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Hello, and thank you for deciding to read 'Call of the Wind', I only hope you enjoy the journey of The Ashen Order, as I have writing their tale. This novel didn't start off being a full novel. Below, I've compiled a few Q&A about behind-the-scenes of creating this story.
What inspired you to write 'Call of the Wind'?316Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmfP7oLiI4m
This story began as a Dungeons & Dragons one-shot, one I played with friends as a 24-hour event in aid of charity, roughly 3 years ago. However, none of us made it to the 24-hours. But we did raise a fair amount for charity, which was the whole point. From this enjoyment, I left it as an Plot Bunny, to return to at a later date. Last year, an opportunity to write a short story for an anthology came about, and I thought this would be the perfect story to enter. However, when it came to the planning, I found I was enjoying the process so much, I wanted to dive in deeper and couldn't seem to fit my plan into 25,000 words. So, for NaNoWriMo 2022, I decided to write this novel in its full glory, using some of the original material from memory of our campaign and the rest my own ideas.
Who is/are the main characters?316Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRgfh9pN37t
It is written in the first-person perspective of Saria Clovercress, the character I played for the original campaign. I used her backstory as a starting point and built up from there. However, just because it's set in her POV, doesn't mean she is the only main character. When she meets the The Ashen Order, a band of adventurers on the verge of retirement, they join together to take on their final adventure together. Saria is joined by the following;316Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Wc8skC0xG
♡ Barcius Amrai, tiefling warlock316Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTgMBsYieb4
♡ Mitztail Nimble-Paws II, tabaxi bard316Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡawOq6SmYcp
♡ Tarasque Pyris, fire genasi paladin316Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrcjA9Ju7gU
I love each and every one of these characters and of course are based on my fabulous friends that made the original campaign possible, however they have undergone a few creative changes to make them more my own then a copycat.
Why did you choose to post it?316Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmuSsfjsmlh
The story you are about to read is the first draft with minor spelling/grammar checks ran by Google before posting. I've chosen to post the original first draft because I do want feedback on the story, its characters, and pacing.
What is your plotting method?316Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxhhlV3dJmd
I'm always been a planner with most of my original works, but this time round (because originally I was working to a tighter deadline) I used 'The Ten Day Outline' by Lewis Jorstad (The Novel Smithy) which I do recommend. I used this method to create the basic foundations of the novel, then at each chapter revisited notes along with what I'd accomplished in the story so far to push myself that little bit more.
Who made the cover?316Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkCwEmW3imX
I did, using a website called Canva, which is the best thing ever. They even have a whole selection dedicated to 'Wattpad Novel Covers', and there is an abundance to choose from. You don't need to be a graphic designer to have a nice cover for your novel, at least while budget is tight, so this is something I recommend as a placeholder till you can! The photograph is a stock photo found on Pinterest!
How do you pronounce 'certain' words?316Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxQXZHq81tr
I've compiled a Glossary in the contents, please check this over if you're concerned about the pronunciation of character names and places. I appreciate some have been borrowed from D&D 5e, such as enemy names but others are of my own making, and are a little difficult.
Is there any accompanying music for Mitztail's Ballad of the Whiskerteers?316Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlGGwIOk8eJ
Yes, while I was writing it I listened to Merry-go-Round of Life by Joe Hisaishi, which is from the Studio Ghibli film, Howl's Moving Castle. One of my absolutely favourites. The lyrics sung by Mitztail do fit the tune, as that's how I wrote them. Try listening to the theme while reading that part.316Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzi39Q53jV6
Do you accept Concrit/Feedback?316Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxiWrjRLjb7
Absolutely! Please do! I would love to hear your thoughts. Either publicly or privately, I would really appreciate any feedback! I'm also looking for Beta Readers for the first draft, please let me know if you'd be interested!316Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDC7gqWjF00
Google form: https://forms.gle/rJyLNUZVGNYL1DDN9
Disclaimer: I do not own Dungeons & Dragons or the classes/races used within this novel, however I do own the characters. Please do not use them without my consent.
Thank you so much. I hope you enjoy 'Call of the Wind'.
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