Category: Uncategorized

Missive from the writing desk: faltering

Today’s post was especially short. My apologies. In order to compensate, some updates.

I ddo have another project in the barrel, but I wish to carry out some more extensive edits before I begin posting it, as it is a far more delicate piece than my typical work.

Life has had much involvement this past week, so I have done very little writing.

I’ve been revisiting some old influences lately, reminding myself how I became myself. A person is frequently little more than a composite shaped by experiences.

Perhaps I seek to reaffirm what has become blurry.

Perhaps I dance on a stage alone, ad-libbing my lines.

Hoping for a return to routine,

Pom.

On Turning the Page

The last chapter of the second part of Incarnate has been published. Likewise, later this week the last chapter of Sublime is due to go live.

Changing gears is a process, one that demands renewed mental focus. As time passes one must adjust attitude to compensate.

My original plan for Incarnate was to see it reach this point, beyond which much was unclear. Zenith was a wholly different character in prototyping summaries, and in fact started as an entirely different character, one whose malevolence outshone their other traits by far. That he became as much as he has is a surprise, but a welcome one.

My love for this creation of mine is profound. There is something enriching about the thought of a vengeful sufferer. When haven’t we lusted for wrath in the wake of pain? So often are we expected to be the bigger person. Are we wrong to wish ill on those who misuse us? Is there no justice in revisiting the trouble they cause upon them?

It iis frustrating to be told that we must rely on the power and authority to right wrongs, when we know that power necessarily corrupts, and those who seek authority are often corrupt in the first place. And what of the scenario in which it is the authority itself that has done us ill?

Gratification is rare. A mind does not find peace, but imbalance in retribution. Nevertheless, the call to be avenged is irresistible. To destroy and self destruct in the process.

Letting go is typically the healthier choice, but can hurt regardless.

Behind “Lifeless”

“Lifeless” marked a turning point in my writing style. Prior to writing this, my work almost entirely revolved around dark fantasy and the occasional sci-fi adventure. I always had a proclivity for the grim, but with this story, I decided I wanted to push the envelope, and tackle more than just cheap violence and gore. It started as a vent piece, taking an unsettling nightmare I had experienced, and transforming it into a creative work. Spoilers ahead, by the way.

The prototype name for this piece was “Unliving”. It revolved around a world in which some faceless “them” had taken control of society in ways it hadn’t before, in response to an event that altered life itself. Things are upside down in more way than one: The dead are more able than the living, and instead of being respected, they are loathed; Prostitution and human trafficking are regulated, successful businesses, while housing and medical care have fallen to the side. It felt compelling to paint this picture of a world with strange and maligned morals.

The key moment of the story takes place when a dead brother and his living sister see eye to eye, and both experience a shock that reminds them that their lives, (or afterlife), is not as it should be. Bleak as it is, I could not bring myself (yet) to write a story with a truly sad ending, and so left it bittersweet.

After recieving positive feedback from friends, I felt empowered to ruminate on the compulsion to explore risky territory. It seems fitting to start this archive with the story that initiated my journey into less forgiving topics.

While I hesitate to pull punches, I will put here the idea that, for a long time, prevented me from pushing myself to broaden my horizons: I don’t wish to be interpreted as a shallow sadist or some such. My work explores difficult topics, and frequently features characters acting in ways that are uninformed, biggoted, or unhealthy. This doesn’t mean I think people should act that way. Its because I believe in confronting that behavior, dragging it into the light, and examining it. The life unexamined is not worth living, supposedly. Pain, confusion, and loss are part of life. QED, I think.