To quote a character from the world of Story, “Darkness begat Light. Light begat Shadow. Shadow created Human. And Human spins Story.”
The world we live in is Reality. The world in which we build our waking dreams is Story.
In the beginning, humans gained their humanity from capturing light along with fire, and discovering the shadows that light creates—shadows in which all sort of things, both wicked and wonderful, can hide. Shadows gave rise to imagination, imagination to complex language, and complex language to the ability to share dreams and what-ifs…and this shared dream of humanity is the world of Story.
Story is the world of what could be, what should be…and what should never be. It is the pure dreams of creators, shared by those who cherish the dreams. Story gave Reality civilization—architecture, art, music, science, agriculture, mathematics, literature, technology, invention, inspiration, the vision that life could be better than starving, scratching in the dirt for food, watching nine out of every ten children die before their first birthday.
Despair always had a place in Reality. Story gave us hope.
But ALL humans build Story, not just creators. Some humans are destroyers, and they, too, have their following, not just in Reality, but in Story as well.
Now the world of Story is in trouble. The dreams of the world are turning to despair and destruction, creators are losing ground to those who claim that individual dreams are worthless, that “better” is no longer possible, that hope and vision are for fools, and that humans as a species and as individuals deserve nothing less than annihilation.
The dreams of story become the truth of Reality.
But there is a path between the worlds—the creation of TalysMana that cast light and shadow, that create gates humans can tread.
And one woman, to escape the dangers of her Reality, is about to flee into Story, discover the even greater dangers there…and take up the fight to bring hope back to the dreams of humankind.
Scene One is available now.
<– Sign up in form to your left to get the first scene… and the complete novel in first draft, one scene at a time, as I write it.
{ 63 comments… read them below or add one }
I think that your idea of giving away the first draft is brilliant. I am truly looking forward to seeing both Ms. Galardo’s and Ms. Lisle’s work.
I am bouncing in my seat! I cannot wait! Fab, brilliant idea! Such a gift!
Very interesting idea, even brave step to share drafts with others. Congratulation for it!
This might be a bit of cockiness in my part, but while I have some awful moments in first draft, I have some some pretty good half hours, to twist a Rossini quote about Wagner.
I would say say confidence, rather than cockiness. Confidence is boldness backed by talent and experience. Cockiness is boldness without such backing.
It took a leap of confidence for me to start my Poetry Fishbowls, but: 1) I’d been writing poetry for decades, 2) I knew I could do it fast, 3) I enjoy working with surprise prompts for poetry, and 4) I already had folks in my audience who liked my poetry. So I was pretty sure I could show them a good time and get some nifty new poems — and it worked. Similarly, you’ve written a bunch of novels already, you’ve got a base audience, and you’ve had practice in the newsletters working with folks online. That’s enough background to give this project a lot of potential.
What a lovely idea. Thanks for your mother/daughter gift!
That is one HECK of a cool story idea! I’m really looking forward to reading this. The premise sounds incredibly interesting. Funny, but I’m left thinking about this as an expansion/deepening of some of the most thought provoking ideas from the old kids film, “Neverending Story”. About the only other thing I can think to say is, wish I had thought of that idea…
Holly: impressive, again. I’m already a fan of this one too.
What a great idea!
The first scene is brilliant and I’m looking forward to seeing more, as well as seeing the jewelry and artefacts.
Thank you for this amazing experience in “sitting on your shoulder” while you work. I gripping first scene too, with so many questions. I am lokoing forward to watching this story grow.
What a treat for those of us who know that stories are essential to life (that’s everyone who is reading this, right?).
Oh, yes, and what is the source of those beautiful drawings that enhance each page of this announcement?
I did the drawings. After a fashion, anyway.
I went to my favorite source for royalty-free photos, BigStockPhoto.com, and purchased some that fit the world Becky and I are creating. Then I bought the coolest photo alteration software ever, Akvis Sketch, to alter the photos to better fit Story.
