“She thought back to her geography lessons as a child, responding to the Wandering Tongue as he pointed to place after place on the map.” — The Prophecy of the Yubriy Tree
Hi everyone! It’s time for geography class!
Here’s a closer look at the map of Ragar Or, outlined by yours truly but brought to life by the one and only NoctuaCartography. The map is included in every edition of the book, but I thought interested parties might enjoy seeing an up-close digital version. NoctuaCartography was also kind enough to create a coat of arms for three of the houses in the book, as pictured in the map’s lower right corner. House Salk (three crows) is at the top, House Ollspaer (sickle moon and frostflower) is in the middle, and House Dayborn (double suns) is at the bottom. Too cool. I fancy myself a decent writer, but I can’t draw to save my life. To that end, I’m beyond grateful to NoctuaCartography for the stellar artwork.
Are you curious about the correct way to pronounce Ragar Or? Check out QueenieReads’ review of the book. She nails the pronunciation shortly after the two-minute mark.
The book is doing well. I put together a major promotional push for the month of January, and so far, it’s been successful. I’ve discovered that the book has an audience overseas, so I’m trying to tailor my promotion to both the U.S. and international markets. Learning the fine art of promotion has involved a steep learning curve at times, but I’m making strides. I see growing the series as an ongoing, years-long effort. In a world that loves to consume and discard everything, including art, I’m hoping to grow and nurture the series in a way that will keep people invested over the long haul.
“Falling From a Golden Sky,” a short story set in The Song of Burning Heart universe, is finished. It’s a wild, multi-part tale that tells the backstory of the “book with the blue boards” that Gregor Thorn discovers at The Sea Swoon in The Prophecy of the Yubriy Tree. Once I work out the cover design logistics, I’ll release it.
In other news, the one and only Catrina Barquist is lined up to design the cover for Book Two! I’m beyond ecstatic that she will once again bring her mind-boggling talents to the table. I couldn’t imagine publishing Book Two without Catrina in the fold.
As for Book Two in The Song of the Burning Heart series, I continue to make steady progress. In the great gardener vs. architect, pantser vs. plotter style-of-writing debate, I’m more of a gardener/pantser (I know, I know). I always have a basic outline of where the story is heading when I sit down to write, but I also give myself plenty of leeway to make changes. That being said, I’m very happy with what I have on the page, and I think you’re going to like it too.
What’s that? You’re curious about the title of Book Two?
:)
Alright, that’s it for now!