July already! I’ve been deeply immersed in my writing lately (mostly extensive revisions to Crown of Crows) and wanted to share some updates and reflections on my current projects, my process, and my plans.
Current Projects
Crown of Crows: For those following my work on Patreon, you know that “Crown of Crows” has been an intense journey. This story, centered around Sarah Patrick’s return to a fantasy world she ruled in her youth, is a feminist tale that explores the theme Let all voices be heard. The narrative has reached a pivotal point where Sarah and her companions are captured and find themselves at the mercy of the malevolent Athú, an ape who claims to be a prophet of the Bear God of Sagaia. Their only glimmer of hope lies in an alliance with lethal creatures of uncertain integrity. It’s a critical time, and the unfolding drama keeps me at the edge of my seat as much as I hope it does you.
In the upcoming installments of “Crown of Crows,” I am focusing on exploring more deeply the interiority and emotions of Sarah. By enriching her emotional landscape, I aim to make her journey more vivid and compelling on the page, adding heft to her character and bringing readers more deeply into the story.
Revisiting Old Projects
Axon, Inc.: In addition to my current work, I’m considering revisiting an older project, “Axon, Inc.,” which has been a part of my writing life since 2013. This story explores the ramifications of telepathic computing—a concept that seemed distant at the time of its inception but is increasingly becoming a tangible reality. The narrative’s relevance has only grown, and I believe it’s time to breathe new life into it through further revisions, before events completely overtake it…
Writing Process Insights
One of the tools that has been invaluable in my writing process is The Emotion Thesaurus. This resource has profoundly impacted my ability to bring characters to life in a visceral, authentic way. Most helpfully for me, the book provides examples of how emotions are felt viscerally in the body. It is too glib for me to say that Sarah was surprised or afraid; it is better to say that her breath caught in her throat and her heart raced. Simple, perhaps, but for me it helps to convey the subtleties of human experience, making my characters more relatable and their stories more compelling.
Many thanks to you all for your ongoing support and feedback! Stay safe and sane out there!