Story isn’t a place where you can get photos…but drawings? Yeah.
I actually do draw, and I’m decent…but I didn’t have the time to do all the things I’m doing right now AND create hand-drawn artwork for TalysMana.
So Akvis Sketch gave me something beautiful that I also had time for. They have really good customer service, too.
Oh. And for the Talysmana logo, I first used BeLight Art Text to create and shape the lettering and add the shadows and floral photo background, then used Akvis Sketch to change a very finished photo look into a sketch.
(None of the links are affiliate links, btw. I just think the software and service I use are seriously cool, and if you like the results I got, thought you might like them.)
I think the artwork is, as you put it, seriously cool; so the software probably is too.
I love this opener. Evocative and poetic. Settling in with some warm tea and a delighted imagination.
LOVED the first installment!
Talk about being pulled in…. wow!! Can’t wait to see the object she found…
Okay! Now I am hooked. I plan on keeping all of the sceens and compare them to your book when it becomes available for sale. I think this is a wonderful idea and I am also looking forward to getting a look at the jewlery and artifacts.
You’ll discover that while some of what I write survives word for word, other parts will be a massive, blood massacre.
As an aspiring writer it will be very interesting to see the difference.
Great idea; looking forward to reading.
I, on the other hand, I am submitting my draft directly on my blog while writing, and will post the entire book as is. If you find some free time, I’d be very appreciative of your thoughts/ remarks.
Best of luck creating, and thanks again for sharing.
Christopher
Wow, this is first draft? Totally awesome…
I loved the read, I love your idea of sharing this.
You keep pumping out good stuff. It’s wonderful to know you!
I just want to say- I love it! I just read the first email and it’s got me interested. I could read more easily. I usually have to force my way through the first couple of chapters of a book. I like it when they are exciting from the first page.
Thank you so much for sharing this.
Had to stop in and say that rough or not, it’s great, Holly. Looking forward not only to the next scene, but your daughter’s artwork. Christmas is coming, you know!
Holly,
I just finished reading scene one and it was so good! I am dying for the next one!!! I think you picked a great time to do this because I and I am sure many other are right in the middle of NaNoWriMo, banging out our own novels and making up stories as we go so it’s nice to know that you are going right along with us
Looking forward to the next installement!!!
This is SUCH a cool idea! I think I’ll feature this in my blog, to help promote it, if you don’t mind.
Holly,
I couldn’t agree more with everyone who posted before me. This is simply just an awesome idea. I am hooked as well, can’t wait to read it. It will be wonderful to see how your story will develop. Thanks!
Holly,
Beautiful. I’m in the head of the protagonist; I can feel her disorientation. Had to go back and re-read the description of the object in the envelope. A little confused with the two half circles made of bone and an domed shaped object in the center. If the two half circles are wired together, if the domed object also two pieces held together or is it welded/melded to the other half circles. Food for thought when you use your patented one-pass revision process (which although I know and have, haven’t used on anything of mine yet.)
Holly- You had me hooked from the first sentence and kept my attention til the very end! I love that you are writing this. It gives me a few minutes of escape while I try and write my Nano Novel. It also reminds me how much work mine needs.
Keep writing! You are such an inspiration for me! You have helped me grow as a writer…I could never thank you enough!
Holly,
What a fantastically original idea! And very brave too. I just finished reading the first scene. It’s wonderful. Pulled me in immediately. I’m already angry at Nate and curious at what was found in the mailbox. I’m looking forward to taking this journey along with you.
Thank you for sharing,
Jennifer
I subscribed and conformed my subscription but I never got the first chapter. Am I missing something (I looked in all my SPAM-folders and double checked my email-addresses). Just wondering. Maybe, it’ll go out some other day.
No, you should already have the chapter. I’ll see if I can figure out what happened.
I love this idea, Holly. I’ve been a fan of yours for years now. I’ve enjoyed your ideas, your teaching, your writing, your warmth and encouragement. Thank you for doing this and letting us see your writer self at work. And, well, just for being you. I’m looking forward to reading the rest and I know the final version will be very different, but I can hardly wait for that too.
