Ok, so I’m not the most pumpkin spice-loving person ever, but I still find fall cozy, with hoodies, and crunching leaves, and pumpkin bars or bread or muffins. (I like my coffee black–no pumpkin spice or any other gross in there please!) There’s just something about the brisk fall wind that makes me want to grab some apple cider or chai tea and curl up and read–or write!
I have been working on the Palon and Windward prequel, and 23k into what was expected to be a 20k novella, I realize this is going to be significantly longer than I had intended. I don’t think it’ll be a full novel, but I don’t want to cut things short either. So I’m just continuing to write, and while I’m still not going at my usual rate, the words are flowing and so I can’t complain too much. I’m trying not to focus too much on what I’d wish for, instead carving out little bits of writing time here and there and making the most of it. I could have had a story ready for you all by now, but it wouldn’t be very good, so I’ve decided not to rush it. While I am eager to share Palon and Windward’s beginnings with you, I’d rather it be something enjoyable, rather than a mess!
I’ve thrown together this first draft of Palon and Windward’s prequel cover using concept art from the design process of Windward’s cover. Since their book is Windward, I though it’d be fitting to name the prequel after Palon. Clearly, I need to fix the bottom section, but I’ll get to that!
In epic fantasy series news, I have an editing plan being fashioned for the Book Three edits, as well, and I’m excited to get started on those. It still doesn’t look like I’ll need to do a full re-write, though I do have some major shoring up to do as well as shoveling away the bits that don’t work or don’t fit.
In November, I’m planning to do Nano again, as I have for years. I don’t want to break the tradition! I’m not sure I’ll realistically be able to edit Book Three while writing a brand new Book Four, so Book Three is probably not going to be ready for betas until early next year. However, I will give a shout out to my newsletter when I’m ready! In the meantime, I’m excited to re-write Book Four, since things have shifted so drastically since its first writing, so there’s very little if anything there I’ll be able to use. Even so, I have plans, and they make me cackle with villain energy.
While things simmer, I’m putting together a new, more eye-catching cover for Prelude Cycle, my epic fantasy novella. I will likely fiddle a bit with details, but I’m enjoying the increased vibrancy.
And in the meantime, Windward is still in the running for the SPFBO, which is amazing. I did not expect to see semi-finalist ranking, but I’m so glad the judges are enjoying it. By the end of the month, the fantastic people at The Fantasy Hive will have picked their finalist from the six semi-finalists still left.
I’m doing another promo, this time focused on amazing, in-depth worldbuilding. This is (obviously) a passion of mine, so I’m excited to take part. If you’re looking to dive into a new, epic fantasy world, check out these other books!
I enjoyed the worldbuilding and the magic system in this epic fantasy. It feels a little lighter in tone than my normal, possibly because it’s YA, but even so it was an enjoyable read. Cool magic, interesting characters, and fun relationships from romance to strong friendships make this a book to check out!
Mirah looks for the best in everybody. But her naiveté is shattered when her clan is slaughtered, and she’s dragged into captivity. Vulnerable and scared, she has no choice but to accept her kidnappers’ offer to join their sect of lethal female fighters.
Desperate to find stability in her chaotic new life, Mirah throws herself into training as a water mage and warrior. But as she discovers her unprecedented elemental control, her instructor warns that revealing her power will put her in mortal danger.
With the fate of humanity at risk, will Mirah’s growing abilities spell her salvation… or destruction?
A Voice That Thunders is the first book in the action-packed Voice that Thunders epic fantasy series. If you like strong women, intricate world-building, and stories of enduring friendship, then you’ll adore Cully Mack’s riveting saga.
I also recently read Of Blood and Fire by Ryan Cahill. It was like The Eye of the World and Eragon mixed up together: a familiar medieval-esque setting with all sorts of mythical races/creatures. Even so, the hints of interesting wider worldbuilding (I particularly loved the dwarves, but the giants were also awesome) kept pulling me along. There were a lot of tropes I enjoy, including the dragon, and the bits and pieces of mentioned history were fantastic.
So if you want to try it out before trying it out, check out this novella to get a feel for the writing style and world!
The Order have watched over the continent of Epheria for thousands of years.
But there are those who believe The Order has had its day. That it is corrupt, indulgent, and deceitful – that it is ready to fall.
The City of Ilnaen is on fire.
Dragons fill the skies.
Traitors fill the streets.
The Fall is a novella set in the world of The Bound and The Broken series. It takes place 400 years before the events of Of Blood and Fire.
