First thing to start off with, I am so sorry I haven’t been active as much! A lot of things are happening at once, including a lot of personal things; I got one of my swimming friends banned from swimming for a term because they did something they weren’t supposed to do is one example, but my attendance has also been slipping.
This means that I haven’t had a lot of time to write, but I’m going to try and push this week’s chapter out. This brings the whole thing of, what does happen behind the scenes and in my life?
Today I’m going to answer that.
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Behind The Scenes 1
For all you fellows, I do a lot in my spare time that is out of my control. Trying to write a book amidst that? It’s bonkers! How do I create my chapters, my characters, lore and what were my inspirations? How did I get into creative writing?
Let’s start with chapters.
Chapters
Each chapter is typed up on a computer, usually the first draft being the one to be posted. I usually do this in my spare time, often in school and on a Thursday as it suits my timetable better. This is because my day starts with music therapy, followed by computing. In computing, if I get the work done quickly, I get free time which often means I have twenty minutes there to type. That then leads into my break, so I get another twenty minutes added to that. I do proof read, don’t worry! I often check my work once or twice once a chapter is completed, then I open Outlook on the device and email the updated story to myself. When I return to the place I’m staying, I update the story to the latest version. This means that by that point, the next chapter is ready for publishing; I do a thorough once-over before I publish sometimes, and then I post!
I don’t actually plan the stories out, I just go with my creative side on how I’m feeling. I also don’t have a set draft to post, as I then post all my chapters too soon; I can’t help it! That’s why I don’t have set chapters to post, but instead write them up each week. Kinda unique if you think about it!
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Characters
Strangely, people see the links that I don’t in my characters. They often tell me that it reminds them of myself, and only then I can see what they mean. Lots of characters are designed based on – secretly – my fleshed out personality. Take Knifejaw for example, she reminds people of my more ‘savage’ side. She can put her foot down and defend herself, just like I do. It’s only when I think deeply about my characters or someone points it out I can notice the similarities.
All my characters have deep lore, as I constantly daydream about them. This helps me flesh them out, give them flaws and more! I do occasionally plan them out, but mostly for others to enjoy. Only occasionally do I refer back to my lore pieces on World Anvil to help me devise what to include in each chapter. I have quite the unique way in writing I believe, as I am not one who plans ahead; I instead write on the day. This is partially because a plan is too solid for me, so I rely on the chapters prior to in order to work out what will happen next.
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Inspirations
There are many people I’d thank, so I’m going to label the key people who have helped me survive these tough days, what encouraged me and more. Let’s start with my top personal inspirations!
Duncan, my former tutor
Duncan was an absolutely lovely English teacher I had last academic year, always eager to read my work and a huge fan. He helped me develop the fundamental skills that allow me to write today. He absolutely loved my work, so much that on his last day I wrote him a poem for him to keep about our journey, and how he helped me out with my skills in creative writing. He is the ultimate reason I am able to write today, and I still think about him to this day. I really do miss you Duncan, if you’re reading this.
My teachers at A2E
Who got me into creative writing? The answer is my former school, and all by chance. Who made me realise it? Lorna and an English teacher I can’t remember the name of. I wish I could, but it has been three years since this all happened. They were both the people who made me realise I had a skill in creative writing, and that’s what allowed me to be here now. When things were just beginning to get better for me and I awaited a school placement, Lorna and this other teacher were there to support me. They were both huge fans of my work, and even if I cannot remember both of their names, I have their faces stuck in my head for all eternity. I can remember that last zoom call we had together, to say goodbye. They made me realise my true potential, and some art I did became their students’ workbook cover! I can’t ever forget that email they sent when they announced that to me, I had made such an impression that they didn’t forget me after I left.
Kevin, my current tutor
Kevin is an absolute legend, always helping me when it comes to writing my stories. We have such good fun as we talk together on walks about the lore behind my stories, how I plan for them to go – even if I don’t actively make a plan – and more! When Duncan left, Kevin became our new tutor, and I couldn’t be happier for a tutor as helpful and kind as him. He really brightens my day, and he’s always willing to listen in his free time about my story. It all faithfully started on a day where I was the only person in. It was a Wednesday, so we had nurture second lesson; due to the lack of people, I could just do what I want! I’d always wanted to tell Kevin about my book, and we spent fourth minutes just having a good chat. He was very impressed by my skill, and ever since he’s been cheering me on. He’s the best tutor I could ask for!
CCCA
She’s been one of my primary followers since we first both found each other on Penana, even going so far is to help me with Starfall Initiative! You should definitely check out her story ‘A Powerful Secret’, which is half way through! A very detailed book which I absolutely adore and would do fan art of if I wasn’t so bad at drawing, she’s a godsend! Absolutely lovely, kind and bubbly, she’s always willing to welcome new people to Penana, and it’s lovely to have someone who can brighten up the room on my team! She really deserves some love, so much she deserves a special mention here! She absolutely deserves this mention, and she’s a very good artist too!
Primeval (2007 – 2011) (TV Series)
I adore Primeval. It is what got me into Palaeontology, as it introduced me to the vast and fun world of being a Palaeontologist and allowed me to get this far ahead! Amazing! You might be asking, how does this relate to creative writing? Well, my first piece of writing was a completely edited version of a Primeval episode turned to text, which turned up into 8,000 words after just over a week when I handed it in to Lorna and the other teacher at A2E!
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