Thank you. I love what I do, and I enjoy the company of the folks who like my work, as well as those who like THE work. Talking books and talking shop about writing are—after writing books—about my favorite things in the world.
I’m glad you’re here, and glad this is fun for you, too.
I just finished reading the first installment. What an opener! What a fantastically creative collaboration is this. I love your out-of-the-box thinking.
Hi Holly,
I am so intrigued, great idea. Only thing is I am not gering anything. Hopefully bugs will be workded out. Who does the drawings, I love them.
OOPs, scrolling to fast I first missed the bit where you told us about the drawings. They are great. I recieved the welcome email in my alternate edress, but no chapter yet. After reading all the comments now I am dancing on my toes in anticipation
Holly,
Just read the first scene – I loved it. I can’t wait for the next instalment, and I’m already looking forward to comparing the first draft to the finished novel.
You are an inspiration, and I hope this project will be a success for both you and your daughter.
Sonya
I’m really enjoy the story so far (only 2 scenes in, hehe). Its great…I want to know what happens next!
Second scene is AMAZING! I’m hooked. Your writing is incredible and just sucked me in the more I knew…and didn’t.
I’ve just read the fourth scene and I am LOVING this story.
I can’t wait to read more.
Hi Holly, This story is great, as I (we) get to see how to improve our own stories, even making things to accompany them with.
With regards to Kettan’s work, you’ve got me inspired enough to start doing what my other half keeps suggesting, to start to make Jewellery, however What kind of Jewellery making is Kettan doing?
You don’t have to give away secrets, just a name, website or book of what kind of jewellery it is, as I’d love to look more into it, now that you have me inspired to do more artifacts in my stories, and to get started on a new project of Jewellery making.
Thanks, and Keep up the good work.
Emma
Emma,
Sorry for the delay!
Kettan’s work consists of a heavy mix of media and techniques. The media mainly consists of Polymer Clay, Resin, Wire and Glass. Techniques will hopefully include a little of everything.
One place you can find technique & inspiration is by taking a look at Robert Dancik’s work (http://www.robertdancik.com/) as well as Madeline Coles book, ‘Jewelry Two Books In One: Projects To Practice & Inspire’ (this was a great help to my mother who found it while writing ‘Talyn’).
For the most part Kettan’s Talismans will have a unique look, as if a mix of primitive tools and media were used but with a more modern knowledge of jewelry behind the designs.
Hope this helps! Good luck with your own work and feel free to email me and let me know what you’ve done
Rebecca (Becky)
Is there any TalysMana jewelry available yet? I’ve got folks wanting a Christmas wishlist from me, and I’d like to include this. Or will I have to wait for my birthday in April?
Yes, as a matter of fact, I should have the unlimited version of the Talysmana Viewer ready for purchase sometime this week.
Initially I will be using Etsy.com as the storefront. My other store (http://www.etsy.com/shop/Clexbaby) has taught me the ease of working with Etsy. I can accept any kind of payment that I want when working with that site.
I am not sure what other site I will be using, but I am looking into it.
Hi, Rebecca
I just went over to the Etsy site, and was about to register a name, and saw information on not being able to change your name if you want to ever set up as a seller there, without needing a new email address, etc. Reading material posted on the site, the name issue appears to be a common complaint. Since other people in these comments have mentioned that they too create things, and you seem to recommend Etsy as a site, I thought it was worth mentioning. Now I want to think of a name I can live with if I try selling things I’ve made online. A rose by any other name may not sound as sweet.
I look forward to reading each one of these scenes, and I am really looking forward to seeing your creations.
I also liked the links you put up, Thanks.
Another Rebecca
Elizabeth,
The first piece is now available for sale on Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=36786424
I am surprised how long it took to get up; working with a new medium turned out to be far more time-consuming than initially expected.
