As a writer, there's no feeling quite like the rush of excitement, and dread, that comes with the start of a new story. It's a blank canvas, a world of possibilities waiting to be explored, and the beginning of a literary adventure that holds endless potential. The mere thought of creating a story from scratch, weaving together characters, settings, and plots, is enough to make any aspiring novelist hide under the covers. So, as I begin to write Fortune's Gate, what is it about starting a new sotry that fills me with enough excitement to actually get started? Let's explore:

1. The Freshness of Ideas: The inception of a new novel brings a fresh wave of ideas. Usually too many ideas--and the challenge is widdling it down. But if you have day job that isn't writing, it's a welcomed chance to tap into your creativity and let your imagination run wild. Whether I've been meticulously planning your story for months or simply have a vague concept in mind, the act of starting to write a new novel means breathing life into those ideas and watching them take shape on the page. The blank screen or empty notebook becomes too irresistible.
2. The Joy of Exploration: I really don't where this thing is going! Writing a novel is like embarking on a journey into the unknown. It's a chance to explore new worlds. It's pretty fun to uncover hidden layers of characters, discover new plot twists, and unravel the intricacies of the story's setting. It's the next best thing to discovering uncharted territory and being the first to set foot on new ground.
3. The Thrill of Creating Characters: This is maybe my favorite part of writing. It's like I get to make some actual new friends.Characters are the heart and soul of any story, and starting a new novel means bringing new characters to life. As I develop their personalities, quirks, and backstories, I get to watch them come alive on the page and take on a life of their own. They become companions, confidants, and storytellers themselves.
4. The Challenge of Crafting the Perfect Plot: This is the hardest part for me. I like a certain pace and subtlety to stories. A novel is like a puzzle, and starting a new one means all the pieces are spread out on a table. It's a challenge to carefully craft the story's structure, build its conflicts, and not have the ending feel force. I look everywhere in real life to find elements of the plot.
5. The Anticipation of Sharing the Story: Writing is a lot of work, and the excitement of starting a new story is also fueled by the anticipation of sharing the story with others. Will you like it? Will it make as much sense to you as it does to me? It's a bit like checking lotto numbers.

The excitement of starting a new novel is a unique and invigorating experience for any writer. For me, it's a fun creative project that becomes part of my daily routine. Let's get Fortune's Gate started!

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