Hi folks,
Well, I said in my introduction that I had ideas of writing some thirty years back, but nothing came of them. That’s not quite true, I’ve had an idea for a novel slowly fermenting in my grey matter for the last eighteen years. But the idea was killed off in 2003.
Back in 1989 I started University as a ‘mature student’ (Oxymoron or what?)
I’d always had the opinion that, to write good science fiction, you had to know a good deal about science fact; something I felt I didn’t, in spite of always having a scientific bent. However, I had recently been introduced to the delights of Magic, as supplied by Terry Pratchett. Here, in one word, was the only explanation you needed for almost anything you care to write! So combining magic, a theory in the world of physics/quantum mechanics, and my own studies in genetics, a story began to form during the many hours spent in the bar.
Unfortunately studies had to take priority, so my idea was shelved indefinitely. It eventually re-surfaced in 1998, while I was travelling around Norway. As Norway is a country severely lacking in pubs, I had a lot of time of an evening to think, and my nascent tale came back to me. I realised that I could expand it by bringing Norway in to it; I had an opening for including some recent history, as well as some Norse mythology. So for the next four years, I sporadically threw together the beginnings of my tale.
But disaster struck in 2003 when, having finally decided to ignore all the hype, I bought a DVD, and was instantly hooked on the adventures of a certain young wizard.
The story is excellent (I have already admitted to being a sad git) but I quickly realised the basic plot was too similar to my own; back to the bin for my book!
Then a couple of nights back, as I was trawling through ‘My Documents’ in search of fishing tales to post on here, I came across it again, and got to thinking. Maybe I could find a way of reworking not so much the plot, but the basic premise of magic. I suppose I do have an infinite number of dimensions and/or Universes to play with, but it might lead to having to read more on quantum mechanics. Hmm…
I’ve gone through the first chapter again, making a few alterations. Unfortunately it’s 2700 words, but I could post it in a few pieces. What do you think? Have a look, and tell me if you think it’s worth pursuing?
Meanwhile, I’ve posted ‘the Suitcase re-write, Pt II’
Cheers,
Dave.