Original Fiction of the Week: Wanderlust

Wanderlust is a stunning original fiction written by GreatUnknown. In this edition of Original Story of the Week, we take a closer look at this amazing story.

Give us a brief summary of Wanderlust.

Well, Wanderlust follows in the main character, Dahlia's, point of view. She is a victim of torture and exile from the inner territory of a totalitarian based leader, Kruger. Dahlia wakes up in the middle of a forest with no self-identity and renames herself using the dahlia flower as inspiration. During her trek through the mountainous forests, she encounters a group of people who quickly take her in and essentially become her new family. The story takes on its life from there. Her journey for now becomes everyone else's, and you're included in everyone else's lives very soon and not just strictly hers.

What inspired you to write Wanderlust?

I was inspired by a lot of different little things. I usually start writing new stories all the time without actually continuing them. I noticed after a while that I was skirting around an idea and basically combined the mini stories that I had been writing. And after I wrote the first five chapters, I knew that I had finally started another story and was really excited to continue it.

How long have you been working on this story?

Technically over a year. The chapters that I post are just a fraction of the writing that I actually do. I usually write at least 20 pages of just drafts of ideas, scenes, and future things that I want to happen and then finally I'll write something that seems right and I'll stick with that. So with all of that combined, I can easily say about two years.

What is your favorite thing about writing Wanderlust?

My favorite thing about writing Wanderlust would definitely have to be the hallucinations and side effects of Dahlia's condition and the more action, pressured-filled scenes in the story. They're really exciting for me and I feel like I'm at my most creative when I do. I do, however, try not to torture the poor girl too much.

What is the most challenging thing about writing it?

It's most challenging wondering if my story stands out. There are thousands of different ideas of a dystopian future or ruined nation stories that can all be creative but also overdone. In an attempt to not do that, I didn't make the current state of the nation the main thing. I always try to root it in the background and have almost everybody have their beef with it, but really just stay focused on the main characters themselves. Another challenge is wondering if I'm consistent, meaning does my writing get really lazy feeling at some points or am I always strong in my delivery? It's why I always love feedback, no matter the kind.

Have you ever experienced writer's block with this story? If so, how did you overcome it?

I rarely get writer's block when I first start a story because I'm so into creating it and writing it, basically just getting lost in it. But as the story grows, I get writer's block all the time. One of my rules is that I never ever try to write when I just feel like I can't. I literally cannot make myself just write something and call it a chapter, I have to feel what I'm writing so sometimes my updates can take a little longer because of that. I don't have any cures for writer's block, though, but if there are any remedies out there, sign me up!

Do you write with an outline, or just wing it?

Completely and totally wing it. I mean sure I have an idea of what I want to happen but it doesn't always mean that it will. It's all about the current flow of what I'm feeling at the moment while writing it.

Do you have any pre/post writing rituals?

I don't have any rituals, but I guess while writing I always listen to music that can inspire me further. I guess that could count as a ritual of some sorts.

Is there anything you would like to say to your readers?

To any present and future readers, I hope you love my story as much as I do. And for those who start reading after I finish, make sure to check out the sequel! It won't disappoint, I promise!

P.S. Did I mention that you're all lovely for reading my story? Because you totally are and I send my thanks again your way, tenfold.

Special thanks to nearly witches. and Fandango for editing.