In A Quartz Storm, there are two stories. The story of Safiya, trying to save her sister from being used as a broodmare to produce powerful mages, and getting roped into saving the world along the way. And the story of her sister, Tasha. Throughout the novel, there are glimpses into Tasha’s life and the miserable existence that female mages live in their misogynistic society. What I have come to realise is that this tale, the one where the strong-willed Tasha has to survive outwith her sister’s protection, deserves more time on the page.
I’m happy to be spending more time with Tasha, and seeing her story unfold in more detail. Before I started on my writing journey, I had no idea how much my characters would take over the writing process. Obviously, I thought, I am the writer… I decide what happens and when. Right?
It turns out that my characters have a way of telling me exactly what they need to happen in the world around them. Tasha, it turns out, is not sitting idly by awaiting rescue. She has her own plans. And is pretty kick-ass in her own right.
I think she wants a bigger role in the sequel.
Unfortunately, I’m supposed to have been cutting words, not adding them back in. So this shift has set me back a little! But my querying package is drafted, the first three chapters polished and waiting to go out; I just need a little more time to ensure the novel is the best it can possibly be before knocking on agents’ doors.
And then… the next project!