I'll confess, this was a difficult and arduous journey. I've spent so long reading the same 95k words over and over again, for two whole years (at least).
But I am happy to say, I've finally done it. I took the effort to edit, polish and sharpen my Volume 1 content. After much, much, much tedious reading, I have finally prepared Volume 1 of Words of Power Quest for book publishing.
And ironically, on the blog itself, the old version still exists! XD My shame, my horrible shame! Oh, whatever should I do?
Well. I suppose I'll keep it as is. I mean, there's always value and merit in going back to old content and examining myself, along with how my capacity for storytelling has improved. All's well that ends well, as I would love to believe, at least.
It may be humiliating... It may even be unsightly if my plans for WoPQ continues. But hey, I'm a storyteller, not a liar. If I can't be honest with myself, no one can be, y'know? I'm not going to edit all that content out just so people can read the final product for free. I'm poor, and I need the money XP
I like this blog, unpopular as it may be. Heck, odds are if I attached a private link to the e-book for free, nobody would visit this dump to download and read a $12 book for free. Hahah!
But uh... I'm partial to it. I love the font used here. It's rather sentimental of me, definitely, but uh... I like it. I can port the content to Royal Road Legends, WordPress, Wattpad, or any of those fancy schmancy sites, but as a rule of thumb anywhere on the Internet with a community naturally invites trolls, stalkers, flamers, content stealers, etc.
So while I do use Wattpad as a very small channel to show the story, I still love this blog the most. A quiet place where I can highlight and select texts in full, see how they present themselves on the elegant dark grey and white, it's inviting.
So enough stalling on my part, let me bring you up to speed.
For these two years, I've been editing and revising my first volume like I'm practically half dead every day. The first and second edit rounds were decent since the story feels fresh. But as I got deeper into the edit, I slowed the pace drastically. It was painful to critique the book after a certain point since the content felt stagnant.
My pent-up desire to continue Herald 5 really got to me and I submitted the manuscript after making a very brief edit. Whether it comes to bite me in the ass, well. I'll let it be.
I hear people telling me "Hire an editor, Cozy." but there're two problems. One, the editor might not dig my style, yeah? So he's gonna flip and drop the book that's so different from traditional storytelling. Two, he might veto for edits that should not happen because the story was designed that way.
E.g. No, removing Roberia and Katachi's marriage is not a good idea. That is part of what makes Messiah so unique, it's this abrupt and uncalled for plot direction that, as a result, makes things between them awkward. Since it was so rushed, the two of them can't build any real chemistry with each other. It's like putting raw garlic in the blender to make guacamole dip when they should be fried beforehand.
Some things take time to foster. Without given the proper room to nurture, what I consider as one of my stories' most notable relationships does not develop. The germination process is not found in Messiah, but rather in Endus Reignum, so it is imperative that nothing is disturbed.
In any case... I really, really wish for Words of Power Quest to take flight. I have finally given it the wings it requires, weak as they are. I can only hope it catches a good tailwind.
Though, for those who wish to provide for the tailwind, if you're a stray visitor just reading through boring posts, please consider this link:
https://discord.gg/3kgPWp7
I made a Discord channel for WoP Quest. "Why is that necessary?"
Because I want to make an audiobook for it! Today's world is filled with people too busy to sit and read, especially for people who are too busy enjoying the finer aspects of life rather than hitting the books. I need to make my own audiobook of WoP Quest. That way, those without eyes can enjoy it.
Also, this rapidly evolving world is invalidating reading as a pastime, sad as it is. I'm making a failsafe for it. Why not, yeah?
I'll be saying goodbye a bit early here, whoever you may be. I wish to continue writing Herald 5, but there's so many chores to be done. Sadness.
May you find your path in life, and live one with as little regrets as you can.
Signing off,
Cozy
