FINISHED! THANK GOD!

I just loaded the last chapter of my Vella medieval novella. I loved writing it. I’ll probably never write one again. I’m having NO luck with Vella. But I’m glad I gave it a shot. And I’m glad I tried a medieval magical story. Sylwan lost both of her parents, and she’s just learning to flex her muscles. Her father was a weapons master at the old king’s castle. Her mother practiced magic, and the old king feared it. They had to flee for their lives when her father disagreed with the king, who was greedy and pampered. The saddest news was that Sylwan’s uncle–her mother’s brother–claimed Sylwan’s father’s land as soon as he fled, then he hunted his sister and her husband down to prove to the king that he was loyal to him. He was a coward and a traitor to his family. But Sylwan escaped when her parents died, and she lived to fight another day. And she had more magic than her mother did.

Other authors are selling stories with witches and mystery, but mine aren’t taking hold. I must not have hit the magic groove they’ve found. More humor? More romance? Beats me. But that’s all right, too. Because I’ve really enjoyed them, but it’s back to cozies for me. And I’ve found a few I can’t wait to write.

The magical stories have taught me a bit about conflict and battles. My characters have faced stiff odds and persevered, and that’s going to help me in other things I write. My mystery characters are going to have more grit. And I like that.

I hope I got most of the history part right in Blood And Bones. I looked things up and bought a book on everyday castle life. But historicals always scare me. It’s so easy to overlook something.

Anyway, I’m happy with the story. I really like Sylwan and I fell in love with Gardak. I hope a few readers find them and like them, but who knows? Even if they perish, unloved, I’ll love them. So welcome to the world, BLOOD AND BONES!