I’m not sure where to start – so I’ll start the only place I know how: hello and welcome.
There is so much I could tell you about myself; after all we’ve just met. I could go on, telling you the story that led me to this moment in time, talk about my trials and tribulations. Talk about my plans and the uphill battle I have ahead in self-publishing. But I won’t – at least not right now.
Instead I’d rather give you some insight into my debut novel, planned for release in Q1 of 2020.
Shadows of Creation began innocently enough. I knew I wanted to start my writing career with an epic fantasy novel (the first of a trilogy). While rifling through a myriad of ideas I had sketched out in my brain, I settled on one that drew me in the most. How intriguing would it be if someone planned a kidnapping, right down to the very last detail. Only, just before the grab, for another group to sweep in and kidnap their target. It seems complex, almost repetitive – but it plays out well, I promise. Although this became only a very small portion of the story, it’s what gave me my start.
The world of Turina is a world of magic – but not necessarily in the exciting, Harry Potter way. Don’t get me wrong, it could be (and will be!), but the powers that be have dulled it down, turning the elemental based system mundane. The magic is used almost exclusively for practical reasons, much more like the skill of a craftsman. The temples are boring, dust covered places where students slog through texts about magic, doing very little hands on learning. The only excitement lies with the occasional duel magical orders. A tradition barely hanging on.
The Prithvi temple, the school dedicated to teaching Bhumi mages (earth manipulators) is the home to Zyla and Tanik, two very different students. Their paths become intertwined early and I think you’ll all love their dynamic.
It should also be said that I have a thing for Elves. Yes, I know, its tropey as hell; but I don’t care. If you don’t like it, blame Tolkien, Dragonlance, and Everquest (yes, a long-time player since Beta 2). Two of the main protagonists are elven: one a Wood Elven Princess with a tightly guarded secret, the other a High Elven Prince who dreams for fame and etching his name in the history books.
Finally, we round out the cast with a depressed, outcasted alcoholic human named Brenn. He struggles with two drastically different parts of himself, guilt and self-loathing dragging him down as often as he will let it.
That’s all I’ll share for now, but the truth is I can’t wait for you all to read it – this is a project I’ll never forget, a project that bares so much of my soul. Regardless of book sales it’s a legacy I’ll have for the rest of my life. Something my children and grandchildren can read. Something that I’ve created from nothing but a bunch of ideas and a love for storytelling.
Keep a lookout for to the full first chapter to be posted here as I lead up to launch. It’ll give you a taste and bring you back for more. As always, feel free to reach out and keep following my progress as we get closer.
My Best,
Ryan Meier