I’ve just completed Act I of my horror novel, Life Cycle, and it’s been an incredible journey so far. Life Cycle tells the story of a wistful school teacher who finally gains self-confidence when he discovers a bicycle hidden in the thorns of a blackberry bush. But there’s a sinister twist: riding this bike drains the life out of everyone and everything around him. It’s a chilling tale that delves into the theme of accepting who you are, even when faced with dark and unexpected challenges.
One of the aspects I’ve particularly enjoyed is “thickening” up the tale with a B-story and significant character growth. Developing the protagonist and watching his transformation has been both a challenge and a delight. It’s fascinating to see how his newfound self-confidence comes at such a high price, and it’s been thrilling to craft the eerie atmosphere that surrounds his journey.
I’m fortunate to have a mentor whose advice has been invaluable. One piece of advice that stuck with me; “Plan, plan, plan, and then throw out the plans.” This approach has taught me the balance between structure and creativity. While I’ve mapped out the story meticulously, I’ve also learned to stay flexible, allowing the characters and plot to evolve naturally as I write.
Like any writer, I’ve faced my fair share of challenges. Balancing the horror elements with the protagonist’s emotional journey required careful attention. I wanted to ensure that the supernatural aspects of the story didn’t overshadow the core theme of self-acceptance. Finding this balance has been a rewarding process, and I’m excited about how Act I has shaped up.
As I move into Act II, I’m filled with anticipation for what’s to come. There’s so much more to explore in this dark and haunting world, and I can’t wait to see how the story unfolds. Writing Life Cycle has already been an enriching experience, and I’m eager to continue this journey.
Thank you for following along with my progress. Stay tuned for more updates as I delve deeper into the twists and turns of Life Cycle.
