Feelings After Book Release: From a First time Author

Awakening the Dark ThroneWow! This journey has been insane. My debut novel, Awakening the Dark Throne, is official out into the world. From editing, rewrites, speaking with ARC and BETA readers, and finally... choosing a cover. It has all been a whirlwind.

Writing a book takes a lot out of you but it is so worth it. I am proud and love the story I have created and I am excited to share it with others. As a first time author, I have learned very quickly about the 80/20 rule. I know my book isn't for everyone and that is okay. It doesn't take away the accomplishment and joy I receive from hear the positives about the story. Yet, I will never understand why some feel the need to be hateful towards others. Regardless of me feelings or thoughts about someone's work, I would never be disrespectful or cruel. This world is already hard enough. Leave the hate out of it.

As many of you know, I did a lot of research into Norse Mythology when creating this book. Alfar, for example, is the original name for elves. I researched different religions and creatures to create a unique blend of cultures, timeframes, and folklore.

Because this is a 5 book series, I did leave a lot of holes in the book to be flushed out at another point within the series. I set up a lot of characters and events that will be explained as you begin to dive more into the world of the fae in book 2 and then especially in book 3 and 4.

Remember, in book 1, Genevieve is a slave. She isn't going to have access to roam freely or go as she pleases. This is why at times, you might feel the world building is slower. I assure you, once she has the freedom in book 2, you will begin to see the world unfold. I tried to make the information she gathered in book one realistic when it came to just how much and what she was told. She learned the most about the fae from Levos and then a little from Gaelin.

As Levos speaks to her about how the alfar were split into the light and dark courts, he begins to explain how their powers are different. All light court members are connected to the earth. The can control the elements. Yet, the dark alfar's powers vary. You learn about the dark courts powers such as pheromone manipulation, paralyzing shock, shape shifting, seers, and more. When Gen begins to experience her own power first hand, she knows it can't be from the light, based off what Levos has explained.

This book is full of real historical references that you can find in books and texts dating back B.C.E. You will have to pay close attention to small details scattered throughout in order to understand future discoveries later on in the series.

Religion also is a common theme throughout. Depending upon the creature and mythology they are based from, their gods and affiliations will differ. Lily, for example, is a human, so she follows the Catholic God which is stated in Chapter 1. Gen however, is a half-breed. She states in the beginning of the book that she loves the nun who takes care of her and she is thankful to her, but she doesn't necessarily follow the Catholic religion. That is why she will use Gods, in her speech, while Levos and Gaelin follow Norse gods. They will use Thor, Loki, etc..

Some people stated this was an inconsistency, but it's not. You just have to pay close attention to who is talking and what religion they follow. I was very precise with the dialog and use of historical religions throughout. This is something I have educationally studies and personally enjoy.

And let's not forget our bad boy Erendrial. He is the character we automatically love to hate. He comes off as arrogant and cocky, yet in book two, you will get to see a whole other side of him that I believe will set him a part from any other morally gray character we've seen yet in the fantasy world. You will watch him strive for power yet fail. You will learn about his background and his rise to power and what he had to sacrifice to acquire the station he has.

His childhood was tragic and he was forced to make hard decisions along the way. He becomes one of Gen's closest friends and shares his pain with her in order to help her heal. Even though he has a coveted power, his mind is his greatest strength. He was not born to power, station, or money. Everything he has, he has earned.

Book 1 of the series is the shortest book due to the limited access Gen has to the world based on her station. As we continue through the series, you will get to see how every race and court live. I am excited to share my research and imagination with each of you!

Thank you to those who have supported me throughout this journey and are excited for what's to come. I hope to do the characters justice and take you on an emotional roller-coaster.

If you thought book 1 had some trigger warnings, hang on and get ready. Book 2 is intense!

~Author Jessica Ann Disciacca
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Published on April 10, 2024 05:34
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message 2: by Katherine (new)

Katherine Pogatshnik I loved this book and completely looking forward to the next one! Thank you for sharing your writing with the world.


message 3: by Jessica (new)

Jessica Ann Disciacca Katherine wrote: "I loved this book and completely looking forward to the next one! Thank you for sharing your writing with the world."

You're so sweet. Thank you so much. It was my pleasure. I am also excited for the next book! It's my fav!


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