02-25-2024 |10 Minute Writing – Fortress Fiction
In this 10 minute writing session, MJ finishes writes A Grobug Tale Chapter 15 – Part I.
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Drafting My Middle Grade Fantasy Book Scene of a Monster Emerging
Rewritten from transcript by Claude AI
In this 10-minute writing session on February 25th, 2024, I, fantasy author MJ Muñoz, share a raw first pass excerpt from my middle grade novel introducing a mysterious grasshopper-like creature emerging on fantasy island shores. Crafted organically from established notes, the nascent scene aims to hook readers while organically hinting at wider magical lore.
As the gangly thing sheds its cocoon, better revealing insectoid features, a foreboding artificial intelligence named Widget confronts it with suspicion and threats. This hostile response spurs questions around Widget’s monitoring capabilities and relationship with the protagonistic CritterBots also inhabiting the island.
Improvising as I draft, the need to flesh out unrevealed abilities for both Widget and the heroic CritterBot Guardians emerges. Even as core narrative beats fall into place, foundational worldbuilding requires constant gardening. Inventing convincing settings, systems and supporting cast on the fly makes onward writing tricky but rewarding.
With the reveal of this unexpected beastly newcomer, the next chapter promises shaking up the stability of my imaginary world. Reader curiosity depends on vibrant details peppering the page during significant events. When inspiration flows, capturing and nurturing it into imagery and wonder drives the tale telling craft. There’s ample magic still left to mold.
MJ Muñoz 