I am re-listening to Attempted Rescuing by L.G. Estrella as I knit. Since I had never knitted a gingham patterned baby blanket before, I choose this book because I enjoyed it and could tune it out if I needed to focus on the pattern. The knitting is coming along better than I could have expected.
I have the following thoughts/dream scenarios:
• I thought about all the possibilities that Darren presented to the group. I love Darren! They had an opportunity to a) help someone improve their life situation, and b) increase their Found Family size. He would make an excellent cook at the group’s house in Bloodmark; there have been mentions about the culinary efforts of the group members and they could use him. Darren did not have to travel with them on adventures. He could train to be a better cook in a tavern while they are adventuring. Maybe hire a sister of his as a maid or housecleaner for the party’s house. Martin could also use an apprentice at his antiquities shop. Lots of ways in which to get more Darren.
• I would like a scene or two of Jonathan (and Roger) training his sword, dagger, or shield skills with the more physical group members. I worry that he relies on magic too heavily, and someone could simply stab him. Too squishy!
• Susanna is too perfect! I hope there is a good reason for her being nearly unkillable, overpowered af with weaponry, funny banter with everyone, kind and loving toward her granny, favorite child of a king, and on and on. There needs to be a good payoff for not hating this perfect darling of a girl.
• Long-term Jonathan needs to marry and have some (financially savvy) heirs for House Bloodhaven. A kind, loving vampire Lady who he recues or encounters in his travels; maybe from a house with a bit more clout. Surely there are some female scholarly vampires in The Blood Alliance!
I have begun outlining a story which I have been puzzling over for about a year. It might go nowhere, however writing it all down gets it out of my head. It also gives me a sense of satisfaction for having done something in the “one day…” pile. I have read some mediocre, a few terrible, and multiple truly amazing fanfictions on Archive of Our Own, and my negative self-talk regarding my writing needs to hush. These authors have inspired and opened my eyes. I do not have to be perfect to share my short stories, or tiny scenes between characters. I will outline, storyboard, or simply write down scenes – whatever it takes to get the creativity going!