Wind and Rain

A new story across the strait?

Hey! Are you feeling the cold yet?

Spooky season has come and gone and for my family across the pond, we’re entering into the transition between holidays. I’ve never much thought about it, but there’s something to the way every month from October to December has a big event toward its end.

Perhaps it’s all a bit undershadowed by the bullets and the ballots, but in general these three months are accented by their high notes during the third and fourth weeks.

As far as my writing is concerned, this November also reminds me that it has been a year since I wrote Revification.

Fresh off the excitement of Buildspace s4, I felt motivated to try out another marathon I’d known about for over a decade—NaNoWriMo.

I charged forward, finishing the bulk of the story in a number of days, returning later to edit and polish before a softer release.

Revification — Surreal scifi thriller about falling into a wormhole and out of time.

I don’t think I’ll officially participate this year, nor will I have the same goal of completing a novel within the month.

However, I do have a new idea brewing and I will be working on that.

Across The Strait

I’m returning to the world of Besnowed for a new love story. I don’t want it to be directly connected to the events of Veranum and Besniwod, but I do plan on developing more of the Antarctic Collective.

My working title is Significatorius.

Palena Moria, my protagonist, will navigate a mix of slice-of-life and larger-than-life relationships and politics through the pages of the book. Her love interest will almost certainly be called Avelven Selk—but his origins are still foggy for now.

The main location will probably be called Oshovia. As hinted, this will be in that same near-future Antarctic region, introducing the grander idea of Gateway Cities while focusing on the southern tip of South America.

I will also be explicitly expanding the pantheon of the Seven Saints, by naming Saint Cagua and Her guardian, Colossus Conca.

Working Title — Significatorius
Protagonist — Palena Moria
Love Interest — Avelven Selk
Location — Oshovia
Seven Saints — Saint Cagua
Divine Aide — Colossus Conca

I might also name a Saint Jaro, but I haven’t fully committed to that or how it would feel. I would not be surprised if She remained as more a subtle passing reference than an active plot point.

So, I expect Her to either end up like the other saints found in Besnowed—somewhere between the briefly named Saint Blank, and the explicitly named Saint Denali and Saint Himavan.

No matter how the plot develops, now would be a great time to brush up on my snowy story. Not just because I’m adding to the world, but also because the holiday season is already upon us.

Besnowed — The warmth of winter and the love we share with each other.

On the Nightly Noise side of things, I’ll probably tone back the pieces of flash fiction I’ve been writing.

I don’t want to completely abandon the concept, but don’t be surprised if they’re a bit less structured than they have been.

And with that, let’s jump in.

Nights At Sea

I cut my hands on the ropes again. The ports were closed for the same reason. All but three sunk to the shoreless bottoms. Maybe they were the lucky ones.

I left the tall stone walls in search of something more, but all I’ve found is less.

We were warned of the dangers crossing the strait.

A drake with whom none could bargain.

Impossible costs for those few who tried.

Desperate souls no longer value their life and I was no exception to that rule.

Off course and misaligned, there was little to no hope for finding a welcoming party.

No, all I had was desolation on my mind. An island close to home that would guarantee safe passage.

So, I surrendered my soul to the fates high above. Only She could help me.

Only Her Flame was enough to guide me.

May Her Light find me.

Or I will die here alone.

Cozy Corner

It’s already a little too cold without the heat kicking in, but I do like the sudden shift in seasons.

Perhaps more than that, what I really enjoy is the excuse not to go outside.

All the more time to grab a drink and continue writing.

Until next time.

—JMB