I recently started a new novel. A fantasy, of course, first in a series. And this one is looking like it will be one of those novels where each word is a drop of blood wrung from the heart of the writer.
At least that is my wish.
I’m quite excited about this story. And just a little nervous too, of course. Because this is going to be my largest book, grandest concept, most complex storyline, and most fascinating world yet.
It is the Epic of Aedonia.
Here are the opening lines of the book–one section from both of the main characters’ first chapters–just to whet your appetite.
Ronan’s Chapter — Cry of the Sea
The cry of the sea-demon awoke him. Shrill—more of a scream than a cry—the sound
pierced the thatched roof and walls of the fisherman’s hut and brought Ronan to
his feet, gasping for breath.
He swayed and clutched his hammock with one hand to steady himself. The scream
rang in his ears, a high-pitched wail keening across the lonesome shore. Always
the sea-demons called to him.
Always he tried to forget.
He clenched his fist, until his arm shook with the force. A stab of pain brought a
cry to his lips. Blood trickled down the sides of his hand, spattering his bare
feet with dark spots.
Ronan gazed uncomprehending at the blood and then at his hand. He was holding his
harpoon by the blade while the metal bit into his palm. He yanked his stiff
fingers apart and released the harpoon. It clattered against the stone floor.
Ceridwen’s Chapter — Outriders
The stench of death fouled the air. It filled her nostrils, seeped past the gloved
hand she instinctively held to her mouth, and clogged her throat. She could not
escape it.
Death was near.
Mindar, her horse, danced a nervous jig beneath her, hooves pawing at the forest loam.
A puff of black smoke burst from his nostrils. Ceridwen tightened her grip on
the reins, restraining the excited hylshum steed, and pulled her hand from her
face to stroke his neck.
Even through the thick leather of her gloves she could feel the heat radiating from his skin. If he didn’t calm down, the flamebreather was liable to hold true to his name … and the prospect of extinguishing a forest fire started by her own steed was even less desirable than investigating this stench.
Well, that’s it for now! Pretty rough still, though there’ll be plenty of time to sort it out later. Time I crack on though and finish writing the rest of the story. I’ve got over twenty pages of outlines and world building notes to help me out. And thank goodness! There’s no way I’d be able to keep all of it straight without them.
Sweet! I's totally read it. Super excited for more looks into this new story.
Liz.
Why thankee kindly! Glad you stopped by, Liz.
Oooooo, great openings! A horse that breathes fire…I'm intrigued! :) I'm so thrilled for you! Isn't it wonderful when a great idea for a spectacular novel hits?!
Yeah, I'm at the super-stoked-about-this-story-can't-wait-to-write-more phase at the moment, so I'm pounding away at the keyboard trying to get as much as I can done before reality hits, and I realize just how much editing it needs! :P
Excellent openings! I love the idea of a horse that breathes fire. :)
Glad you enjoyed it! Yep, the flamebreathers caught hold of my imagination this summer and absolutely refused to let go until I wrote about them. And thus a novel was born!
If I may ask, how should one pronounce Aedonia?
I like the title a lot.
Hmm. Almost like "eye-dough-nee-ah" but just a tad softer on the "eye" part … if that makes any sense. ;)
That's a great quote from Hemmingway. Best of luck to you on your new novel!
Yes, I love that quote. Thanks!
EEEP this is so cool! :D I love starting new stories… There is not enough epic fantasy being written, so keep up the good work! (I think due to Song of Leira and what I've seen of your novella and this, I've decided I will read anything with your name on it…)
Oh, and I love the name Ceridwen! And Ronan–no less because I've used it myself. ;) It's a stupendous name. :D
Best,
Deborah
So nice to hear from you, Deborah! And so sweet of you to say that. :)
Something about those names just stuck in my head and refused to let go and became the characters. I don't think I could change them now — they're so much a part of who the characters are.
Now that I have a blog I can comment, so you'll be seeing a lot more of me around here! ;) (I did send you an email last month but I don't know if you got it.)
Haha, the best characters and names are like that! :) I've only tried to change a character's name once or twice, and it's never really worked–I always end up thinking of their original name. :P
I missed your email? Oh, I'm so sorry. I forget to check that email address. Heading over to check it now.
I had to change a character's name in Song of Leira. It was took similar to some of the others. But I still end up thinking of him as his old name and have to work to remember the new one.
I don't think it is fair that all the good books are not published yet and all we have is snippets and a long time to wait. Very sad. There needs to be a way to super speed write and publish – not as fun for the author but fun for the reader. (So, I'd both like and dislike it.)
I really liked the snippets! Your new book sounds really good! I can't wait to learn more.
Haha. I wish! ;)
Sorry about that, had a typo in it.
It looks like I am not going to be able to participate in the CiC Challenge this month. Sorry!
Sorry you won't be able to make it. I apologize for the weird schedule this month. Have to get back in the swing of things. Next time!