A few people have asked me about the topic of the story I’ve chosen to write for NaNoWriMo. As surprising as this may be, I actually decided to pick back up on the story I had begun for my Science Fiction and Fantasy Course at Full Sail University, The Revenge of Inali. Under the patient guidance of one of the best instructors in the state, I cautiously entered the world of fantastical writing, crafting first an outline and then the introduction of a fantasy world and its inhabitants.

Inali is the main character of my piece. Even though she is a fictional character, I feel that I’ve known her all of my life. When I close my eyes, I can see her perfectly – a tall, leonine figure, caught somewhere between girl and woman. Hair as black as coal, skin the color of coffee with the lightest splash of cream. Her eyes are her defining feature; a viridian green, somewhere between emerald and the waters of the river that connects her village to the north. She is headstrong, but damaged, having witnessed the death of her mother at the hands of a Hunape warrior. Her grief is intermingled with hatred, making her decisions at the onset of the story both impulsive and irrational.

I wish I knew what the future has in store for her. While I know her soul, I do not know her journey. Every day that I write, I learn and experience right along with her. I’m just one or two steps behind her, trying to capture what I see while not losing sight of her as she moves ever forward. I am her companion and she is mine.

Last night, she stood frozen – held up by my self-doubt and insecurities as a writer. I could see the path in front of her, but I wouldn’t let her move forward. She stared longingly at her destiny, impatient and frustrated by my hesitation. Why wouldn’t I let her go?

This evening, I promise to let her go. I won’t hold her back again. My vacillation will NOT prevent her from moving forward on her journey, regardless of the discomfort it may cause me to plow forward. Inali deserves to live out her life – who am I to stop her?

My words to not own me – I own my words.

NaNoWriMo, prepare to go down!

~Victoria Elizabeth Ann