I had been asked by readers whether I would write a sequel to Florid Eyes: A Novel, and I did really very much want to write one. I felt that the love story between Violet and Josh represents a stage of my life. It is, of course, very important to me, so I don’t want to write a sequel just for the sake of having one. I’ve been completely consumed with work for the past six months and I hardly had any time for sleep or for my social life. It has been very hard, but it’s a price I’m willing to pay for pursuing my PhD dream.
The biggest problem in writing that I now face is not only the lack of time, but the lack of inspirations. Since I had little time outside of working and teaching, I couldn’t explore life and experience the stimulants I need. Florid Eyes: A Novel is basically my own manifesto. I need to have new messages and new philosophy to embed in the sequel.
Fortunately, I had the chance to go on a Christmas getaway in a tropical paradise. As a go getter who is always working towards a goal, I have always had this or that to accomplish and never enjoyed just chilling on a sun bed and listening to the waves. This year end vacation turns out to be exactly what I need– a time to take my mind off work or my PhD trouble and to submerge into the wonderful things that future may hold.
I know I won’t be able to start working on this sequel until after I have moved to a new city for my PhD sometime later in the year, but I sure do have a better idea of the direction I want to take.
I wrote a small scene when I was lying next to the pool under a clear sky with 31 stars (I actually took the time to count!). I hope to upload it later after some further polishing for my readers as a preview.
Enjoy reading!
