Since the website launch 18 months ago, Song of the Elves has acquired a steady weekly readership. During that time the website has evolved into a focus for the world of Rhoderica. Short stories leading up to the plot of A Shadow Falls, and tales set well before the invasion of the elves seem to be as much a focus of reader visits as the main plot itself.
This has been both a great surprise and delight. I am learning an awful lot about the process of engaging with the audiance. I have a yearn to get to the second three book cycle of S.O.T.E., but the background tales are such a glorious disrtaction from the main task.
Moreover, writing The Wolves of Winter series and exploring the history of Rhoderica is allowing me to improve the quality of my manuscripts. I'm hoping that by the time The Wolves of Winter Part Two emerges, and The King's Blades (Book Two of S.O.T.E.) is published, that you will notice that the stories have gone to another level.
Writing is a funny old business. One learns as much from the bits that get discarded and rejected as from the intermittent hallelujah moments.
Finally for this week, I want to say best wishes again to one of my all time heroes - Ronnie James Dio. According to his official band website, he is coping admirably with his battle with stomach cancer. I'm sure all his fans will join me in willing Ronnie to slay the dragon!
Until next time, up the Elves!