Hello from Tennessee

Hello from Tennessee. My name is Robert and I am a relatively new writer. I've spent the last year crafting a fiction novel that falls into the fantasy medieval genre. The draft is pretty large, so I am busy self-editing and cutting what I can to bring it to a more suitable size. OR I am contemplating splitting it into 2 books. The problem I face is, if I split it, how to make a dramatic ending to the first that compels a reader to want to pick up the second. The story is written as a series and I already have ideas on the burner to contribute to books 2 and 3.

Anyway, I am thrilled to be writing since I have a non-creative day job that actually supports the family. I look forward to participating in the forums and learning as much as I can to improve my craft and provide positive input for those sharing the same journey.

All the best,

KRD

Thanks for the welcome. I hope to learn as much as I can and share my own experience where practical.

Kathella said:

Hello from Tennessee as well!

I feel that struggle on a spiritual level. I've scrapped countless fantasy writing endeavors after reviewing the first 40-50k words and thinking, "My god, I'm not even a third of the way in."

Do you have a major inspiration for writing medieval fantasy? I've always loved the stuff, had several ideas come and go, but I've never felt confident in my knowledge of the medieval era as a whole to write a compelling and informed piece.

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No specific inspiration. I've just always enjoyed reading that period. I moved away from fantasy as I got older. I read a lot of Tom Clancy, Grisham, Dan Brown, other thrillers. I moved into religion and military history (I know, funny mix) but the military history bounced between WW2, American Civil War, and the Napoleonic era. I just really enjoy history. Never strayed back into medieval fantasy until family started sharing some books such as Steven Erikson's Malazan Series.

I have three story lines that I have developed over the years across different genres but the medieval fantasy one is the subject that had the most promise, so I started there and have really enjoyed the journey. I am in self-edit mode and have lined up about 5 beta-readers. I want another 5-7 readers and should be ready to share a good draft by October.