Creating Time Capsules: An Experimental Writing Journey
An experimental project that breaks from the traditional model of writing in isolation and only sharing polished, finished work.
I’ve been working on a new project lately, and as I’ve developed it, I’ve found myself wanting to try something different, something experimental that breaks from the traditional model of writing in isolation and only sharing polished, finished work.
The Idea: Writing as Process, Not Just Product
Most readers only see the final version of a story, the polished, edited, refined piece that emerges after countless revisions. But what about everything that comes before? The rough drafts, the exploratory passages, the deleted scenes, the moments where a character suddenly reveals something unexpected, or a plot takes an unexpected turn?
I want to share that process with you.
Time Capsules of Creation
Think of these as time capsules, snapshots of a story in various stages of development. Some pieces might be raw first drafts, still finding their voice. Others might be partially revised sections where I’m working through a particular narrative challenge. Still others might be exploratory writing that may or may not make it into the final story.
The beauty of this approach is that it creates a record of evolution. Months or years from now, we’ll be able to look back and see how a story developed, how characters changed, how themes emerged and transformed. It’s like watching a time-lapse of a painting being created, rather than just seeing the finished canvas.
Why This Matters
There’s something valuable in seeing the creative process unfold in real-time:
For Readers: You get to see behind the curtain, to understand how stories are built from the ground up. You become part of the creative journey, not just consumers of the final product.
For Me: Sharing work at various stages creates a different kind of accountability and engagement. It’s vulnerable, certainly, but it’s also honest. It allows for a more authentic connection between writer and reader.
For the Story: Sometimes sharing work-in-progress can reveal new directions, new possibilities. Your engagement and responses might influence how the story develops.
The Experimental Nature
This is genuinely experimental. I’m not sure exactly how it will work or what form it will take. Some weeks might feature a rough scene I wrote that morning. Others might include multiple versions of the same passage, showing how it evolved. Sometimes I might share writing that I’m uncertain about, that I’m still wrestling with.
It won’t always be pretty. It won’t always be polished. But it will always be real.
Exclusive Access for Paid Subscribers
Because this is such a personal and experimental approach, these time capsule glimpses into my new project will be exclusive to paid subscribers. This creates an intimate community of readers who are interested in not just the stories themselves, but the craft of storytelling.
As a paid subscriber, you’ll receive:
Regular snippets and excerpts from the project at various stages
Behind-the-scenes insights into my writing process
The opportunity to witness a story’s evolution from conception to completion
A unique perspective on how narrative craft develops over time
An Invitation
If this experimental approach intrigues you, if you’re interested in seeing the messy, beautiful process of creation rather than just the polished final product, I invite you to join me as a paid subscriber.
This is new territory for me, and I’m excited to explore it with you.
