Since I started writing for my Retcon stories again, I've received several private messages addressing a problem with my earlier stories. You see, when I first started writing these, I had made the mistake of assuming that the target audience would be primarily fans of the comic book genre (who were also interested in TG).
So I would write as if everyone knew about the characters and situations I was talking about. Just one example, in 'When Lightning Strikes' Chapter 1, I make an off-hand reference to "Akira", by Katsuhiro Otomo, when talking about a minor character.
So here I am, the whole night off to write, and I'm sitting here staring at the screen. It's not that I don't have ideas, I have a whole bunch of notes right here. I even have two thousands words written so far of my new story. And yet...I can't seem to get myself into the mood to write. Even worse, I look at what I have so far and it doesn't look very good to me.
I guess I'm paying for pushing myself to write so much last week, because now I'm in 'hyper critical' mode. Since a lot of you are also authors, I'm sure you know what I'm talking about!
Well that's done, at least. So far it seems the reaction to the story is good, and I'm grateful to everyone who has commented about it so far. I added a "Chapter Zero" that explains who's who, and where they come from, so hopefully that will help the story make more sense.
This is, without a doubt, the most ambitious project I've ever completed, and I'm feeling a little burned-out at the moment. But I'm also too wired to sleep; as usual, my Muse has stolen my sleep!
First, I'd like to offer my apologies to anyone who doesn't like superheroes or the Retcon universe for the utter spam of stories of late as I've built up to this, my first attempt at a real Retcon crossover storyline.
Sure, we've had cameos and brief crossings before now, but this is the big one I'd been leading up to for some time now. It's probably the most ambitious thing I've ever done as a writer, and the concept terrifies me. My Muse, however, remains confident (and crazy) as she eternally stands between me and sleep.
Basically, this is a rankings system. There are finer degrees than this system allows for, but since most of the characters are metahumans, chances are they fall above human ranges more often than not. Until I get more data, most of the examples will include actual comics characters, as opposed to Retcon characters.
Checks can be made out & sent to:
Joyce Melton
1001 Third St.
Space 80
Calimesa, CA 92320
USA
Note: $6000 is the operating, maintenance and upgrade budget. Amounts received in excess of the $6000 will be applied to long term debt accrued over the last 19 years.
