Under Adverse Stars
The signs are closer than they seem
Hey! Would you want to read an early draft?
Specifically an early draft of Significatorius?
I’m getting close to having a readable version ready to share and want to have more eyes look over it. As with my other projects, I’ll put it up on google docs but only allow some people make comments.
Essentially, I’m asking if you’d like to beta read or edit for a starving artist.
And with that thought in mind, I wanted to talk a bit more about what exactly this new story is — starting with the early concept art my sister made for me.
(Although at this rate it’s probably going to be the final cover.)
Light and Sound
At its core, Significatorius is meant to expand upon the world I built in Besnowed. It plays with similar themes of holidays, festivals, and love, but I didn’t want it to just be a retread.
I didn’t want to rehash the same story.
To ensure there were a few fundamental differences, I started with making the protagonist female rather than male.
The next challenge was making sure I wasn’t just writing “girl Swefen.” I wanted Significatorius to capture a very specific flavor of nostalgia — one that I instantly recognized when I heard APT by ROSÉ & Bruno Mars.
A love story that feels a little campy, but in a fun way rather than a forced way.
Creative energy, but more “90s youthful” than “80s family movie.”
Wine Harvest
A new world then needed a new holiday.
As luck would have it, they have a big harvest festival in Argentina that worked perfectly for the narrative I was writing.
La Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia (The Grape Harvest National Festival) is a festival that happens over several weeks in autumn with four big events outlining the shape of the holiday.
Blessing of the fruit — A ceremony marking the true beginning of the harvest.
Vía Blanca de las Reinas — A beauty contest where each department showcases their local traditions.
Carrusel Vendimial — A grand parade with the beauty contest participants and other cultural aspects on full display.
Central act — A big spectacle with performers and dancers on an extravagant stage.
What really sealed the deal for me was this small but incredible detail.
Vendimia Planitia, a large plain on the dwarf planet Ceres, is named after the festival.
That will mean something to a very few select people. But to those who get it?
It means a lot.
It was more than enough to cement Significatorius as its own story while keeping it connected to my wider world.
Refrain / Chorus
I’ll hold off on the flash fiction this week, but I hope these words entice some of you.
Transparently, my goal is to get as many people as I can to work as free editors so I have the best final draft possible.
So, I’ll jump back into editing, but please reach out if you’re even mildly interested in helping out.
Until next time.
—JMB