Chuck Wendig’s flash fiction challenge this week is to come up with a “something-punk” subgenre and write a story in it. Not steampunk, not cyberpunk. Something different. It just so happens that I’ve had the beginnings of a story banging around in my head since the summer that fits nicely into that idea. This seemed like a perfect excuse to at least get this character out and let her strut her stuff a little and explore the idea of gempunk.
So in lieu of my regular WIPpet thingermahoojie, I’m using the WW rule that states we can start a new project, and posting a scene here.
Two birds with one stone and all of that. *pelts a robin and a bluejay with a flying chunk of sapphire*
This is very rough– I only started last night. It’s a scene, though. More than the 1000 words we were assigned, so anyone who’s here from the WendigBlog, you can stop at 1000 words. Oh, and yes, the guy’s name is Surely Morebrand. I don’t know where that came from, but I’m not going to argue with Cat on this one. She’s already being difficult.
The good news is that after months of this idea fluttering about and distracting me, I actually have a plot idea rather than the concept-and-characters-but-no-plot I usually get stuck with. So this could actually be a thing some day. Maybe. Or maybe I’m crazy for liking this one.
For more (shorter) WIPpety goodness, click on over here. Say hello to KL Schwengel, click on the linkie, and be transported to a world of unfinished masterpieces.
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ROW80
I have a cover design finalized. It feels good. I’m still freaking out, because it’s so different from what I expected, but I love it. Going from “no characters” to “hey, that’s totally what Rowan looks like!” in a week was a bit overwhelming, but I’m really happy with it. Thank you to everyone who helped with ideas, opinions, etc.! No reveal plans as of yet (waiting for something within a month of release, at least), but holler if you’re interested in hosting.
Still waiting on my editor. He said end of the month. We’re good.
Um… well, I wrote that thing up there, which was really fun. It’ll go in the “to be continued” file for now.
My Scrivener online course is going well, even if I’m about 4 classes behind. I’m learning SO MUCH STUFF! Best program ever, really.
*twiddles thumbs*
Guess I’ll go edit, now.
Stop by tomorrow (I think?) for a SUPER AWESOME SURPRISE INTERVIEW that was really fun and also awkward for me.
And for more info on ROW80 (almost time for round 2!), head on over here. JOIN US.
disregard the prologue 
March 19th, 2014 at 12:05 pm
Well, that was interesting! I like your name for it–“Gempunk.” Here’s to creating new sub-genres! Also, I like that her name is Cat. I have a Cat in my new story too (boy-Cat not girl-Cat). It’s a great name that always, to me, has a certain “feel” to it.
March 19th, 2014 at 12:28 pm
It is a good name. I don’t like Cats or Kats as consistently as I do some other names (Joshes are usually pretty swell), but it’s good. 🙂
March 19th, 2014 at 12:52 pm
The breadth of your imagination constantly amazes me! I also love the notion of “gempunk.” Great job, Kate!
March 19th, 2014 at 3:22 pm
Ha! I admit that, looking at the list of links, I picked yours because I was curious about “Gempunk” lol!
March 19th, 2014 at 8:29 pm
So, of course you know I am on board for any and all of your reveals. Well, unless they involve standing on a table and…um…never mind. I can’t wait to see the cover. Or have the finished bit in my hands. GET ON WITH IT ALREADY, I NEED MY AREN FIX. Oops, did I just scream that out loud?
I’m going to read your WIPpet now.
March 19th, 2014 at 8:33 pm
I’ve been away from him for a few days and I could use a fix. 😉
I’ll get in that ASAP.
March 19th, 2014 at 8:46 pm
I’ll admit to being a little lost in the WIPpet. Probably due to the whole PumpkinBrainExplodyThing. But I love the characters and the voice. Just not entirely clear what’s going on. Which, obviously, makes me want more.
March 20th, 2014 at 6:29 am
I, too, am loving the concept of “gempunk”. What a great idea!
Ooh, cover! Can’t wait to see it!
March 20th, 2014 at 1:52 pm
Happy news on the cover reveal, Kate. And new story ideas are… well, awesome! (Make sure to insert Rainbow Dash voice for that statement)
Now off to peek at some gempunk… 😀
March 20th, 2014 at 5:37 pm
Kate,
So much goodness! =)
I went over and read your delightful gempunk. Loved it; and will pop back over and comment there, in a bit.
Way to go on making progress, and thanks for reminding me about Chuck Wendig’s fiction challenge…I had forgotten, but will pop over and see tomorrow’s challenge. =)
March 20th, 2014 at 5:49 pm
This was only my second time trying it, but I love the ideas he comes up with for the challenges!
March 20th, 2014 at 5:44 pm
That was really good Kate. I feel a bit confused about the ins and outs of how things work in the world you’ve created, but I liked the tension in the scene and the characterisation you’ve depicted. 🙂
March 21st, 2014 at 3:14 pm
I read only a wee bit of the snippet (short on time today), but I like the gempunk thing you got going. Very interesting tone to. Me likes!
Congrats on the cover. Can’t wait to see it. I can’t believe it is almost round 2 already!
March 23rd, 2014 at 5:09 am
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