How to begin whaling

Abstract

Whaling is a long form work of fiction. It is a shorter novel length piece, but over 65,000 words. A brief synopsis of the work would identify it as a "rites of passage" story with hints of "superhero" and a little "buddy love" archetypes. This work is akin to elements of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, It’s Kind of a Funny Story, and Girl, Interrupted; however, it departs from these works in an aim to move the tension from the goings on of the text to the feelings the reader has. This is more a work of healing, thus stands in contrasts to the typical dependence on tension between the characters. This work is the result of overcome the understanding and patience needed to write long form, which was a new process. The goal of removing or reducing expected tension isn’t easy, but the work stays true to the aim with a protagonist that finds herself in a setting that is supportive, leaving the only place for tension to be in her. This is also, where the work might provide implications to the field by being a readable and enjoyable work that avoids the typical or easy tension. Perhaps, building that tension in the reader so that they question why they are looking so hard for tension, question what that reveals about them.