arbour

Entry posted by Mark Arbour

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I rarely use this blog, but I figured this may be a good opportunity to resurrect it, even though it's not Easter. Some of you have been asking me about my Bridgemont series, wondering why I haven't posted a new chapter of Odyssey. Wondering if I've given up on the story.

 

I haven't given up on Odyssey, I just haven't felt like writing it. That probably sounds pretty strange. I mean, I created the story and the characters, so why wouldn't I want to write about it. What I'm finding is that my writing, along with my moods, can be pretty mercurial. Sometimes I'm in a place where I'm into both stories at the same time, and i can take turns alternating between them. Most of the times, though, it doesn't work that way. Most of the time, I get transfixed with one or the other (CAP or Bridgemont) and most of my creative thoughts and my energy flow into that story.

 

It actually gets more complicated than that. For me to do my best, I have to absorb myself into the character. I have to get into that mindset, and sort of let the writing part of my brain become the person I'm writing. If my characters in the two series are starkly different, it's harder to switch stories.

 

Lately I've been very productive with Paternity, churning out chapters at a rate that annoys Sharon. I've actually got ten more chapters (through 91) roughed out and in editing. I'm at a spot in that storyline where I just want to keep on going, and I'm near the end, so I kind of want to finish it out. I have one more quirky issue to deal with as far as Wade goes, but otherwise the action has more to do with Will (and Robbie, JJ, and Brad).

 

When I've been productive with both stories, I've noticed that it's when I'm writing Wade in Paternity and George in Odyssey. That's not too hard to understand, since those two characters are very similar. When I throw Will into the mix (or someone like Matt or Brad), it gets tougher, because they're so different.

 

One final, but critical, factor is that when I've been away from one story for awhile, I have to re-immerse myself. That means that before I dive back into Odyssey, I have to go back and re-read what I've already done (and probably go back to St. Vincent for a bit too). That takes some time, and some motivation. I'm working on that.

 

I struggle with forcing myself away from one story and onto the other, just so I won't leave my readers high and dry. Well, high is OK. :whistle: But in the end, I'm learning that if I force it, the story just isn't as good. In my brain, I feel the pendulum shifting, and I'm sure I'll be back to work on Odyssey soon, but I just can't force it.

 

I'm sorry if I let you loyal and devoted Odyssey readers down by my erratic focus. I do mean that. But I really do need to follow the creative path my brain is demanding of me.

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Westie
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Mr Arbour, you have made some critical mistakes in this blog.  

 

(1) Never Ever Ever admit that you have so many paternity chapters already written... it makes the fanbase restless.

 

(2) Never Ever Ever EVER feel you have to apologise for breaks in the series.  You have a prolific output of content that would make almost every other author on the planet BLUSH.  The fact that you maintain it with two completely separate series so different in subject matter is amazing.

 

You know that I am a HUGE fan of the bridgemont series. You have on occasion asked me for advice on certain topics on which I am particularly knowledgeable... and so as much as anyone I know how you value to quality and accuracy of this series.  

 

Don't force it.  Wait until is comes naturally.  It's going to be worth it.  Especially since we know that Odyssey is going to be EPIC compared with the size of previous bridgemont series stories.

 

If anyone would like some advice for how to cope with Mark Arbour withdrawal symptoms in the meantime, I heartily recommend re-reading the series.  I did just that over my christmas break and it was completely fabulous.

 

West

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JimCarter

Thanks for the update.  I enjoy your writing and I read Paternity, I am just not crazy about it like I am about Odyssey   I don't try or enjoy trying to be a dime store psychologist  so it isn't my thing.

 

I will try to curb my anxiety while you get back to the story.  I fully understand and hope the salt air flying cannon balls get you excited again soon.  

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Daddydavek

Thanks for the update Mark!  As a fan, I will gladly take whatever you post!   I just wanted to remind you that Granger has fans too!  Big Hug for all you do as your output is prodigious! 

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sat8997

My inbox got five chapters in six days.  :huh: The only day I didn't get a chapter was Christmas.

 

But you guys are in for one hell of a ride. I'm still weepy over chapter 91. Good stuff.

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methodwriter85

 Mark, you're doing this for free. And for fun. As a guy who grew up on soaps and is sad to see their passing, I enjoy reading a well-written soap.

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MJ85

Sharon: Why would you aggravate Mark's first mistake with your titillating tease of chapter 91? Unless it's your payback for the flood he unleashed on your inbox... :gikkle:

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Mark Arbour

Thanks for all your comments!  I didn't find anyone pushy or annoying (especially not you, Jim), but I wanted to let you know what the status was.  

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davewri

What is the meaning of this provocative snippet?


"But you guys are in for one hell of a ride. I'm still weepy over chapter 91"

 

Please don't let anything bad  happen to our favorite characters.

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Westie
My inbox got five chapters in six days.  :huh: The only day I didn't get a chapter was Christmas.

 

But you guys are in for one hell of a ride. I'm still weepy over chapter 91. Good stuff.

My darling Sharon, I love you to bits....

 

But such a statement really makes you the queen of mean, as well as a goddess...

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KevinD

Weepy over a plot line development? It's got to be that Robbie reconciles with his mother at the same that JJ and Will realize that hey love each other so much that they become joined at the hip and are inseparable - of course that limits Will's opportunities with the other boys/men in his life...

 

LOL

 

Seriously, I have to agree that both of these story series have been so great that if our Mark feels a lack of inspiration for whatever reason to write, then so be it. It only makes the return to the story that much better...

 

Thanks for sharing these fantastic stories with us!

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Hermetically Sealed

Well, one thing that always remains true, you can't force yourself to write, so as much as I enjoy Odyssey I am patient and can wait for its time to roll back around.  Until then we have the remainder of Paternity to sustain us. ;)

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rjo

During the past few weeks we have recieved a number of great chapters. Chapters which any author would and should be proud of,The latest chapter is the best chapter of the whole saga. Not because anybody is ganging up on Robbie. Almost everybody at the table had imput. Some of them we almost never hear from ( Jack, Frank, even Clarie. The other thing it shows the interaction of how this family works. Over the years  you created chacters which live in the minds of your many readers. In this chapter they were alive and talking. God bless you Mark for this wonderful gift you have given us. Whether it is George or Wade and Will it is all a wonderful gift.

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AFBNOW

This is the most enjoyable gay fiction I've ever read.  I appreciate the frequent updates.  Please, just keep writing!

THANK YOU!

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Kitt

It amazes me that everyone seems to think the "gayness" is what is the draw. Speaking as a straight middle 50's woman I find the story lines compelling and the sex just a part of the characters lives - not the main draw.

 

Writing should be done for your pleasure Mr Arbour, and if we enjoy it so much the better.  As you noted in a reply to a review - In my case you have achieved heroin status.

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Mark Arbour

It amazes me that everyone seems to think the "gayness" is what is the draw. Speaking as a straight middle 50's woman I find the story lines compelling and the sex just a part of the characters lives - not the main draw.

 

Writing should be done for your pleasure Mr Arbour, and if we enjoy it so much the better.  As you noted in a reply to a review - In my case you have achieved heroin status.

 

Thanks for your comments.  I hadn't noticed that you'd posted here (have to check my blog settings) before now. 

When I started writing, the sex was fun and interesting, and probably the prime reason for me to do it.  It's still fun and interesting, but I've gotten so much more into the characters.  I wouldn't have expected that when I started; it's been a pleasant surprise.

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