My story is called, "Kansai Oniisan." It is a literary thriller in short form, erring a little more to the psychological side than the suspense side, though both are present. I think the story fits in nicely with the rest of my work, and in some ways will give readers a bit of a bit more taste for how my long form fiction feels in some ways. If, "Kansai Oniisan." is not accepted into the anthology, I will likely post it directly to to my website as a Websclusive.
If you've followed any of my conversation about writing, you know that I don't always follow the best advice out there, and this is a case in which I have mostly violated one of the wisest principles of fiction writing: don't write with a point in mind. I routinely violate this rule in varying ways. In this case, because I am answering the call for stories that emphasize the triumph of the human spirit not by finding an appropriate story from my stash, but by writing one from scratch. Which means I'm writing with a very definite point.
That said, I'm also taking a a little bit of a chance and I'm sticking to my guns on it, sink or swim. I don't write very well on the community or cultural level. I'm all about individuals. I'm also less interesting in prevailing against external forces than I am in conquest against the forces within the individual. "Kansai Oniisan" is the story of one young man, under anonymous threat, and how his personal character fares when passed the crucible of the horrible. For me, it's definitely the triumph of the human spirit. It may not fit the tone and mode of Stories of Sendai, however, and I'm willing to let my story fit or be rejected on its own terms rather than try to turn it into a story it's not.
I like to think my being brave makes up for my other failings in this particular pursuit...
.Nevets.
Soundtrack for this blogpost provided by Alaap, Daler Mendhi, and Sardool Sikander!
Good luck with your story! I like the sound of it, and I, too, hope to write and submit one for the Stories for Sendai soon.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Cherie! I hope you get a chance to. It's a great cause, and I think it's likely to be a great collection with those two editing!
ReplyDeleteNevets, I really enjoy your thrillers that veer toward the psychological side! I don't know if I can come up with anything for the anthology, but I bet you'll be in it! Either way, I'll look forward to reading Kansai Oniisan. (and I'm glad to see you out and around again :))
ReplyDeleteSounds like it'll be a great story. I think it's fine to violate writing rules, even ones that you subscribe to most of the time, when a story demands it. Have you finished it?
ReplyDelete@Bridget - We'll see if I make it. :)
ReplyDelete@Yat-Yee - So true. :) It's almost finished. It will be done this week for sure.
Well, even though you're venturing outside your comfort zone, I'm sure it will be wonderful! I plan to do reviews for all stories in genre wars and I know you have two. Can't wait to read the other one.
ReplyDeleteDoing things different isn't bad- Best of luck with your submission.
ReplyDeleteAh, don't I just love the term "literary thriller".
ReplyDeleteThe story sounds amazing! Sending you good vibes. Keep us posted.
Oh gosh I meant to try to get a story together for this venture as well but in the chaos its slipped my mind. Wonder if I still have time?
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your story - if it's half as good as 'Terminal Instar' from "notes" it'll be brilliant.
I write most of my stories with a point in mind; glad I'm not the only one.
Judy (South Africa)
@Clarissa - Loved your comments on the first three stories from Genre Wars. Glad you're liking it. I hope this experience encourages you to pick up Notes from Underground, as well.
ReplyDelete@Summer - Thanks!
@Jennifer - Thanks! And, yes, "literary thriller" is a phrase that makes me happy!
@Judy - Thanks so much for your kind words! My understanding is that you still have plenty of time -- good luck!
Your story sounds good, Nevets, and as for rules, who takes any notice of those? Haven't we all broken all (or most) of them? And if not, why not?
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your submission! It sounds like an interesting story.
ReplyDeleteI like the realism in your stories Nevets. I can identify with them.
ReplyDeleteI'm having a hard time coming up with a topic for the Sendai charity. I like the concept, but I'm just not a bright and cheerful writer. And when I am, well, its usually cynical or sexual in nature. Not exactly uplifting . .
I hope you are submitting to other publications. You writings are inspiring to me. I "get it", I'm pretty sure. The ones I read on your website just blew me away. I've a feeling you can be humorous when you set your mind to the task.
Anyway, I enjoy your style of writing. And I think its commendable your're submitting to the Sendai project. Good luck.
.......dhole
Nevets,
ReplyDeleteThis sounds really interesting. I'll be curious to see if I think the story is heavy handed or not. Based on the other stories of yours I read, I'm guessing it won't be.
@Frances - Thanks! I think it's an interesting story, though in some ways it's probably more mundane than I make it out to be. haha
ReplyDelete@Domey - Yeah, judging by Rose's feedback I think it's not heavy-handed. In fact, I may have missed my mark. haha Got some figuring to do.
@Donna - Thank you so much for your very encouraging words. I can't tell you how much your support means to me, honestly. I'm not bright and cheerful, though I think I can be uplifting and humorous. As far as submissions, yes, once I get caught up and Sublimation is in the hands of my review crew, I have four or five stories to send out on submission to various places.
Being brave always counts for something. I can't wait to read your story! :)
ReplyDelete