Exciting Updates on Books 3 & 4 of The Stormfall Cycle — A Challenging Yet Rewarding Year

Hello fellow fantasy lovers!

I appreciate your patience during this quiet year, and I'm eager to finally bring some thrilling updates. I’m happy to announce that I have completed Book 3 in the Stormfall Cycle! It's currently with my editor, and the anticipation is overwhelming.

But that's not all! There's more good news. Another book snuck into this series without me knowing about it... Book 4 is essentially finished as well! I'm in the midst of revising it to refine the story further before sending it to the editor too. It feels liberating to have both projects nearing completion, and I can't wait for you to explore these new adventures.

A Year of Challenges

This year has been a tough journey for me—one that has tested my limits. Since March, I have faced significant health challenges and have gone through an astonishing thirteen courses of antibiotics. Constant illness kept me sidelined for at least two weeks every month, severely impacting my writing.

Though through it all, I got to see my boy take his first steps, say his first words, and give me the best melting hugs a father could ask for. And I am thankful for every moment.

Who knew daycare germs could be so lethal? I jest, but only a little.

Embracing Resilience in Writing

Despite these setbacks, I have mounted the proverbial horse and firmly settled into the writing saddle. Throughout this journey, I have learned valuable lessons about resilience and self-care. For instance, running the other way when someone coughs.

With renewed energy and perspective, I am excited to share my novels with you all as soon as possible.

The Journey of Writing Book 3

Writing Book 3 in the Stormfall Cycle has been a heartfelt endeavour. I invested countless hours developing the characters, widening the plot, and incorporating feedback from beta readers.

For example, one scene features a gripping confrontation between two main characters, which heightens the emotional stakes. Their evolving relationship reflects deeper themes of friendship and courage while navigating the relentless battle of good versus evil. It’s these elements that make me eager for you to finally read it.

Some days have been hard, and some have been a breeze to write, but there are always a few moments of solace found in the worlds I created. Imagining the realms of Stormfall provided comfort and sparked inspiration, demonstrating how the power of storytelling can help you escape daily challenges.

Sneak Peek into Book 4

Without giving too much away, Book 4 raises the stakes for the world of Mayanore in every possible way. Darkness looms, and the future looks uncertain. This finale will test every bond, belief, and boundary the characters have built.

Looking Ahead

As I navigate the final stages of editing both books, I am filled with optimism and determination. My commitment to delivering entertaining and meaningful stories remains unwavering, and I look forward to what lies ahead.

I will continue sharing updates as we approach the release dates, so be sure to stay informed!

Thank you for being such a supportive community. I can’t wait for you to join me on these new adventures. Here’s to a future brimming with stories that both inspire and entertain!

A stack of fantasy novels ready for readers

Stay tuned for more updates, and happy reading!

Creating Magic: My Journey as a Fantasy Writer and the Power of Building Worlds and Shaping Characters

As a fantasy writer, I truly believe that the best stories invite readers to jump into the vast and captivating worlds we create. Writing isn’t just my job; it’s a thrilling adventure that allows me to explore my imagination while sharing that wonder with you. In this post, I’m thrilled to take you on a personal journey through the art of world-building and character creation that transforms simple words into something extraordinary.

Being an author is a profound experience that bestows upon us a power that is often likened to that of gods. Through the written word, we possess the ability to manipulate time itself, stretching mere moments into everlasting memories or transforming an eternity into a fleeting instant. The act of crafting a story allows us to weave intricate tapestries of imagination, where characters come to life, worlds unfold before our eyes, and emotions resonate deeply within the hearts of our readers.

The Spark of Inspiration

Every writer has that moment of inspiration—the flash that ignites creativity. Mine struck unexpectedly one rainy evening as I flipped through a classic sword and sorcery tale written by David Gemmell called Winter Warriors. I was whisked away to a realm where anything was possible, where heroes faced immense challenges. That thrilling sensation stirred something deep within me, pushing me to craft my own epic fantasy narrative.

