Sunday 18 January 2015

A Sword, a Song and a Dream: An Introduction

I've mentioned on this blog before my new novel, currently entitled 'A Sword, a Song and a Dream'. I thought I'd take a few minutes to jot down some details about what that's all about.

So firstly, I'm currently half way through the first draft, having taken a slight break for various reasons. I completed 50,000 words last month for NaNoWriMo, and while happy with my progress, it was not something I could sustain over this month as well. I'll also not be revealing overly much of the details of the novel, as I do hope that eventually it might be published, and publishers may frown upon the minutiae of the plot having been broadcast over the internet. Regardless, it's best to avoid shooting myself in the foot before I begin.

So the seeds for this novel were planted in my head over a year ago, with a few ideas that came together into one interesting story. However, this story is not the one I'm writing now. What happened was that as the story developed in my head, I realised that so many elements relied on history. And while it would certainly be possible to allow the history to come forth in the writing, I decided it would be far more interesting to actually go back and write it first. That way I could adapt better to possible changes. If I ever make it back to that original story, it will likely be far removed from my original vision.

So I wanted to go faaaar back, about a thousand years. As close to the birth of civilisation in this world as possible without drawing me too far outside my comfort zone. The original plan was to have three separate novels, following three separate protagonists. I had decided upon two so far: the young dreamwalker learning to use his powers; and the bodyguard/warrior. The idea was that the three stories would intertwine, eventually leading to a fourth book in which they all 'teamed up'. It took me a few months to realise that plan was a little farfetched, and decided instead to put them all in one book simultaneously.

With that, I let the ideas stew in my head for a few months, until a few days before NaNoWriMo, at which point I realised that I had a story to tell. So I scrambled to put together enough detail in my head to start writing. Here's the blurb I came up with before I started writing:

Phael Tenred, a mercenary with a bloody past, hoping to make a new beginning for herself. But after everything she's done, does she deserve it?

Callaran, a grey man, player of songs and folklore bard. Searching for a legend of a new age to cement his name.

Den-For-Aru, of the murdered Fenswill clan, dreamwalker, thief. Biding his time to get revenge on the ones who killed his tribe.

All tied into the fate of Orinne Mearri, the young exiled queen of Verdbar, who's quest to retake her throne is the culmination of everything she's trained for.

 

As you might be able to tell, it's a far more serious novel than one of the Talent trilogy, though I try to keep some humour in where I can. The character of Callaran, for instance, relies a lot of humour in his interactions with others.

Hopefully, I'll have the bulk of the first draft done by the end of February, though certain engagements may prevent me from writing as much as I'd like. After that I'll send it to a bunch of people I trust to help me get an idea of what works and what doesn't.

Thank you for reading, and as always, if you have any questions or comments, there's a little box where you can write them down below!