Today I received an update from Europe Books: my rock-novel Demiurg. I-Deal Way successfully passed the first stage of their editorial review and now moves into the detailed assessment phase.
For me, these 10–14 days of waiting are not a reason to sit back. On the contrary, it’s the perfect time to keep building the Universe — I’m already working on the continuation of the story, expanding characters, and exploring new media formats around it.
At the same time, I’ve just submitted Demiurg. I-Deal Way to the Filmmatic Sci-Fi/Fantasy Awards (another “waiting window” till November 15) — and I want to highlight that this was possible thanks to Stage32, where I first learned about the contest. I’m really grateful to the platform and the community for constantly opening doors and opportunities like this.
Every step forward with publishers and festivals is important, but the real fuel comes from the creative process itself.
How do you use your own “waiting windows” in projects? Do you pause, or keep creating?
2 people like this
Congratulations, Chris Stefans! I usually start a new project, pitch, or network. Sometimes I'll take a break.
2 people like this
Chris Stefans Hi! First of all, congratulations — you did great, you can be proud of yourself.
Waiting period: I’m often surprised that other writers keep writing all the time… I’m sure the fault is mine, but I don’t write anything — even though I already have ideas — because I want to wait and see what happens with my first novel.
Of course, maybe that’s unnecessary, but I want my characters to end up in the place I dreamed for them.
2 people like this
I am inclined to develop the plot, but this is possible because for me, books, songs, and scripts are elements of one super-project - the Universe.
2 people like this
Sanna Peth , this is so cool—the wonderful ability to pause, let a story mature within you, and only then release it into the world. It requires peace and patience.
2 people like this
Chris Stefans Well, I’m still working on my patience — sometimes I even fall asleep over my laptop while waiting for feedback. But for some reason, I really believe in this project. The feedback I’ve received so far, I think, has been encouraging: even though it’s only from two people, I’m so happy because they both wrote everything in such detail, were so helpful, and encouraged me that it’s a really good story. I’m very grateful to them, and of course to this community as well, because you are incredibly motivating and supportive.
2 people like this
Sanna Peth I know from experience how important it is for aspiring authors to receive feedback on their work. If you trust me with the opportunity to review your project, I'll be happy to provide you with my feedback.
4 people like this
Chris Stefans I’d be happy to share my pitch with you — I’m just not sure how much you’re into romance novels. :)
3 people like this
Sanna Peth you are welcome!
4 people like this
I like this post because it can very. When I wrote about my husbands heart attack I wrote constantly. I couldn't sleep anyway and found it very healing to get all my feelings out. But down the track when I wrote about my Dad's Parkinson's that was more here and there because some moments were funny and some moments were heartbreaking. I like how you use the term 'waiting windows' - I'm going to refer to my writers block as a 'waiting window' now. Takes the pressure off!
4 people like this
I agree with you, Lauren Hackney . Sometimes, when external circumstances are stressing you out, writing allows you to release tension and pour out your emotions on paper. But sometimes you're so stressed that you want to write a chapter, but the words just won't form into sentences. In such cases, I do this: I write poetry. It provides a more powerful emotional release. Then I generate music and put together a song. Then I put it on a loop in my earbuds, and writing the chapter becomes easy because the song sets the right mood.
4 people like this
Chris Stefans that is beautiful. You write poetry and put together a song... you have many talents Chris! Looking forward to seeing what happens for you next!