Rebecca
Emma,
Here is an example of the jewelry.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=36786424
This is the first piece from my mother’s book that is out and available for sale. I haven’t even supplied the link to the folks reading the story yet, but I thought of your interested in the actually jewelry.
Thanks,
Rebecca
Oh mah gowsh! I’m loving this like I___________________________I this much! It is beyond fabulous; it is so RAWR!
Okay now I’m caught up on the chapters you’ve posted. Great stuff love it. I’m such a new writer I get confused over chapters lol.
I’ve just finished the 4th installment and I’m absolutely hooked. I LOVE the premise for this story. And I anticipate the next chapter eagerly.
Well done – for the idea, the story, the inspiration, the possibility of it all. I wish you both huge sucess with this endeavour.
Colette.
I’m really loving the story, Holly. Keep up the good work!
I dont’ know if this is a good place to post this but I signed up to get the story emails but never got parts 2 and 3. I have did however get 1, 4, and 5. Not sure what to do and super bummed since i read part 1 and am itching to read 4 and 5 but can’t bring myself to read them out of order.
This is a good place. Becky and I know that some folks have missed chapters. We’re working on a way now for folks to download the chapters they’ve missed. We should have it in place by the end of the week.
I just read the 5th installment. Your story is amazing. I can’t wait till it is finished and in print.
I love to see each next chapter in my inbox! The story has set the hook and I am cheerfully being reeled in. I’m also enjoying seeing your unique concept develop. I am learning patience the hard way with chapters arriving at a teasing pace, though I’m sure it is good for me. Thank you!
I love this project, both the innovative presentation and the story itself. Now that I’ve seen the artwork, I am delighted by that too. I very much look forward to seeing the jewelry and other supporting tidbits.
Hi Holly,
Is it just me, or have I missed the next chapter (6.)
If it’s not been sent yet, then I wont panic, as I’m really enjoying the story. One small question – Is each scene a scene in a chapter, or is each scene to be treated like a chapter, just wondered.
Thanks
Hi, Emma,
Six is set to go out for most folks at 1 minute after midnight on Monday, your local time. So wherever you are, when Sunday rolls over to Monday you should end up with a the scene in your mailbox.
Chapters go out at that time on Mondays and Thursdays. If you don’t get one on Thursday, you should have it the following Monday. And when everyone catches up to me (because you’re reading faster than I’m writing), chapters will reach you either the Monday or the Thursday after I post them, whichever is sooner.
That is such a unique idea. It’s been forever since I’ve heard an idea that was creative and one of a kind at the same time. I’m very excited to see it on the shelves. Well done.
Mary
Holly,
I’m missing episode 5, and it’s not in my spam either – not sure where it went. Would it be possible to resend it, please? Sorry for the inconvenience and many thanks!
Wow.
I got #9 today, and thougt to copy/paste them in a word doc together and to read them in one piece. Simply blown away.
This is first draft?
If I can ever write as good as this I am exceeding my own quality expectations.
In other words, I love it and can’t wait for the next part. Thank you very much for sharing this with us!
Not to be picky, just a little something I saw when I was reading #9. Paragraph 10, next to last sentence:
“We will gladly shoulder out own burdens and fight for our own lives.”
I believe that should be “. . . shoulder our own burdens . . .”
I offer this with all due respect for your abilities, but I also know that a spell checker wouldn’t pick it up as an error. And this kind of proofing is something I do every Sunday morning. Like everyone else, I’m hooked and wait anxiously for the next installment (and I’m old enough to remember installments in magazines.
)
Hi, Craig—In the header before each chapter, you have the disclaimer/warning that this is RAW first draft. The second I finish writing it, I copy and paste it into my template and upload it to the newsletter.
I HAVE NOT read it yet. It’s raw. I don’t mess with copyediting until after I’ve completed the first draft. This is part of the process that I teach in How To Revise Your Novel.
If you find mistakes—and you will—please ignore them. I’ll get to them in the revision.
Cheerfully,
Holly