As I work on “Legacy,” it’s been fun spending time with Mina. Her perspective differs from Katya’s, though I would say her guardian has rubbed off on her in some ways. Not that she’d like to admit it at the moment. Teens. 🙄
But really, that age difference has made “Legacy” so fresh for me as a writer. It’s enjoyable to write a character who is just starting their life and setting out on their own path — embarking on training, making youthful mistakes, and finding young love. “Legacy” will definitely have a more young adult flare (with a similar feel to “Ender’s Game”) given the age of most of the key characters. I look forward to introducing more of the new cast on the blog, just like I did Anna. I’m particularly attached to some of the older new cast members, such as Lieutenant Commander Das and Commander Foma. But the younger cast members are also great, though I will admit it can be tough juggling them all.
While we welcome new cast members, some familiar faces will also make appearances. Of course, Katya will still be present in her new role as a vice admiral in command of the Nakhimov, also nicknamed “The Nursery.” As expected, she isn’t commanding any front-line operations; her role currently is to share her Magistrate knowledge and train up Mramor’s fledgling military. Aleksandr and Zakhar also continue to play pivotal roles.
Finding writing momentum has been a challenge. I really long for my high school years when I could belt out a chapter in one go, but life is different now. I also had my outline shift. Something that was slated to occur later in the story actually happened earlier. This meant I had to pause and restructure the outline. I’ve completed this, and I now feel “Legacy” will become a 12-chapter story versus the originally planned 11-chapter story. Having fleshed out my notes and tweaked the outline, I hope that my writing pace will pick up. We’ll see!
I would love to have Mina’s story done before the end of the year. Being four chapters in (whether it’s 12 or 11 chapters total), I feel it is possible. It will just require dedication and a schedule.
Book III
“Once Removed” is started; however, I have paused work on it until “Legacy” is complete. While readers don’t have to read “Legacy” to enjoy “Once Removed,” “Legacy” does a great job of bridging the gap between “Descent” and “Once Removed.” It sets the playing field while providing character development for Mina and also foreshadowing what’s coming in Book III. In short, it enriches Book III.
Blood & Ink 