Do You Want to Write a Book?

    Writing a book has been an integral part of my life bucket list for as long as I can remember. I've made several attempts to start a novel but I never end up writing a substantial amount. I can picture the entire story in my head perfectly but having it come to life, or having it typed to life as it were has proven to be quite difficult. I attended a writing camp this summer and gained some inspiration for a new book that I began to write. I wish I continued my work throughout this year with more dedication, and I find myself coming back to it periodically. I make some edits, minor changes, maybe add a few sentences because I don't feel motivated to make a great effort to continue. My favorite part of the process was coming up with the characters but I just wasn't driven to write out their stories. I consider myself passionate about writing and I love telling stories but for the most part it is difficult to make progress on my book. Time and time again, I feel spontaneous sparks of energy that encourage me to move my story along but the wave passes quickly. However, I will happily share my ideas. 

    The book takes place in a fantastical world. The main setting is a school called Maycroft Academy. I haven't figured out if it is a magic school or if magic is an entity that is introduced to the characters in the book yet. There is a force that causes all of the teachers and staff to disappear and the school has been split into a variety of sections for 10 years time freezes and the students do not age. The sections have divided the school's property into territory. Nobody can cross these lines engraved in the soil or all hell will break loose. I planned a twist that identifies a select few of students who are mysteriously connected to a secret source. This secret source has manifested into an intrinsic section where those who don't trust each other soon realize they have no one else to turn to. They must establish forbidden relationships in order to restore peace to the academy and reunite with those they love. 

    My first chapter is narrated from the point of view of Niko, a non-binary teen who struggles with social anxiety and being apart from their partner Zoey as they are in different sections. Niko belongs to one of the more dominant sections, Valora, known for it's courageous fighters and fierce defenders. They feel out of place as they don't consider themselves to be as dauntless as other valorants. The book begins with Niko finding out their work assignment is guard duty which comes as a surprise. They've never been assigned this role before and are curious but nervous to discover what is in store. They are reminded of the rumor circulating Valora that Zoey is being held captive. Niko is struggling to process the fact that their own section may be physically restraining  Zoey at this very moment. They describe Zoey as a free spirit and remark that free spirits are not meant to be caged. They contemplate whether using an opportunity to see Zoey would be rewarding or if it will only distance their relationship more. 

    I'm excited to see what others think about the storyline I created and I hope that people may be interested in reading the actual book if and when it is completed. Some positive feedback would definitely motivate me to keep writing, but I know that doing what you love shouldn't be dictated by others. Anyways, at writing camp I acquired a lot of incite on how to create a solid plot. I found a way to create tension between my characters in the setting. It allows for for interesting analyzation and room for character development which I believe is an essential part of any novel. I think I utilized this tactic effectively as what I truly hope to gain from writing a book is a deep connection with my readers. Books have been a place of escape, comfort, inspiration, and recognition. I want to write a book because I want to understand the fulfillment of making others feel the same way I do when I read a book that I enjoy. Whether it's hope, joy, sadness, or a sense of feeling seen.