(I’m tickled by the subject line because it sounds like the title of an anime. OK, that’s probably just me. Again.)
The Dinosaur Lords has gone on the back burner – also again, sigh – as I strive heroically to wrap up Annja’s latest adventure so I can get started on the new one. This flu thing is less than fun, although it finally seems to be receding. At least last night I didn’t wake up unable to breathe.
None of which prevented an epiphany about DinoLords hitting me whilst I was in the bathtub just now. An environment in which I’m historically at-risk for such things…
Anyway, I was struck like a temple gong just now (and I mean just now: I’m still damp, with a towel over my head) with the right and true way to sum up the novel, and the cycle of which it’s part:
The Renaissance. With dinosaurs.
There you have it.
It may be gilding the lily to expand, but that’s never stopped me before. For those who aren’t automatically filled with a sense of what I’m saying: you have the exuberance and the extravagance and the treachery and the gorgeousness and passion and the violence of the Renaissance.
And you have dinosaurs. What more do you need?
Okay, that’s what it’s about. The plot can be high-concepted thusly:
Exiles and outlaws must join forces with the very Empire which outlawed them to stave off an Exterminating Angel’s hordes.
The novel features some of my favorite themes: friendship, loyalty, betrayal, intrigue, war, sex, and, of course, Disrespect for Authority. And dinosaurs.
The good stuff.
Now all this is pretty minor. I’ve been trying to restate the book succinctly to my own satisfaction for the five-plus years I’ve been writing it in desultory wise. Now I’ve got two capsule descriptions which I like.
What these really signify to me is that the impetus is building. I’ve been, candidly, afraid of the project for too long. I’ve been afraid of a lot of things, for too long. I’m learning to spurn those fears and just get going. So The Dinosaur Lords will not remain on the back burner long, as it has in the past. I will finish it, and soon.
And you know what? It’s gonna be great.
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