The beauty of fantasy lies in endless possibilities. Each world I create can reflect unique landscapes, cultures, and histories. For example, I’ve imagined bustling nightlife in oppressed cities, eerie lands of forgotten empires, and magical cities in inhospitable realms. This creative freedom drives my imagination, inviting me to explore innovative concepts, engaging characters, and adventurous plots beyond conventional limits.

The Art of World-Building

World-building is an intricate process that demands careful thought and attention to detail. It involves creating a new reality where readers can escape and immerse themselves. Every detail, from geography to political dynamics, weaves together the story's fabric.

I typically begin with a simple question: what does this world feel like? Once I have an idea, I map out significant locations, develop rich histories, and immerse myself in the culture. For instance, I’ve crafted realms featuring towering mountains, enchanted forests, floating islands, I've created tales where reality merges with the fantastical—all waiting to be explored.

What excites me most is how these environments shape the characters who dwell within them. When I design a setting, I consider how it influences my characters’ motivations and desires. For instance, a character raised in a bustling city might have a different outlook than one from a remote village, impacting their choices and interactions throughout the story the same as how a character raised in a house of wealth would not make the same choices as someone raised on the streets.

Shaping Characters: Breathing Life into the Story

Now that we have the world, it’s time to fill it with characters. To me, characters are the heart of any narrative. They are the lenses through which readers experience the universe I’ve crafted.

I prioritize creating characters who are relatable, flawed, and multi-dimensional. They should evoke emotions—readers should cheer for them, weep for them, and at times, feel frustration towards them, and even downright hate them, because that's their job. For example, my protagonist could be a young warrior torn between loyalty to their kingdom and love for someone labelled a foe. This internal struggle generates tension, enriching the narrative with emotional depth.

To develop my characters, I delve into their backgrounds, aspirations, and challenges. For instance, one character might be driven by a desire to prove themselves in a world that often dismisses the young. Each moment of conflict, whether a sweeping battle or a quiet moment of loss, builds resilience and depth, making the characters' journeys resonate more powerfully with readers. Or like in my Stormfall Cycle series, where Calmantis, who stems from a wealthy family, fights to prove his worth in the world, trying to become a Knight of the Order of Eternal Sacrament instead of accepting his generational inheritance. A near-impossible feat for someone like him. Or is it?

The Transformative Power of Storytelling

Storytelling transcends simple words; it allows us to explore the human experience, tackle significant themes, and foster connections. When I write, I often find myself enveloped in the narrative, experiencing the highs and lows right alongside my characters. That transformative power fuels my passion as an author. My wife still finds it insane that I tell her: "I don't know who's gonna die. Or what a character might say or do in a certain situation." At times the story takes me just as much as it would the reader, and scenes flow out, characters become alive, making decisions I would never have even thought of.

Every time I type the final sentence, I feel immense fulfilment, and a little sadness, because I know that story is done for me. Knowing that my stories can inspire, entertain, and uplift keeps me motivated. I thrive on the idea that readers will journey alongside my characters, sharing in their triumphs and trials.

Ultimately, my goal is to create a sanctuary where you can escape reality, even for a brief moment, and dive into a world brimming with adventures, magic, and meaningful connections. This magic isn’t just for you; it thrives within me as well.

A Shared Journey

As I look back on my journey as a fantasy writer, I'm filled with gratitude for each of you who join me in these worlds. Your passion for epic fantasy and sword and sorcery stories breathes life into my words.

In this shared experience, I’ve discovered that the magic of storytelling is a bridge connecting us—a means for us to explore dreams, confront fears, and celebrate victories together. So, thank you for embarking on this adventure with me. Here’s to the worlds yet to be built and the stories yet to be told!

And talking of worlds waiting to be explored, Book 3 of the Stormfall Cycle is nearing completion. It has taken me much longer than I anticipated, thanks mainly to the new addition to our family, my little boy and bundle of joy (and sleepless nights). It has kept me a little distracted, but the work is still continuing.

In your hands lies the power to explore realms unknown, where adventure awaits, and magic is just a page away. I can’t wait to share more of my journey with you in the stories to come. Happy reading!