This one took a lot longer to finish than I thought. I started right in with an idea and a loose set of characters and thought that was enough. But, as often happens, it wasn't enough. My plot was basically to get to the top of the tower and have a cool fight. And have it raining dead bodies.
So this had multiple revisions as I typed away in search of a story. I had two of the layers needed: Layer One is the plot. How does the action unfold? Who's trying to get what? Layer Three is the relationships. I centered on the brothers and dropped a B story about Vennik and Tremel's past.
What I was missing was Layer Two. I needed a twist of some kind that could be paid off at the end. Secret motivations and stuff. That's how Roran's ability to sense Arcanum snapped into my mind. Once I had that, all the other motivations and betrayals fell right into place. The Chain wants order and a predictable world. Someone who can buck against that control is very dangerous.
So I went back and forth, layering in all the story aspects and plot devices. So many changes, so many times. That got me a much better story but forced me to read through it multiple times just to make sure Change 1 matched up with Change 2 and so on. It was like building my own jigsaw puzzle one piece at a time, then needing to go back and change pieces already laid down. Big fun. (Unironically big fun. The challenge of coming up with a coherent story is the thrill of this whole thing.)
And I also had to put in the obligatory post credits scene. Shann makes another appearance and hints at Apocalyptic Doom. Hey, you gotta have a hook...
Bye for now. Merry Christmas!
-JD
