As many of you know, my newest book, and the beginning of a four book long series, was released on January 14th, 2020.
So far, I've been super pleased with its performance. Writing a book is a lot like having a kid - then sending it in the forest to fight woodland creatures... You do your best to get it ready, but you never really know how it will do. You give it a weapon and teach it which mushrooms to avoid, then you shove it out the door. Who knows, maybe it will come home with rabies and have to be put down?
However, Born of Fire and Flood has done great, and I want to thank you all for the support. I am busy chipping away at the second book in the series, and it is progressing marvelously.
I wrote BOFF with three main themes.
1. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Literally.
2. What happens when someone will do anything to anyone to accomplish a goal?
3. What happens when we get something we've wanted all our lives?
The first theme is pretty basic, and it is the foundation of the entire magic system in the book. In order to gain powers, the denizens of this fantasy world must be brought to the brink of death. Then, if they survive, they will be granted the power.
It isn't all awesome, though. Many times these people are left scarred, broken, and alone. It is up to that person to decide if these powers are a blessing or a curse.
The second theme surrounds the character Solare, Oliver, and even our heroine Jenna to some extent. I will avoid blatant spoilers here, so stick with me. I wanted to dive into what made good people to bad things. How could I take a normal person, and turn them into a murderer. What would have to happen for someone to rationalize the murder of thousands just to accomplish a goal?
Third, what happens we get something we've always wanted? I have a few strongly held opinions on this. First, nothing is ever truly resolves. There are no happy endings, because there are no endings. "Aha!" moments are always followed by more questions, more struggles. Just because the damsel is saved by the knight doesn't mean they won't have marital issues.
Likewise, when someone wants something badly enough, they place it on a pedestal. That pedestal becomes taller and more ornate the longer the desire is held at bay. Then, when the goal is accomplished, it often is a disappointment. All that hype, all that effort, and for what? A few moments of power?
This might sound depressing, but indeed it is the opposite. I believe realistic expectations are the keys to happiness. Avoid the "things will be better when I get this new job" mindset. In all reality, things will probably be the same, maybe more difficult.
This is the main conflict that Jenna faces in the beginning. She has hesitated, dreamed, and prepared her whole life for one thing... then when she gets it, it isn't what she expected. But does that make it inherently bad? Not necessarily...
Damn, I'm ranting again. Good lord...
Either way, these are the themes I was working with when I wrote the book. I think it turned out beautifully.
You are all awesome and I look forward to writing more for you. Email me at bryce@bryceallenwrites.com with any questions comments or concerns. If you haven't picked the book up yet, it is available on Amazon.
Peace!