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Writing more than one story


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.

  • Like 6

17 Comments


Recommended Comments

JimCarter

Posted

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.  

  • Like 1
Daddydavek

Posted

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! 

  • Like 1
sat8997

Posted

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.

  • Like 2
methodwriter85

Posted

 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.

  • Like 1
Arpeggio

Posted

I like Odyssey, but I can be patient. :P

  • Like 1
MJ85

Posted

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:

Mark Arbour

Posted

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.  

davewri

Posted

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.

Westie

Posted

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...

  • Like 1
sat8997

Posted

This is where that Groucho Marx eyebrow wiggle emoticon would come in handy. :)

  • Like 1
KevinD

Posted

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!

  • Like 1
Hermetically Sealed

Posted

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. ;)

rjo

Posted

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.

AFBNOW

Posted

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

THANK YOU!

  • Like 1
Kitt

Posted

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.

Mark Arbour

Posted

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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