As an author returning from writing in “The Red Book”, I was already privy to Editor’s Jodi and Paul’s unique way of approaching things. For them, there isn’t really a wrong way to do something (unless it’s sentence structure) there is merely a different way.
With “The Red Book” they were playing with this interconnected story idea, one they continued into The Yin and Yang books to a lesser degree. To be honest, after having worked with them in the intense environment of the first book, this one was easier. Yet, it was still an experiment. The premise of the stories called for a prologue and epilogue to be written that would tie the two anthologies together, yet the point was to show in each anthology how the choices of one individual can affect other people in very different ways.
Who’s to say it would have worked? Perhaps there was no way to tie it all together in the end? Or maybe the story lines, the effects of the character’s choices, weren’t as different as they had hoped? But I don’t think any of those things matter to Jodi or Paul. There is no wrong way; it would just end up differently.
This attitude of experimentation, of not being afraid to make a mistake, is so refreshing. In this anthology I took risks I don’t think I would have anywhere else. For one, I wrote my first story from the first person point of view. I wrote about a relationship I myself have not had but often imagine. And, I auctioned off a character in the short story for a fundraiser.
The auction was so interesting. The Rare Diseases Foundation (RDF) in British Columbia (BC), Canada, put on a fundraiser called “Rare Finds: A Unique Event Benefiting Extraordinary Children”. All the items in the auction were “unique”, and all proceeds went to benefit the RDF, allowing them to foster vital rare disease research at the BC Children’s Hospital, expand their parent support groups and raise awareness. I was approached and accepted the opportunity to auction off a major character in my story – the partner of my police officer heroine. The winner got to discuss with me character name, physical features and favourite saying(s), which I then wrote into the story. It was harder than it looked, but not so difficult that it couldn’t be done, and both Jodi and Paul were extremely supportive of the entire thing.
Chinese Whisperings is one of those great places where you get to just experiment and no one tells you not to. Everyone involved is experimenting on something, or trying something out for the first time. It was a true pleasure to work with this crew of writers and editors, and I would be privileged to do so again in the future.
Tina Hunter’s “Where The Heart Is” is the third story in The Yin Book. You can read more about the creation of “Where the Heart Is” on the 1st September and the first 750 words will be available 29th September. Tina’s story “Innocence” is the fifth story inThe Red Book.
Chinese Whisperings invites you to kick back with your favourite beverage and Take Five with The Red Book's co-editor and contributing writer Jodi Cleghorn.
The Red Book, Audio Trailer
I had such grand aspirations for what I wanted to happen with The Red Book… but I learnt very quickly, even with editorial veto, you can’t actually control a collaborative narrative. As such I didn’t get the exact feel I was hoping for – a no-holds-barred approach where the writers were willing to push the boundaries of other’s characters.
But I love The Red Book for what it is. Because it was an experiment and we weren’t even sure if we’d end up with an anthology at the end but we did.
This year we seem to have got more and less of what we bargained for. The writers have been more willing to grab those characters. And I (don’t know about Paul) have discovered there are more sliding-doors moments in here than first thought. Some characters will live and some will die, depending on which book the appear in. Readers will have to read both anthologies if they want to get the entire picture – or the alternate picture, because they will get both by reading both anthologies.
I have to say I’m proud to be heading up a project which creates a safe space for writers to experiment – given there is really no “out clause” in Chinese Whisperings. Once you’re on the path you don’t get a chance to back out if you’re experiment doesn’t work. And you certainly took lots of risks auctioning off a character who you didnt necessarily have creative control over once they were created. And now I know ‘who’ the created character was (when I read I kept wondering who was the winning character) I’m looking forward to re-reading your story.
And you know what – I reckon there will be probably room for everyone next year who wants to ride the rollercoaster a third time!
That auction is such a cool idea, Tina! What a wonderful surprise element in your story.
Tina I loved your story and I think it’s even better now that I know you had so many unpredictable variables to deal with! These author’s reflections are very impressive and interesting!
I love the idea of the auction! What a clever way to use your talent for good!
wow – incredible idea the auction! Using your powers for good… he he…
Its been a great ride to be allowed to make mistakes, to support and encourage each other… ( I do hope there is room on the rollercoaster for a third trip)
Thanks for the comments everyone.
And Jodi, I’m glad you didn’t know she was auctioned off. It means that she didn’t stick out like a sore thumb. LOL
Lovely picture! Interesting article.
Risks are so necessary. But it’s good to have someone who can help us sort them out.