The Worlds Elsewhere
Do you want to be one of the first to read a forthcoming YA science fantasy? A sneak peek into the Verse, some thoughts on Elsewhere, and your invitation to enter a brand new world...
The wheel turns, and just like that, November has arrived. I’ve been extremely busy with my head down in rewrites, but I promised monthly updates, and I intend to deliver them!
More than that, the edits I’ve been working on have forced me to think deeply about my approach to worldbuilding and storytelling. That process has sparked a couple of essays on the importance of fantasy and speculative fiction in these strange, troubling times. So over the next few months, you’ll be able to look forward to three things in each of these newsletters:
A short, exclusive excerpt from my current stories and works-in-progress. These may be deleted scenes, sneak peeks from upcoming publications, or bits and pieces created specifically for y’all.
A link to essays about these excerpts. Think personal worldbuilding inspirations, forgotten stories from real-world history, or insight into how different tropes and setting ideas speak to bigger contexts.
An update on writing progress and goals. (Still gotta keep myself honest, right?)
So without further ado, here’s the story that first drew me into my current WIP, whispered through the aether:
Once, there were monsters in the Verse.
Ages and ages ago, when the first bright Spheres were Chanted against the Void, bringing light to that darkness, the darkness fought back. Great Beasts emerged, hungry enough to devour worlds, and the shining Sphere of Artha-that-Was crumbled into dust.
But we had the Cantors to protect us: the Godlings with their many gifts who, age after age, kept the darkness at bay. To each of them was given a Chant — a harmony as expansive as the burning stars — and by each of them, their voice was used to harness that power, allowing them to turn dreaming into reality.
These gifts pushed back the monsters, and as darkness retreated, peace took its place until, soon enough, there were no more monsters left to slay.
So the Cantors, led by their Pale King, turned on the Verse itself…
Excerpt from Deathsong
From the very first time I stepped through the wardrobe with Lucy, other worlds have always called to me. I still vividly remember first unfolding maps of Middle Earth over my high school homework with my father and exploring the Ages of Myst on a 90’s desktop, all while waiting to be transported back into a galaxy far, far away. And as long as I’ve been a writer, worldbuilding has always been my muse’s first invitation into a new story. But what is it about it about Elsewhere that so fascinates us, both as readers and as writers?
November Writing Update
Throughout October, I was neck-deep in first-round edits, hoping to finish the restructure by Halloween, so I could take advantage of the spooky weekend to align any lingering mismatched pieces.
Alas, that goal was probably a bit ambitious. It turns out that maintaining steady progress when chronic illness symptoms insist on defying prediction isn’t so easy. Despite my best pacing, I’m still a couple chapters out from having a fully restructured draft. That said, the characters and intrigue are so much stronger this draft, and I’m so very nearly there, with the rest of the month left to get it over the finish line.
As time ticks down, I’m aiming to have the major pieces fully in place by the end of next week, leaving a bit of time to adjust all the little details that inevitably end up slipping during a first-round revision. I absolutely cannot wait to send this draft over to my editor in time for Yule!
And speaking of Yuletide presents... I have a cheeky little plan brewing. I fully intend to send you all a gift this December. Make sure to subscribe if you want to hear more and stay in the loop.
Bonus Quest - Speed Reader (1,500xp)
Are you a fast reader? Do you like YA fantasy? Would you be interested in a book featuring forgotten gods, enchanted portals, and the occasional magitech robot? What about a story about deadly powers and the strength it takes to find your voice?
As I finish edits on my debut novel, I am looking for a handful of beta readers to sense-check before I turn the manuscript in to my editor. If you’re interested, get in touch before Nov 21st, and I’ll send you more details.