<p>On Creative Writing is grateful to author <strong>Sean Minogue</strong> for this engaging audio essay about writing his speculative fiction time-travel thriller, <em>Terminal Solstice</em>! Sean takes listeners through the decade-long period during which he was (mostly) writing <em>Terminal Solstice</em> (<a href="https://www.turnstonepress.com/books/ravenstone/terminal-solstice.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Ravenstone, an imprint of Turnstone Press, 2025</a>).</p><p>Sean describes the novel’s central concept: a world where time literally freezes, and everyone is suddenly stuck in an unconscious, mannequin-like state. All technology stops, cars crash, and planes fall from the sky. These events happen without warning and follow no predictable schedule. While governments struggle to adapt, small groups have discovered a way to stay awake during these &quot;frozen&quot; events. <em>Terminal Solstice</em> follows three characters as they navigate a power struggle within a city that is totally silent and motionless.</p><p>The novel progressed over ten years, beginning as a collection of loosely connected ideas before transforming into a cohesive narrative. Sean describes the early stages of experimentation and how his vision for the story sharpened as he evolved personally and immersed himself in parenting.</p><p>While writing <em>Terminal Solstice</em>, parenthood became a priority for Sean. Although writing was set aside for a time to focus on his child, being a parent significantly influenced his creative process—over time, he became more patient, more aware, and a better problem solver.</p><p>Sean also discusses how his diverse background in theater, film, and television influenced his approach to storytelling, specifically regarding pacing, dialogue, and visual imagery. He reflects on how his work as a copywriter honed his ability to write with clarity and precision—skills that proved invaluable during many rounds of revision—and notes how mentorships helped guide his progress.</p><p>As the writing process continued, the story grew more complex, with characters and themes deepening as Sean revisited and reimagined the manuscript. He emphasizes the importance of patience and allowing a story to unfold organically rather than forcing it into a predetermined mold.</p><p>Finally, Sean shares his experience working with <a href="https://www.turnstonepress.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer"><strong>Turnstone Press</strong></a>. He speaks highly of the collaborative process, noting how the editorial team provided insightful feedback that was instrumental in refining the manuscript for publication.</p><p>Throughout this episode, Sean offers valuable insights into the emotional and practical realities of novel writing. His journey is a testament to the power of persistence and the rewards of following a creative vision.</p><p><strong>Connect with the Author:</strong></p><ul><li><p>Find <strong>Sean Minogue</strong> at his <a href="https://www.seanminogue.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">website</a> and follow him on <a href="https://www.instagram.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram</a>.</p></li><li><p>Discover Sean’s Q&amp;A interview at <a href="https://oncreativewriting.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">OnCreativeWriting.com</a>.</p></li></ul>