Since I write science fiction, my thoughts flew to "metatext" for this challenge, that is to say, text about the text. In science fiction, "secondary world" is a term for a world that was never our own, something made up from scratch. One of the headaches of secondary worlds in particular, and long-runnning series in general (from a writer's point of view) is keeping track of, well, everything. So you start making notes...
The guitar part is very rough, I'm afraid. Oh, well, it's a skirmish.
(And look, there's a FAWM sticker on the computer!)
Secondary World Blues
Deirdre M Murphy
G D G
Writing in the real world, is a challenge for poor you
D D7 G (G7)
The readers all complain if you get a detail wrong
G D G
You tried it once and ended up feeling black and blue
C Am D7 G
So you chose to write in secondary worlds your whole life long
C
So you’re writing in a universe
D7 G
You made up on your own
C Am
There’s so much to remember
D D7 G
Or continuity is blown!
Your first book there was worthy, it received good reviews
The second one was popular, the third one was deemed great (Yay!)
There’s so many ways you try before a final plot you choose
You must recollect the last one or you’ll face the same old fate
Cause you’re writing in a universe
You made up on your own
There’s so much to remember
Or continuity is blown!
You start with notes on cards, then a timeline on the wall
You write more books, make more notes,
and buy some more scotch tape
But your writing space is tiny, it just can’t hold them all
Somehow you must computerize, to keep your world shipshape
For you’re writing in a universe
You made up on your own
There’s so much to remember
Or continuity is blown!
You finally try a wiki, let your fans help you keep track
Of the people, dates, and plot points,
who’s together and who’s split
You wonder if you chose right, worldbuilding it from jack
If you’d stuck with the real world you could just Google it!
But you’re writing in a universe
You made up on your own
There’s so much to remember
Or continuity is blown!
Copyright ©2022 Deirdre M Murphy (2/17/22) #S021722, #skirmish #filk #writing #blues
@nadine Mar 2022
This is such a cool song title, I just had to listen to it. I read a lot of sci-fi and wonder if your secondary world is an image for escapism. Because in my honest opinion sci-fi is a lot about dealing with the outcomes of today's problems. Interpolation to the future or an alternate reality. I can relate a lot to the "There’s so much to remember Or continuity is blown!" as hobby author. Thanks for writing about writing. #tit4tat
@raspberry33 Feb 2022
Thought-provoking. So, here's my question: Why are science-fiction fans so vehemently critical of FICTION, when a significant chunk of the population can't even be bothered with disputing factual errors? But , don't feel bad - even the pros let continuity errors slip by - the Starbucks cup in Game of Thrones, or the electric lamps in Gone With the Wind, I enjoy your unique POV.
@davidbreslin101 Feb 2022
Came for the nerdy title.... I just love your rueful humour and fast-paced delivery. Cracked up at "If you’d stuck with the real world you could just Google it!"
@leka Feb 2022
Brilliant viewpoint. I guess it would be easier with a unique universe for every work.
@fantasywriter42 Feb 2022
Haha! This is so fantastic! And it really is largely how it works. I'm actually doing first drafts of my whole series before I start publishing to make sure the continuity stays intact throughout.
Also, I have definitely pulled up Google to specifically search how one of my races would do something, or how a certain ability would work only to realize that Google would not have information that I have not yet written for my not-yet-published series... lol.
@cairobraga Feb 2022
I LOVE THIS!!! an amazing take on the prompt and so rich in narrative and humour.
since this is a song about metatext, henceforth a hypertext, I hereby declare it is a hypermetatext. kudos!
@gmcgath Feb 2022
So true! Whether you create a universe, use the real world, or write alternate history, consistency is a pain.
@musicsongwriter Feb 2022
Very interesting story song and a lovely take on the prompt.