Aug 23, 2023
Hey everyone, Shu here! 🦊 How are you?
I'm writing this message in parts because I don't think I could handle doing it all at once. I hope you understand, and that you can stay awake while reading 🤣
Whew, it's over, and I can't believe it. It feels like just yesterday the contest was starting, and we were all chatting about our stories. But at the same time, it feels great to have come back for another year. If you had asked me if I would get to know so many wonderful people and read so many stories that would keep me glued to my phone at night, I would have said never before the contest. And here I am, enjoying every moment! But before I continue with this, here's the part I want to get off my chest.
I was so persistent in talking about my novel that you probably already know this, but a big part of this novel is self-referential. And of course, that part mostly consists of Takashi's fears. When I started writing 'Comeback,' a month before the contest, the yūrei started approaching me. They didn't touch me, thankfully, but I'm not sure how close they got. And it was right at that time that I could look at the sky and realize they weren't real. That's why I set out to write it the way I did, without changes and possibly risking not fitting the prompt (well there were twists and I think I’m more safe now so we move), because it was necessary for what I wanted most: To write a novel I can read when I'm feeling down and that can help others in the same situation ❤️🩹. I haven't needed it yet (thank God I'm getting better every day), but I know it'll be here when the stream turns into an open sea.
I think it was very late in the novel that I realized there was another self-referential part as well: Jun mixed with the concept of losing a close person, someone very important in life who helped me when I needed it and pushed me to be better. And yes, it was reading before publishing the chapter about the crash that I realized it. That's why the aspect I liked highlighting the most about Takashi is his determination, and I believe making him defeat Izanami was a way to maybe represent a personal desire. There were many times I wondered why life acted the way it did and what would have happened if things had gone differently. But it was while writing that I found peace and a beautiful analogy: that if you look at the sky searching for determination, there are stars watching over us. They might not be as visible as in the novel, but they're there🌟
And the stars are also on Earth. Because stars, essentially, are light. And the great, beautiful light is the people around us. That's why I wanted to especially thank each person who sent me a message of support, a kind comment, or any show of affection during this journey that was so important. And I hope I was able to give back some of the light you've given me 😊
I want this message to remain here for whoever wants to read it. If the novel advances in the contest (I hope it does), let it serve as a reminder that despite life's twists and obstacles, everything is achievable. And if it doesn't end up that way, let it serve as a reminder (and remind me when I need it) that this doesn't end here, and we should always keep learning, returning, and fighting 💖
Thank you for all the support during this time. I promise to catch up on all the pending readings, and I hope to see you all again soon. With affection,
Shulox ❤️
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izHyKdrSKvo&ab_channel=PorterRobinson
