Sylvanus it is!

After much deliberation, I decided to proceed with Sylvanus: Sword and Sons. In the last week or so, I’ve written ~9,000 words, which is such a relief after a dry spell that caused me concern.

I thank you all for your kind words, support, and input after the post before last. It helped greatly, not just in deciding which project to put my all into, but also in knowing that there is a group of people who care about me and my work. There wasn’t really a consensus on a particular project, but it was nice to see a decent spread, so I know none of my projects are dead ends. If Sylvanus wasn’t your choice, don’t worry. I will get to all of them eventually.

Sylvanus took the prize because it’s a story that resonates with me at the moment, and you have to follow your passion. I also think it is important for me to finish Koen’s arc while also establishing Sylvanus’s character and his part in the main story. Destiny of the Daystar (book 4 of the Absolution of the Morning Star series) ends with Sylvanus’s reintroduction, so it will benefit book 5, Dusk of the Demon, to have a fuller backstory and character development.

Everything that I have built thus far starts with Koen and his choices. Once I complete that arc (which will likely have a third book titled Erikini), all subsequent books will have a more solid foundation, even the rest of the Order of Thanatos books. Sylvanus: Sword and Sons will show the build-up to the rebellion against their father, Emperor Vesper. The planned third book will show that war and end where Dawn of the Lightbearer begins, while bringing Erikini back into the fold, as the title implies. This will also illuminate the beginning of Jezelle: Thief of Forks, and help later AMS books, but I don’t want to give any spoilers.

Koen: Quills from the Raven’s Nest, although traditionally published, hasn’t really sold much after its initial push. In fact, it is close to my worst-performing book. But you know what? I don’t care. I’ve resolved that there isn’t much I can do about it. It’s just a damn good book that didn’t find its audience. I could pursue getting the rights back, self-publish, and try to push it myself, but at the moment, I don’t think that would help. Anyway, so much effort went into getting it traditionally published, and it was a huge validating milestone for me. That counts for something. I will just be patient, keep writing, and see what the universe brings.

Cheers!