Bringing the Connected Worlds to Life

I have just finished writing chapter 11, it’s already 52,000 words but I’m sure I’ll cut this down in the 2nd draft and full rewrite. I have been amazed at how easily the world count has mounted. My dissertation for my Animal Management Degree back in the early 2000s was 10,000 words and that felt like a mammoth undertaking. I have also recorded the chapters as an audio book, I have been involved with amateur dramatics since I was 6 years old and am a frustrated actor. It has been fun to record the chapters and has helped hugely with the story. The main reason for recording the audio was for my brother. He has two young children and reading is a luxury ill afforded to him currently, but he has got time to listen to the audio book as he is renovating his house, affectionately known as the “Glenderlow”. He has listened to all 11 chapters and has been a great help with feedback on the storyline and character development. Sometimes you can’t see the trees for the Kylglenn Forest. I really do appreciate his opinion as it has already been invaluable.

As the book progresses, I feel that I am giving the Connected Worlds the full four dimensions. A history and timeline that goes along with the physical world. As you can see from the gallery page on this website, I have also created a map of the Septino Isles. This has really helped with future plot twists and also given context to how big this world is. I am pleased I decided to draw the map before really needing too as it has certainly given me inspiration for future chapters and even ideas for the second and third volumes of the trilogy.

So, I am going to let you into a few secrets of my writing process now. The old adage goes that you must write what you know. Well I own horses and been around them since I was 14, having a summer job working with Heavy Horses. They play a huge role in the books. I didn’t intend this when I set out but as I have been writing, horses and Basil the terrier (based on my own Jack Russell Terrier, Basil) have been key to the story in the first 11 chapters.

My animals have always been such a major part of my life, I suppose it was only natural that they are in my writing too. I have also based Freya’s hometown of Kylglenn on my own, Ringwood. In fact, I came up with the name Kylglenn as it is based on Cornish, kylgh is ring and glynn is wood. And Kylglenn Forest is based on the New Forest, which Ringwood sits adjacent to and the Aber is based on the River Avon, places I have grown up with.

In the book, Zach’s hometown is Perranport inspired by Perranporth in Cornwall, where I spent my childhood vacationing in my Grandfathers holiday cottage, Cliff Nook. A place I know almost as well as Ringwood.

As Kerensia is a fantasy world I am enjoying blurring the timelines a little bit, for example, their favourite sport is based on archery and jousting - Kostanna, quite medieval but they have gas lamps and a number of things associated with the Victorian era. Again, both eras I have a deep fascination with. As the book progresses and Freya visits the other connected world, they will all be based on time periods and cultures I have a passion for. I would find it very difficult to write about something I was genuinely interested in. But more on the Connected Worlds later, I don’t want to give away any spoilers yet.

In chapter 12 Freya and Zach are about to visit Perranport for the first time and I am looking forward to their journey from Kylglenn as I’m sure it will not be a straightforward one. And also describing the Victorian / medieval Cornish fishing village of Perranport. Let’s hope the pair make it in one piece and get closer to stopping the Diabolus and the resurrection of the Epitome of Evil, Toorak.

Written by J.J. Westerman