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The Ocean
Scope
The motivation behind building The Ocean
This world started as a way to resolve my frustration with a book that annoyed me. It expanded into a project that helped feed my (just slightly obsessive) fanhood. I outgrew the fandom, but couldn't let go of the project. Now it's a world with 12,000+ years of history, and I guess I'll keep it going for as long as I keep enjoying it.
The goal of the project
I like to think this has the potential to be multiple novels. The only way to find out is to see if anyone else likes it.
The Ocean's Unique Selling point
Even though this isn't quite a core idea, I am having fun with the idea of finding intelligent life on Earth--not just on some long-lost hidden island, but everywhere.
Theme
Genre
Science fantasy--people have apparently supernatural powers, but they're grounded in the universe's natural laws.
Reader Experience
If people feel briefly entertained, I'll consider that a success.
Reader Tone
Generally bright...but that doesn't mean no one experiences hardship. There is poverty, there is cruelty, there is struggle, there is pain, there is emptiness. There is also hope, defiance, redemption, triumph, peace. Not everyone's story ends happily, but there is always the possibility that it could.
Recurring Themes
Truth
It's harder to conceal your motives when other people can sense your heart beating. But is honesty the best policy after all, or does the truth really set you free?
Redemption
You've done something unspeakable. Caused pain, damaged people, ended lives. Maybe the world would be better off without you--or maybe there's a way forward. You can never undo the past, but is there a possibility of a future in which you can live with yourself?
Self-discovery
It starts small--a feeling that you don't really belong where you are. Or that the people with plans for your life don't seem interested in your opinions about it. Standing up for yourself may involve breaking rules, or breaking hearts. Is it worth it?
It's harder to conceal your motives when other people can sense your heart beating. But is honesty the best policy after all, or does the truth really set you free?
Redemption
You've done something unspeakable. Caused pain, damaged people, ended lives. Maybe the world would be better off without you--or maybe there's a way forward. You can never undo the past, but is there a possibility of a future in which you can live with yourself?
Self-discovery
It starts small--a feeling that you don't really belong where you are. Or that the people with plans for your life don't seem interested in your opinions about it. Standing up for yourself may involve breaking rules, or breaking hearts. Is it worth it?
Character Agency
My characters have the power to change the plot. If they react to events in an unexpected way, I take that as a sign that what I had planned wasn't going to work in the first place.
Focus
Drama
After forty years of the Unity's grinding rule, the islands are each on their own again...sort of. The Wringers are gone and the Water Seekers are back...mostly. Life could go back to the way it used to be...if anyone can remember what that was. Trouble is, those who had it good under the Unity aren't happy. Those who suffered heavily under the Unity aren't happy. The remaining tiderider families aren't happy. The pressure's building, and if it isn't bled off somewhere, there's going to be another eruption.