Hello, hello, hello. I’ve returned with yet another writing project for you. (And an update on my other projects, of course.)
To begin with, I’d like to introduce you to my latest project, A Prince, a Challenge, a Fisher. This is a moderately short story focusing on two characters who go on to be crucial to the plot of Sons of Starborn. A Prince, a Challenge, a Fisher is a peek at the world of Sons of Starborn and some of the characters who populate the pages. The summary?
After the death of the yevikyr, either Callidora or her brother Cinbran must win the Yevikyr’s Challenge—their one chance at rising above their station—and become the leader of the army, or else watch as another haughty noble sacrifices the lives of the peasants to get rich.
But Callidora never anticipated the crown prince, another challenge in and of himself. Can she surpass his plotting–and her own heart–to take her place as yevikyr?
Yes, it is a romance. Currently I’ve written 12,000 out of my goal of 16,000 words for this story. I’ve come to realize through this project just how much I missed the format of short stories. It teaches you to be concise and cut out any and all unnecessary details. I will be keeping you updated as I work to complete this story.
Would you like to meet some the characters in A Prince, a Challenge, a Fisher?
Here are their “self-written” bios:
Callidora Firebrand
I hail from the coast, where fightin’ a shark and huntin’ zykas–sea serpents bigger’n an aristocrat’s ego–be just a normal day. If you think for one blimey moment that just because I ain’t had no formal trainin’ doesn’t mean I cannot give you a sound poundin’, then you be dead wrong.
But I ain’t here to give you a poundin’, I’m here to win the Challenge before some stuck-up noble can do it first and make life miserable for us common folk. I certainly ain’t here to fall for a haughty prissy prince whose only interest is gettin’ himself on the throne.
Cinbran Firebrand
I know how to fight. Got good strategy, I reckon. Not much, but enough to stand a chance in the Challenge. And if I don’t win, Calli will. She got the spirit for it.
If the prince don’t ruin everythin’ first. But that’s what I be there for. Protectin’ my sis. ‘Specially when she charges into trouble without a second thought.
Crown Prince Heolstor Greatwing
The reports of my greatness have not been exaggerated.
I know. Rather incredible to think that your future king is not only brilliant, but handsome, strong, and witty too. But it is true, luckily for my future subjects. Two-hundred and fifty is young for a king, I will grant you that, but then again, Father is nearly one-thousand, and that is rather old for a king.
Great things are coming. I can feel it in the air. I will not miss this opportunity. And who knows? Maybe during this Challenge I can find allies to forge a future with. Together. For my kingdom and my future subjects and the legacy of Starborn.
Oh, and as a bonus, here’s my favorite line in A Prince, a Challenge, a Fisher thus far:
Ugh. He was manipulating her. With chocolate.
Sons of Starborn Update
Completed, edited, and polished.
Yet I’m already itching to dive back in to rewrite and bring more life to the story. But I’m holding off as I await news from Janelle Leonard as to whether her publishing company wants to accept Sons of Starborn.
If they don’t, my plan is to pitch it to Enclave Publishing. If they turn it down, then I hope to self-publish, because those two publishing houses are really the only ones that interest me.
Meanwhile, I’ve begun work on book two! I’m currently in the planning process–developing a plot, fleshing it out, that sort of thing. Honestly, I am wary of diving in. I’m building up the courage, though!
A snippet from Sons of Starborn for you:
“I am Thoren,” the scarlet prince said, breaking the silence.
Theoden scowled. Blast it all. Once silence was broken, he could never find a way to fix it.
“And the grumpy mass of purple sparkles is Theoden.” Thoren grinned at his brother.
The Silkwood Project Update
A while ago, I introduced a project I had been working on with a friend. Here’s how it’s going thus far!
I finished the script and it’s edited and ready for liftoff. Now it’s up to my friend to illustrate it. I don’t know when that will happen, but I am excited to work alongside her to bring my vision to life. Here’s a snippet from the script to tide you over:
Athavale: “I will say no more until the trial. Thank you, Skywing.”
Asa Skywing: “Sir, I cannot guarantee a victory if you will not explain why you have not committed treason.”
Athavale: “And how do you know I haven’t?”
In Conclusion
That is all I have for you today, my friends.
I’ll be back soon with more updates and book reviews, including the books I found at Realm Makers, and perhaps a few posts about more of my characters. Thank you for your time and support! It means the world to me.
Reach for the stars,
Astor
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