The Birth of a Story

 

As an air traffic controller at ZDV (Denver Center), my job was an exciting and challenging dance of guiding aircraft across vast expanses of sky. It was a demanding role, requiring split-second decisions and unwavering focus. While the thrill of the job was undeniable, the mental and emotional toll was substantial. One example, helping a gaggle of nervous pilots through a colossal, ominous line of thunderstorms stretching from Canada to Mexico – with a single, narrow gap in my airspace – would leave a strong sense of accomplishment, but the exhaustion was real. Amidst the chaos, finding the time and mental energy for creative pursuits was a formidable challenge.

While writing was never far from my thoughts, consistency was elusive. World-building offered a welcome escape, allowing me to lose myself in fantastical realms. But committing to a full-length novel felt akin to charting a new flight path through uncharted territory.

Then, a spark ignited. A single scene materialized in my mind: a powerful woman, trapped by a sinister shadow curse, who selflessly imprisons herself in the care of her brother and sister questors in order to protect her people. The image was so vivid, so compelling, that I couldn’t ignore it. I wrote the scene, then found myself expanding it, exploring the backstory that led to this dramatic moment. This was the birth of my first major writing project, “Imperfect Hope.”

I managed to complete a first draft before retiring from the FAA, but the transition to civilian life was more challenging than I anticipated. My mind needed time to adjust. When I finally returned to the manuscript, I discovered that I was blocked. Looking back, I realize that I needed more time away to process the significant life change.

After a couple of years, I dived back into the story. The first rewrite was a step forward, but I knew I still had room for improvement. To hone my craft, I returned to my world-building roots, exploring smaller stories and characters. These exercises not only helped me develop my writing skills but also reignited my passion for storytelling.

The journey of writing "Imperfect Hope" has been a long and winding one, filled with challenges. It's taught me the importance of perseverance, the value of stepping back when needed, and the endless possibilities that reside within a single spark of an idea. While "Imperfect Hope" remains a work in progress, I've found myself drawn to smaller projects that allow me to hone my craft and explore new avenues. The "Rocke Stoene" series, aimed at the Kindle Vella market, and short stories like "A Child, Unnamed" - born from the world of "Imperfect Hope" - are currently capturing my attention. These projects offer a dynamic balance of creativity and recognizeable progress, bringing me closer to my goal of becoming a published author.

 

Have you ever faced similar challenges in your writing or career? Share your thoughts on this post, or tell me about your own writing journey. Let's inspire each other!

 

Clear Skies

Jim