Introduction of my WIP (Work In Progress)

Currently I am working on a manuscript.

A Political Intrigue Fantasy with steampunk concepts, mythology, and a dash of romance.

I don't want to give too much away but I think the best way to engage potential readers is to give them a taste of the story you are working on. So--likely on a monthly schedule--I will be updating this writing blog with current statistics, woes, and wins!

I have been in the process of writing this specific story for almost four years now. Which, depending on what type of writer you are and how much time you dedicate to your craft, may seem like an extensive period. It's been a long process and the original story (its concept captured on my 'Voice Memos' app in my iPhone) is very different than the current plot I am contriving.

Much of my time, in regard to this story, has been utilized for outlining and re-outlining the plot, as I am nearly 50/50 pantser and plotter*. [*These terms are used to describe those who just write without an outline of the story completed first and those who require a step-by-step plan for their pieces, courtesy of the book 'Save the Cat writes a novel' by Jessica Brody]

A title has yet to be decided, as with fantasy novels it is typical to decide on something like: "A Court of..." or "thorn and this..." or "Kingdom of..." etc. and none of those fit with this work in progress.

I was tossing around something general that possesses some alliteration: "Bargains and Betrayals". But it sounds too bland, and I discovered there is another book with this title already. I guess it'll stay mystified until I begin cycling the manuscript through Beta Readers and getting some ideas.

To summarize the central plot of my story I would say that it follows three main characters. A man and two women, each from rather different cultural worlds but the same continent. (And no, my continent isn't simply a giant square. I got creative making my map, haha).

Primarily set in the Empire of Descura and its neighboring nations and colonies, the story follows these three characters as they tackle themes of power, freedom and divine belief.

Our first character: The Hand.

A nameless scullery maid in the Descurian Emperor's home. In a fateful and fortunate meeting with the Empress, she finds herself offered the coveted position as the Empress' Hand, a role that requires her undivided devotion and loyalty and may offer her the status and political power to live the life she's always craved.

As she molds herself into the perfect Hand, proving that she is worthy of her title and a name--despite not having a heritage like the rest of her peers--she learns that power is a complex and painful responsibility.

Our second character: The Viper.

A hot-tempered, cocky, steel-factory worker turned into the face of a rebellion overnight, seeks to use her anger in a way that liberates her people. Born in the slums of the Burrow, a collection of industrial districts under the Descurian Empire, Selene finds that no one else is willing to risk their life to throw off the chains of their imperial overseers.

After years of trying to penetrate the indominable capital with her small gang, luck changes the tide and offers Selene someone who just might be the key to overthrowing those who promised those of the Burrow, a future, knowing it was never theirs to offer.

Our third character: The Sword.

A warrior monk disguised as a sellsword from the southern, hermit Kingdom of Vallis. Devoted to his king and the gods above all else, his starts to question his faith and devotion when he is sent up to attend an ambassador's ball in the Descurian Empire.

As he collects intel and prepares to be exactly what he was forged for, a sword striking the Empire's weak spot and helping to crumble a centuries old reign, Reneir's lifelong beliefs are challenged.

I really am focused on having a character-centered story as those are the most intriguing fantasy books to me as a reader. I love a good plot, I love creativity and imagination woven into the cultural norms or tests or values of a fictional fantasy world, but if the characters are not the center of the plot and it reads more like a Marvel Movie, throwing in plots and backstories left and right without emotional connection or relatable story arcs, then I don't want it.

Controversial, I know.

The more tedious and difficult aspect of writing this so far has been combining the multiverse timelines (yet another Marvel reference) of story. I say that because it has evolved and morphed into something so different each version I write, that as of today, I have seven different documents dedicated to it, with a combined word count of over 300,000 words.

Ultimately though, it will be cut down into something digestible, but still interesting.

I hope that you follow along for this WIP to become a full-grown Manuscript and eventually a published book!