Help me write a series

[kyva]

So...I've written 3 novellas (75,000 words) in a little over two weeks. Over the next week and a half, I'll be editing older works, but I still want to write. However, instead of writing something too serious (which I seem to be doing more of these days) I want to go back to being childish and fun. This can only mean one thing....

Talking Animal Stories!

Yeah...they're overdone, but my brain kind of needs a breather from my more serious pieces. I noticed during the last two weeks while I was writing those erotica novellas how fast and fun they were. It was way outside my comfort zone, but for some reason, they ended up being some of my better writing (because I didn't stop to think about what I was writing every 10 minutes).

Then, this week I wrote a story that's been in my head for 2 years, which is more sci-fi than fantasy. 25k in, and it's finished (I didn't want to stretch it with fluff).

Realizing what I have these last two weeks, I know I'm more attracted to smaller, novella sized stories. However, I really liked being able to link the two erotica novellas together in a series. And I'd love to do that again, only this time, something for readers who shy away from written sex scenes. The easiest thing I can think of are talking animals.

You may recall a post like this sometime last year, about talking ferrets. This is still a possibility, but I wanted to get some insight first. What animals have you not seen personified (as the main cast) in a novel or series of novels? I'd love to do rats, but they've already been done. I'm also attracted to red pandas, but have no idea as to why.

Have any suggestions? Where would they live? What's the conflict/danger?

If I can get this rolling, those who help out with the story posts will have a mention on the site as well as the books themselves (when I publish them). So, have at it :)

Comments

[crystal-phoenix.livejournal.com]

Well, most woodland critters are out, since there's Redwall and Watership Down (which I've never actually read); deer and wolves were done in The Fire Bringer (not to be confused with Meredith Anne Pierce's The Firebringer) and The Sight/Fell.

What about ... whales? You could go the pacefist baleen against the agressive orca.

[kyvah.livejournal.com]

:) I don't know much about marine life sadly. And aside from exploring old sea wreckage, I want the characters to be able to explore so of the human settlements long after they're gone.

Although, seals are extremely cute...those and otters. Love otters.

Also, on a fun side note, did you know there are furry/anthro publishers? I just found this out. I also forgot Ursula Vernon wrote an anthro series, as did Kyell Gold. Man, I've been away from the fandom too long.

[crystal-phoenix.livejournal.com]

Hrmm ... what about selkies? They could explore in their human forms. Just a thought. ;)

... Furry/anthro publishers? No, I didn't!

[kyvah.livejournal.com]

Selkies are dogs, aren't they? Sorry, my brain sort of needs a reboot.

I actually had a really good idea last night, I just need to flesh it out before I can begin blocking out the plot.

[crystal-phoenix.livejournal.com]

No, they're from Irish folklore ... sentient seals who shed their skins to walk the world as human. If you have a selkie skin, you have dominence over that selkie.

[kyvah.livejournal.com]

Ooo, I never heard of these. *goes to research* Thank you :)