I realised today, whilst out in the country, that I have complete creative freedom. I don’t have to be tied to any particular kind of novel — as long as it’s fairly “literary” (I’m not good at genre fiction, and publishers like Legend wouldn’t be interested, anyway.) I can play with ideas, with form, with character and really let myself go, if I wish. Just the kind of thing that plays to my strengths. I don’t necessarily have to write another Carl Grantham novel (potentially a waste of time if Children doesn’t sell) but I can nevertheless build on what Children has — from my point of view, as the author — achieved.
Such moments of uncertainty, such enforced period of waiting, are an opportunity to explore new avenues and, quite possibly, new ways of working. I don’t know what they are, yet, and I’m determined not to think about it too rigorously. I’ll just let it happen and have fun finding out.
“Don’t think. Thinking is the enemy of creativity. It’s self-conscious, and anything self-conscious is lousy. You can’t try to do things. You simply must do things.”
Ray Bradbury.
Gary William Murning Online 
I think you could write a good superhero novel. Not a wheelchair-bound hero necessarily, although that might be interesting.
A part of me finds the idea pretty attractive but… I just don’t know. It’d be difficult to avoid simply rehashing existing formulae and I’m not really sure I’d stand a chance of placing it.
Worth thinking about, though. Watch this space 😉
Hey, keep in mind that “literary” basically means getting away with any kind of writing you want because it’s, well, “literary.” 🙂 Good luck!
Makes me think of the movie Unbreakable.
Gary, do you remember your dreams? You should write a short story on tonight’s dream provided it’s right-wing friendly. 😆
thewritingrunner: LOL — how true! (For the record, I tend to define “literary” as leaning more towards the character-driven.)
Selena: it made me think of Unbreakable, too, actually! Love that film!
Now, my dear, just think about who you’re talking to — do you really think I have right-wing friendly dreams? In fact, do you really think I have any dreams that could be posted on WordPress without my blog being classified as having “mature content”? 😀
Last week I had a dream I was eating cotton candy and when I woke up my pillow was missing.
*groans* 😀