The inner critic will often tell you what you’re doing is terrible or not worth it or various other versions of “no, don’t do it.” But, what happens when that critic changes tactics?
Recently, I’ve been so exhausted when I sit down to write or think about my books. I’ll be able to go do something else, of course, but the writing wasn’t happening. It was almost a week and a half before I put words on the page for any writing. I’ve learned that this is just another form the critic takes. There’s not much that can be done about this one beyond continuing to work. But, I wanted to ensure I wasn’t ignoring my own health and wasn’t exhausted — burnout is real.
I took a break, and this week am back at it.
I’ve finally finished Act I of my full edits for Saving the Music! I’m so much happier with where the story is going and the details provided in the first 8 chapters. I do have a little bit more cleaning up to do, of course, because drafts are never really done.
I know the later chapters are a bit messy because I felt that way while I was writing them. But, now that I have a better sense of what the beginning is like, I’m confident I can do a better job with those scenes.
Reclassifying my novel
I’ve also stumbled across a genre called “cozy fantasy.”
Like cozy mysteries, cozy fantasy books tends to be somewhat lower stakes than is usual for the genre. And like cozy mysteries, sometimes called “cozies” for short, cozy fantasy definitely has a subjective element. What exactly makes a book cozy? It’s all about a feeling, and what’s cozy to me might not be exactly the same for you.
Book Riot
I think this fits my “Magick Forest” novel perfectly. It deals with smaller, more personal stakes, hosts a very small cast, and is set in a very cozy cabin in the woods. While it hits on hard themes, I think this is really what I was aiming for in “vibe.” I want it to be a story people feel comfortable retreating into and get a sense of peace from.
Some books that fit the genre so far:
- The House Witch by Delemhach
- That Time I Got Drunk And Saved A Demon by Kimberley Lemming
- A Little Too Familiar by Lish McBride
- Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree
I like having this in mind now. It will make editing a bit more well-rounded. I’m excited to get back to this piece soon.
Happy Writing!
Rachel
Subtle Stories 