NaNoWriMo is looming. My plan was (and is) to use NaNo to extend "Just Enough Power" into a proper novel draft. However, I've been thinking more and more about "Verbosity's Vengeance", and how it could work as a middle-grade book, starring the Grammarian.
Needless to say, these two tracks are quite different from each other, and require the wearing of very different authorial hats. These are not the sort of books I could write simultaneously. I just can't switch from "R-rated sci-fi noir, psionic-enhanced assassin techno-thriller" to "PG-rated wordplay-heavy, funny romp of a superhero adventure" without a serious mental shifting of gears.
Must consider.
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My vote is for the latter with the Grammarian. If only because there is literally NO books or classes teaching kids this stuff. I sure as hell was NEVER taught grammar, despite wanting to be a writer. I learned history through fun books like Horrible Histories. I think it's high time Grammar was made fun and accessible to kids.
ReplyDeleteIt's a bigger challenge, I'll grant you. But if anyone is up to the challenge, it would be you, T-dawg.
I appreciate the vote of confidence! My own grammar instruction was of the deadly dull, rote memorization variety. I diagrammed a lot of sentences in my day. It's thrilling to hear from you and from so many others that they think this would be a good way for kids to learn (and learn to love) grammar and composition.
ReplyDeleteThe strange thing is, though, I know for a fact that there are people who really love the serial, wait anxiously for each new episode of JEP, who let me know when too much time has gone by between them, and who cheer loudly when new one come out.
Although modesty forbids me from using the "f" word, I can safely call them "devoted readers". hat do I owe them? What do I owe myself? This serial has been a burr under my saddle for months and months. This is a great way to just let it rip out and really move forward, either to the conclusion of a full novel-length adventure, or a novella suitable for serialization.
I laughed as I wrote about the Grammarian, though, and I feel as though the Grammarian's book will be a lark to write. Is that accurate, or am I grabbing onto this attractive "better idea" to avoid wading in and getting JEP taken care of?
I vote for the grammarian, too. The only thing even remotely like it that I can think of is Bester's "Phantom Tollbooth". We can sure use more books like that! (IMHO).
ReplyDeleteThe only thing even remotely like it that I can think of is Bester's "Phantom Tollbooth".
ReplyDelete0.0
Actually, I don't think 0.0 really captured my bug-eyed amazement at that comment, but it'll have to do.
I know what I would do. I would logically analyze the shoulds and the coulds and the relative value of each option. I would force a decision based on sound reasoning. Then I'd resist the muse for a few days. Then I'd write the other story.
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