In 1964, after the completion of Dr. Strangelove, Stanley Kubrick found himself enticed by the world of science fiction. The great yet eccentric director sought out writer Arthur C. Clarke, who, at the time, Kubrick believed was a recluse, or as Kubrick oh-so-delicately put it, “a nut in a tree.” Despite Kubrick’s doubts, and Clarke’s being mildly offended by Kubrick’s assumptions, the two set out to make what is now seen as one of the most groundbreaking films of the last century, and certainly one of the most groundbreaking films in science fiction–though the very first one, A Trip to the Moon, will always hold a special place in my heart. 2001: A Space Odyssey created a rich legacy and influenced the likes of Spielberg and George Lucas, who put his stamp on the entire genre with Star Wars, which itself has had more than an impact on science fiction films–it’s influenced science fiction literature, culture–even generations.
…and this is the Mother of all things to have going before you.
So, where does this leave me, a 25-year old millennial, who is praying to avoid a quarter-life crisis and still trying to figure out what she wants to be when she grows up? Simple. I’m going to write a novel. A science fiction novel….Well, at least I’ll try. The way I see it is that this blog will actually serve a purpose: to make me write the story in my head. I’ve always loved stories…film, books, television, plays, Humans of New York…. And I figure, I need to try. So, this blog is to make me somewhat accountable and to make me go after a dream of mine.
This isn’t my first blog…or my first attempt to write a book, for that matter. I thought once that I’d be a great book reviewer. Another time, I wrote about my adventures living in Italy. I was asked to write for my school when I studied in Italy. And my last blog was an old tumblr I didn’t keep up. It was full of Sherlock and neon flowers. Lots and lots of flowers. And Sherlock. A floral bouquet of Cumberbatch. As for the books… too many to count, but they still sit on my back burner. I love them too much to throw them out…each character like a child of mine. In the novel The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield, an old, eccentric author talks about characters, saying that they stand in front of her, tugging on her arms and clothing, begging and wondering when it’s their time to be heard. And so she wrote until only one remained.
So, now I finally want to give them all of their voices. Now I want to be brave enough to push myself into writing their stories. I start here. I’m hoping if I get viewers and followers, if my friends and family know, then they’ll hold me accountable to just getting it done.
My goal for the end of the year is simply 30k words. Nothing more. I know NaNoWriMo does 60k, but this year, I just can’t do that insanity. Hat’s off to those who do, though. I keep trying and failing. And I will try again…just not this year.
Over the course of our time together, I hope to document my frustrations and joys…even talk a bit about what exactly I’m doing. All through a weird millennial lens. Why this lens, you ask? Because, like it or not, I’ve become very much the embodiment of my generation in some ways. Prepare yourself for more use of the word “I” than one would want… : I’ve got the money and job struggles, the wanderlust, the social awareness, the need to binge watch. The love of Netflix…minus the chill because Netflix is for my laziness and nothing else, but that is another rant for another day. I like stupid pop music, and I love bands that are too obscure; you’ve probably never heard of them. I loathe the Kardashians, but sometimes I have a morbid curiosity about them… I loathe myself promptly after finding out. I’m obsessed with Buzzfeed and their quizzes. I find this whole current election fascinating and actually really enjoy that Donald Trump is a part of it–only because it gives us something to laugh at…But seriously, don’t elect him…please. I’ve lived in 2 other countries from the age of 20-24. I’m trilingual. Or almost. I speak Spanish and Italian, and neither is perfect, but I can handle life in both languages. I’m considering law school… but sometimes I feel hesitant. I always wish I was in another country. I always want to know a new language. I’d like to do something that helps people. Purpose and helping others is more important to me than money, which is the same for many in my generation. All of these things go into making me a person. All of these things are more typical in my generation. And all of these things will go into my writing. Don’t worry. I won’t always talk about myself this much–makes me self-conscious.
Anyways, I hope you’ll come with me on my intergalactic journey into Science Fiction.
That “nut in a tree” just happens to b 1 of my fave authors.
Thanks a ton! And he is a fantastic author.