If you’ve been here with me from the beginning, you may recall that I skipped over writing the prolog, saying that I’d address it later. That’s still true…I think. But, Chapter Nineteen was originally intended to be the prolog. The reason I decided against using it as such is that it’s as long and meaty as any chapter in this book and prologs are usually more of a snippet of events. Plus, I think you’ll see a number of things that have more impact because you’re already invested in the story by this point; things that would have largely flown under the radar if you read it up front. So, that’s why I didn’t use it as a prolog, but why does it fit here? Because I felt in the last chapter the expanding Dearth was becoming such a looming threat that it can no longer be back-burnered. In fact, it needs to move front and center into the story. But, what is the Dearth really? I’m hopeful that the readers will be asking themselves that and wanting me to answer their questions. And I while I do like to build up to things, I felt it was time to take a step back in time to give everyone a glimpse of what the future might hold. What you’re about to read is both a backdrop and an origin story crammed into one chapter. Hopefully, it both clarifies some of what’s been happening and gets the readers excited for upcoming events. At least those are two of my main goals with this chapter.
I’ve mentioned before that the longer something stays in my head before being transferred onto the keyboard largely decides on how well its written. I’m not talking about sentence structure and readability as much as how full-bodied and well structured it is. Given that this chapter was originally intended to be the prolog, I’d had it running through my brain for months on end, playing around with the characters and the magic and the whole fallen star piece. And I have to say I think that paid off. I do see some things that need polishing, of course. But other than that I feel I got more than I expected here. I’m confident that the readers will go from not really getting the whole Dearth thing to fully understanding how terrifying it will be if Khaos and the fallen star break free. The bonus is what we now know about Ohrder’s past and what he’s been dreading and battling to prevent for the past fifty years. All told, wherever this ‘chapter’ eventually ends up…I’m going to make sure it stays in the book.
My the Lord shine His light upon you, today and every day,
Mike
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