Time is a curious thing. I’ve found when we focus on time, it seems to drag on at a snail’s pace. Yet when we do not pay attention to it, it flies right past. When it comes to fiction, time can play an interesting function. Stories and novels can take place from anywhere to the course of a single day (or less) with a few characters, to several years, decades even, covering generations of people. At other times, a story can seem to go by slower or faster than it really does. Simply put, in stories, as in life, time and how much we pay attention to it can affect how things play out.
A story that takes place in a short amount of time by drawing it out, such as chapters and sections being either specified by time (like a subtitle) or within the text (such as a character mentioning the time). The constant mention of time helps to make the shorter time feel longer. With a story set out over a long period of time, I usually have found there isn’t as many references to the time, which can make the time go faster. Interesting paradox, isn’t it?
I also want to talk about time in a different sense. Perhaps all writers think about what shall become of their work as time goes on. This became more apparent to me because I recently learned that my novel’s publisher, Mockingbird Lane Press, has sadly had to close. No doubt writers want their work to outlive them, to still be read and assessed long after they’re gone. It does seem that any work defined as a literary classic these days is one that has withstood the test of time, to still be printed and sold years, centuries, after it was first published. There are many writers who are remembered for a single thing out of their entire literary output.
Sometimes I think writers wish they could see where their work goes in the future, similar to how in an episode of the Spanish TV drama El Ministerio del Tiempo (The Ministry of Time), a cynical and suicidal Miguel de Cervantes was shown by the protagonists the impact Don Quixote would have on Spain and the world in the centuries after his time (their goal was to ensure its publication, as they’d faced a threat it might not be, thus changing the course of history and literature). Their efforts gave Cervantes the courage and drive to finish Don Quixote (specifically the first half, as the book was actually in two parts with more than a decade in between being published), and go on with his life, thus ensuring he and his magnum opus would make history. In the end, I suppose, what matters is hope: hope that something creative will someday reach that level.
Time is indeed a curious thing. But it keeps going on, as must we. And don’t worry, I do intend to republish my novel.
Andrew McDowell 
Sorry to hear about the closure of your publisher, Andrew. I hope all goes well with the republishing. Do you intend to find another publisher, or will you self-publish?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks. I do intend to to find another publisher. I’ll be sure to share updates when I have them.
LikeLike
I’m sorry to hear that the publisher of your novel has had to close. It’s good that there are so many options now for republishing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Liz.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome, Andrew.
LikeLiked by 1 person
If you are interested, my publisher is Next Chapter. They seem to be a growing concern, and do some marketing, too. If you look them up you can find out a bit more.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Interesting what you say about the mentioning of time in books. I actually hadn’t noticed but I shall look out for that in future. As for Don Quixote, I’m afraid I didn’t even finish reading the first part of the book (sorry for that, Senor Cervantes).
You really must republish your book, Andrew. Others should not be deprived of the pleasure of reading it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Chris.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awe, so sorry to hear about your publisher, Andrew, but you know the old saying: when one door closes, another one opens. Great post. Here’s wishing you a lot of doors open up to you! Cheers!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Sharon. Cheers!
LikeLike
If you need/want any feedback on future drafts, feel free to contact me. Take care.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks. You too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Really insightful essay, Andrew. Gives one lots to think about.
Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome, and thank you.
LikeLike
Hi Andrew, I am sorry to hear your publisher has closed. A sign of the times, I think. What happens now? Does the book revert back to you by default?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Robbie. That’s exactly what it was. Publishing rights will eventually revert back to me, and I do intend to get another publisher. I’ll share more details when they come.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m sorry to hear this, Andrew. Good luck in finding a new publisher.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome, Andrew!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love the mention of El Ministerio del Tiempo. I became completely engrossed in that show, and it inspired me to visit Cervantes’s home in Valladolid.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very interesting blog 🥰
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pingback: Second Edition of Mystical Greenwood Pre-Order! | Andrew McDowell
The hopeful thing about time is that it only takes a second for somebody to remember it and for always. Even if it’s not in writing. I remember a lot of things that were not written down but I can’t forget.
LikeLiked by 1 person