Right now I’m taking a deep breath trying not to hyperventilate. In the past, my writing timetable relied upon the conclusion of my research. This was the way of it. Research deadlines, in my mind anyway, are to be adhered to. So, my novels based on social research urged me to get them done by a certain date, usually in the fall of every year. The move to write fantasy seemed so gradual, and I wasn’t prepared for everything different about it.

First, the research required searching in places unfamiliar to me. I always had a fascination with the paranormal, but deeper understanding of ancient practices and beliefs, and the awareness of the reality of witches and spells, as well as subtle differences as in between ghosts and spirits, and on and on became much more complicated than I expected.

Secondly, there is a timing issue when writing fantasy. Sometimes it takes a minute to soak in what has been learned and then the integration of new material has its own timeline. A matter of letting the new knowledge foment a little is needed to determine which character can grow with each bit of new information, and how it can contribute to the story.

Lastly, deadlines are useless. In truth, to force thoughts to be put down on paper is folly when it comes to an interesting and chilling presentation of fantasy. It cheats the plot and the characters of an all-encompassing, lively adventure. An author must swim in the waters of rumination, and wait until each character has been defined and their purpose identified. In fantasy, I have found that surprise is a must, and plots and subplots take, once again, time to develop.

Yet, as I have allowed my work to travel on the fantastical road of fancy, imagination, and paranormal, the sense of light and wonder is refreshing as it funnels my mind’s eye into a place that has no deadlines. As a matter of fact, as the purveyor of magic and things that go bump in the night, I still seem to struggle to allow myself the luxury to play with my characters and permit myself time leniency – no deadlines required. Soul searching which is really what writing fantasy is about, requires floating among the ethereal and communing with those intangible essences who whisper and mingle sharing inner thoughts and that requires free-flowing contemplation – mystical unscheduled time. It necessitates introspection that steals a soul to whereabouts unknown for the fee of reporting to others the wonders of the world just visited. The development of characters who do the unbelievable, demands pondering, meditation, and communion with the unknown.

The point of sharing these thoughts with you my fellow writers and readers is to acknowledge what in previous writing kept me on edge, feels good to be released from the bondage of deadlines. While still important, there is nothing like the experience of tossing a thought about a plotline or a part of a character’s temperament into the gossamer to be later presented with a resolution to the block or dilemma at the most auspicious moment in the story. It is all about the timing. It cannot be rushed, nor ruined due to the impatience of the storyteller. The illusive tale of woe, adventure, or romance sails on a skiff where its arrival floats serenely over waves of time, and the beneficiary of its sacred treasure must rest and wait for its arrival.

Thanks for spending time with me. Until the next shared moments of reflection, may peace find you and love surround you.

E. M. Duesel