flesh out and slow down
writing & updates
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writing & updates 〰️
Whaaaat an update about my upcoming book? On my newsletter? Unheard of.
So yes, I am working on The Maidens of Sylvalonia even if it doesn’t look like it considering how quiet I’ve been about it.
The process has been slightly delayed because I reshaped Lacey’s character a little (in a good way, I promise, she’s more fleshed out now)
But given that my stories are mainly character driven – I get possessed by them and let them type what they want to do – I had to rework the plotline a bit and its themes, and technically I’m not even fully done with that. (Also I am now hesitating on whether to name the first opus Lacey’s True Love or Lacey’s Slumber or even something else depending on the parts I am still unsure of.)
So the result of that is that most of the chapters I had already written are good for the bin.
BUT! It also means you’re getting a better story in exchange.
I haven’t done much writing if I’m being honest. With work, I haven’t been able to really sit down and empty my head enough to dive back in Sylvalonia. However, I have done a few concept sketches that I can share without them being too spoilery.
You guessed it, Lacey is now a painter! She didn’t really have any prominent hobbies before, apart from being fairytale obsessed. But this new trait will actually play a part in the outcome of her story.
Jin, her cat, has been very fun to draw although I am still wondering whether I should keep him a blob of black with a pink bow and simple facial expression, or fully lean into a furry/disney type of facial details and expressions. I kind of like the two dots for now.
The character outfit is inspired by a ballet I saw (I wrote more about it in Running like a ballerina).
I quite frankly haven’t decided who will wear it yet. It might not even show up until book 2, 3 or 4 (yes I have a rough plotline for 4 maidens already, yes they’re all interconnected in one way or another, no I won’t say anything about them yet).
I am also revealing to you for the first time what her bestie looks like.
She may or may not be the maiden of an upcoming book.
Also, I know that I’ve said that with work, it has been hard to find the energy to write. However the summer break has finally arrived to rid me of my chains. So… More updates should be coming soon! (Hopefully.)
(… I can’t actually trust my brain to work regularly so it’ll depend on the waves.)
And now, before I leave you be. Here is some concept art I don’t mind sharing because with all the changes I’ve made, it might not be used into the final product (or will be modified).
Enjoy the rest of your summer everyone! <3
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