I have written a good chunk of the first act of the upcoming fifth book. Knowing where it needs to go and the main events within this unique one-off story, I still knew that I needed to iron out and massage certain details. I also knew that I needed something to give this story’s villain an edge that puts him on an even playing field with Fenrik, as they will have to have a violent encounter or two… or three. I also needed to better explain the mishap that sent Fenrik to a very different place, setting up much bigger revelations later on.
On the surface, the next book appears to be a fun side quest and somewhat of an experiment, as I delve into a different genre and setting while still keeping it a story under the Barbarians of the Storm banner.
Looking at the bigger picture and my plans going forward, I had to marinate on the book’s details for a week or so. A lot of dots have now connected for me and an idea for a pretty sweet new sword gets to play a part, as well as more development in regards to the larger mythos. Especially the deeper, ancient, cosmic aspects I’ve been slowly working in.
This is a fun book to write and it’s pretty close to home for me, but despite that, it is a challenge. Being a departure from my norm is one thing, but adding in Fenrik working through very deep emotions and loss in his life is a whole other challenge. Doing that without his normal group of friends is also tough, as he is a stranger in a strange land where he arrives knowing no one.
Anyway, after the past week, I have a much better handle on what needs to happen in a more meaningful way. I know what seeds to plant, which Easter eggs to hide, and how to get from point A to point Z much more effectively. Frankly, I can’t wait to get this one done and in my readers’ hands.