A few years ago, I made the decision to write an epic fantasy series. A come-what-may, multiple POV, throw-caution-to-the-wind fantasy series. An all-consuming, nerve-wracking, time-devouring fantasy series. A humorous, history-drenched, dragon-tinged fantasy series. A Song-Of-Ice-And-Fire, Kingkiller-Chronicle, The-Dandelion-Dynasty-inspired fantasy series.
I am here to say that I am well on my way. The name of the series is: The Song of the Burning Heart. And you, my dear Substack friends, will be the first to get a look at the world that I’ve created.
The question begs: What drove me to embark on this mad endeavor? Well, I can assure you that it wasn’t the prolific nature of my pen. Epic fantasy writers tend to be the sort that can produce multiple pages of material each day. (Because seriously, how else are you going to finish an epic fantasy project? he asked himself, laughing maniacally). I, on the other hand, shout hosannas to the heavens on days that I surpass two-hundred-and-fifty words, while usually having to settle for somewhere between one-hundred-and-fifty and two-hundred. But despite the hard-and-fast reality of my rather protracted writing pace, I was inspired to write an epic fantasy series because epic fantasy best combines the three elements that compel me to write in the first place.
#1: The opportunity to stretch the limits of my imagination.
#2: The opportunity to construct the cultures and history of imaginary peoples.
#3: The opportunity to bounce back-and-forth between multiple points-of-view.
Of the three reasons listed above, I think it’s reason #2 that most draws me to the genre. I am a history teacher by day, and I always have at least one work of nonfiction in my current reading lineup. As a student of history, I’ve long been fascinated by the myriad ways that we are beholden to the past, often without realizing it. The present’s most pressing questions are put to us by the mad and sometimes mysterious confluence of past events, questions that we struggle to get our heads around precisely because we’ve lost sight of their origin.
As a writer, having the opportunity to create a fictional history alongside a present narrative was too enticing to pass up. In fact, as I was first developing the historical framework for my series, one episode leapt into my mind so vividly that I grew intrigued at the prospect of writing a novelette about this very occurrence before setting my pen to the series proper. To that end, I spent three to four months writing what became Last Performance at the Three Dragons Inn, an episode that takes place some one-hundred-and-fifty years prior to the outset of Book One. And even Last Performance at the Three Dragons Inn is not safe from history’s grasping claws – the motivations of the characters in my devilish little novelette are also driven by histories great and small, collective and personal. These histories lead them down dangerous pathways, both for themselves and for future generations to come.
I recently made the decision to give away Last Performance at the Three Dragons Inn for free. It will serve as a sneak peek into the world that I’ve created and as a way to attract readers to my Substack newsletter. If you’re already signed up for my Substack, keep an eye out for an upcoming post that will allow you to download the novelette for free. I intend for Substack to be the central hub for my writing life going forward. If you’re here, you’re in the right spot.
As for the fantasy series itself? Book One (I know the title, but I’m not going to share it yet) is in the bag, and I’ve made considerable headway on Book Two. I’m also nearly finished with a second novelette. My plan is to release smaller projects connected to the main series along the way. I want the history of the world to live hand-in-hand with the present timeline. I believe it will serve as a unique reading experience for those who become invested.
Beyond that, I’ve lined up a series of talented artists to tackle the cover art and the map design for my world. I’ve had a sneak peak at what it’s in development, and I’m pretty excited. Visual art may not be my forte, but when it comes to art in the fantasy genre, I know what I like, and I know what I don’t like. The artists working on the project certainly capture the aesthetic that I have in mind.
I’ll sign off this month by reflecting a little on my writing life up to this point. I’ve been writing for a long time now, a little over two decades. For better or worse, it’s become clear that, barring the unforeseen, I am going to continue to write for the remainder of my days. I simply love to create. To that end, I intend to make my art and share it with anyone who is interested. Thank you to everyone who has supported me so far. I hope you’re ready for what’s next.
I certainly am.
Good luck and I will be following along! Recommended your publication :)
I. Am. SO. Excited!!