It all began in 2020 — I recall — that was ages ago. And yes, I am using em-dashes. I’ve used em-dashes before there was AI, and internet and even computers. Yes, I’m old. After my writing defeat, I figured I would never get published again. It seemed that way for a long time until I finished Tinderbox after five years. Many of you know the story. No one accepted Tinderbox. I wasn’t sure what to do then until the old NanoWriMo of 2017 came around and I won with Gunslinger Witch. That work secured my agent, but Tinderbox garnered my indie publisher.

Well, no one accepted Gunslinger Witch, and it looks like it’s going into the archives because I’ll never be able to afford to self-publish it.

However, back to the Riven Isles. I knew Tinderbox would have companion novels, although I went back and forth on what they would be. For example, Tarotmancer was going to present Harper as a con-artist, and her actions along with Reynard almost sparked a civil war. I saved that idea for later.

Consideration existed regarding another volume, The Potion, a retelling referencing Jekyll and Hyde from the POV of the daughter of Gabriel John Utterson. After listening to the whole story via audiobook, the story didn’t appeal to me as much as I thought it would. Now, before you scold me, I didn’t disparage the story. It offers captivating exploration of humanity’s dual nature. Just that it didn’t appeal.

My plan involved another story, but the timing presented a problem. I was going to be about Seth, remember the young prince whom Bram took in during Tinderbox? Well, two things would have been incorrect. First, in order for Seth to be old enough to fight the Rot, he’d have to be an adult, which would mean the Rot has been tearing around the Riven Isles for decades. Not to mention, his weapon was going to be a metal glove with glowing stones set into the fingers. Each stone would have a different demon captive with a unique power Seth could use. Sound familiar? Maybe not an exact duplicate of the Infinity Gauntlet, but it was close enough that I didn’t want to take a chance. Even though my idea came before Thanos even showed up!

This isn’t the end of the Riven Isles, I hope I’m able to return, although it’s doubtful at this point. Currently, many personal matters occupy my attention, pushing writing toward secondary priority. I’ll try to finish editing The Girl of Morning Glory. However, I’m fighting to keep my house, the utilities paid and find a job, because although I signed up to be Big Brother’s paid primary caregiver, it’s going to be a long time before everything gets set up.

That is why I started a GoFundMe. Thank you again to my friends who donated. If anyone else is interested:

Was creating this series worth it? No matter what, the answer will always be YES.

Peace,

Wendy