inspiration

The spark that lit the fire, the peculiar seed from which my writing journey sprouted. It's an unconventional inspiration, sprung not from the flickering spark of an idea or a sudden creative burst, but from a place of frustration, impatience, and yes, a dollop of spite.

You see, my favorite author, the brilliant Patrick Rothfuss, known for his intricate narratives and exquisitely crafted worlds, had left his readers in anticipation for the final book of his trilogy. One evening, as the twilight of impatience was falling, I dared to voice a thought that had been whispering in the back of my mind: "I could probably write a book of my own before Rothfuss finishes his." A spontaneous challenge to myself, a race against an unwitting opponent, this remark, a mix of jest and earnest, became the spark that led me to pick up the proverbial pen.

Ironically, although it took me nearly a decade to truly commit to this craft, I managed to release my first installment of my trilogy before Rothfuss concluded his. A peculiar victory, you might say. Now, I am on the cusp of completing the second book in my series, while the final offering from my favorite author is still awaited.

Coming from a world far removed from the creative, having tread the pragmatic path of finance for most of my life, this venture into writing felt like a departure. Yet, it has been an exhilarating journey. My creativity, which had hitherto found expression in the occasional dabble in painting, drawing, and building, now had a clear direction. This aspiration to write provided a focus that channelled all my creative energy into a single outlet - a venture that proved to be as rewarding as it was challenging.

My inspiration is not solely rooted in this personal challenge. I've been influenced by a cornucopia of literary greats, from Tolkien's fantastical realms to King's masterful suspense, Rowling's enchanting wizardry, and Jean M. Auel's meticulous historical accuracy. I am especially fond of Gerald Morris's retellings of age-old tales that breathed fresh life into stories told countless times. Each of these masters of the written word has left a profound impression on my work, shaping my writing style and narrative approach.

So, here I am, fueled by a blend of dogged determination, literary admiration, and yes, a hint of spite. I have embarked on this literary journey, not simply to fill the wait for my favorite author's finale, but to build worlds of my own, to weave tales that thrill, and to challenge myself to reach new heights of creativity. The journey continues, and I invite you to join me on this adventure. After all, who knows how many books I might write before Rothfuss publishes his next?

The Process

In the early days, one could say my writing process was akin to a ship without a compass - I simply put pen to paper when inspiration struck, and when it didn't, I chastised myself. A system of chaos and spontaneity, if it could be called a system at all. It was a method (or lack thereof) that got me through my first book, but by the skin of my teeth.

The endless hours of editing that ensued opened my eyes to the urgent need for a more organized approach. I realized that to truly weave a tale worth telling, I needed to delve deeper, build broader, crafting a world rich in detail and complexity, the majority of which may never meet the reader's eye. This was the inception of kingdoms, religions, gods, and universes; the birth of heroes and villains, mystical creatures and magical entities. And in the midst of all this fantastical creation, I strive to ground as much as I can in the tangible, in the scientifically plausible. An undertone of potential reality adds to the allure, allowing the reader to entertain the notion, however fleeting, that perhaps, just perhaps, this could be possible.

The transformation of my process has been quite significant. It now begins with the construction of a comprehensive outline, a skeletal roadmap of the journey to come. Each chapter gets its own few lines of guidance, which evolve into detailed paragraphs as I draw closer to their execution. The path I outline for myself is rarely the one I follow rigidly. It's more of a loose guide, a beacon in the distance that ensures I don't stray too far off course and wander into unnecessary plotlines.

This approach, although far from perfect, provides the balance of flexibility and structure that I need. It allows me to have a clear direction without stifling the organic evolution of the story. The disciplined chaos of this method may seem paradoxical, but for me, it's the engine that keeps the train of thought on its tracks, driving the narrative forward towards its destination.

About Dan O’Shea

I’ve been told to write this in the third-person as it’s for some reason viewed as amateurish to write a biography in the first-person. Well, I refuse. I am not someone who speaks of myself in the third-person, and I will not be someone who writes of myself that way either. My name is Daniel O’Shea and I am stubborn, prideful and an ‘amateurish’ writer.

I was born in Tennessee, but raised mostly in New Hampshire. I loved to read and draw as a child, but I never expected to become a writer. My life has always been directed down a more structured path of science, math, and most of all, business. I graduated with a M.S. in Finance at Northeastern University in Boston with the hopes that it would give me a leg up in my career. Though, many times it seems to simply have been a rather expensive waste of time.

Early on in my career I was encouraged by a friend, who motivated me only as a mentor could, to start my own accounting consulting business. I was young and anxious, but starting a business is much simpler than most people realize. Operating them successfully can be hard, and at many times it was. The consulting business is why I am where I am. It afforded me the opportunity to work my own hours while paying for college. It gave me the confidence and knowledge to pursue far reaching goals. It granted me the certainty in myself to take, and pass, the Mensa entrance exam. And more than anything else, it allowed me the free time to begin writing and exploring the more artistic side of my personality. 

I suppose getting a degree in finance was helpful, perhaps even crucial, to becoming a writer. Our roads may not always be straight or clear. We’ll almost certainly start our journeys far from where we end them. But it wouldn’t be meaningful if the goal was easily reached. The best adventures always start on a cloudy day.