The Duology That Wanted To Be A Trilogy.
Of course, I found that out too late.
Children of Darkness, the first book in this two-book series, originally wasn't supposed to have a sequel. I thought I would do a story set among the zorkro or darkness Elwens, the most dangerous Elwens, the soul-eaters, and the most fascinating part of it would be the idea, the challenge of trying to make soul-eaters sympathetic characters.
Of course, my viewpoint character came along and changed all that.
Zadok, my viewpoint character, was originally supposed to be just a stand-in for or representative of his race. But he insisted on developing his own ideas, his own conflicts, even his own gift and his own romantic relationship. The story became a story about characters, and I loved those characters so much that I decided to write a second story about them.
Exiles From Light was probably doomed from the start. I have never been good at writing stories about a social group; my talent is more for individuals. Zadok and Lia, his love, were no longer on their own, but leaders of a group of exiles, and so they changed and lost some of their freedom. The ending of the book surprised me by moving with some unaccustomed vigor, and then it wanted a next book.
"No," I said. My eye was already on the Elwenpride Quartet, and I didn't want to stay with Zadok and Lia any longer, for all that the ending of Exiles From Light assumed the story went on. I have done this with several stand-alone novels as well, and I was happy to do it with this one. The story can go on, but I won't be writing it.
At least, I don't think so.
Now that I think about it, Zadok is an interesting character, and my writing skills may have advanced enough to do him justice...
(All prologues and first chapters linked off this page copyright 1997-2003 by Anadrel).
Children of Darkness- Zadok is a Council guard, not the kind of person to be caught up in a conflict between two powerful groups trying to change society. But the priestess Lemakush sees a useful tool in him, and spends some time trying to persuade him. Then the other side steps in. And then the world goes mad, and Zadok finds himself associating with a light Elwen in an attempt to stop his people from destroying themselves.
Exiles From Light- Zadok and his love, Lia, lead the Arvadi, a group who has fit in with neither plan to reform the zorkro, away from the Rivadan Valley. It is not a peaceful journey. Lia faces hatred and distrust from the darkness Elwens; Zadok a powerful addiction and the agony of his bond to Lia.
