What I’m working on, 9/24/2009

I’ve started a new novel in the fantasy genre. I’m excited about this one because it’s the first time I’ve ever begun a story with a clear picture of the protagonist. I’m prone to tepid main characters, saving all the spice and color for the supporting cast.

I’ve created names and descriptions for the major players and places, I have a sketchy idea of the overall story arc, and I have a good view of an important early scene. I suppose I could do some more diagramming and brainstorming and planning, but I think it’s time to dive in. I plan to write — not necessarily the opening scene, but a scene — this weekend.

Without giving too much away, I think I can describe it as Gulliver’s Travels meets Candide meets Gargantua and Pantagruel, except that it’s not much like any of them. (And I’m not talking only about the quality.)

2007 Reading List: Addendum – Updated

Mood: anthroposophical

I have the following additions to my pointless 2007 reading list:

Erasmus of Rotterdam – Another early humanist. Specific works: The Praise of Folly, Colloquies.

William Morris – One of this energetic Victorian’s fantasy novels, probably either The Wood Beyond the World or The Waters of the Wondrous Isles.

E.R. Eddison – His Ouroboros trilogy. I started and abandoned this work in my adolescence, but it continues to haunt me.

Update: I misremembered my youthful reading. Ouroboros is a single book, not a trilogy. Eddison did write a trilogy, though – the Zimiamvian trilogy. I’d like to read all four books. (I’ve managed to find The Mezentian Gate, the final book of the trilogy.)