ONE WEEK, GUYS. Just one more week and then it’s NaNoWriMo time!!! But before we dive into the month-long writing insanity, I want to actually, you know, introduce you to my NaNo 2021 novel!

This will be my twelfth NaNoWriMo and just…my mind can hardly comprehend that fact. I have grown and learned more than I could probably ever fit into a single blog post over the course of my eleven NaNos. It’s been such a vital tool in my writing journey. I will never forget the magic and wild rush of that first NaNo and how it propelled me to start pursuing writing seriously. It’s mind boggling it was so long ago—it doesn’t feel it!

But look at me, getting all nostalgic. We’re here to talk about my novel, not me! *sweep away nostalgia and moves on*

SO. I’ll be doing my Know the Novel linkup to share all the juicy tidbits* about my 12th NaNo project. This little tag will continue through October 31st, so there’s still time to join in! I have LOVED reading about everyone’s projects so far! November is going to be filled to the brim with creativity coming alive and I am HERE for it!

*or more like vague jargon because #SPOILERSSWEETIE

ALRIGHTY. Some of you may already know or guessed what my NaNo project will be this year. And yes, I am very, very excited.

INTRODUCING…

NIGHT’S SHATTERED STARS

Yes, indeed! My Daystars are BACK.

I’m writing book #2 of the Fragmented World series. Last NaNo I wrote book #1, Dusk’s Broken Shadows, and if you were here for that you may recall it ended up being one of my favorite stories I’ve ever written in my life. And not just that, but a story of my heart, one that compiled so many things I’ve loved since childhood, all cobbled together in a chaotic mass of insanity. And I adored every second of it. Seriously, NaNo 2020 was my favorite NaNo to date, and I can hardly contain my excitement over returning to this world and characters.

Honest to goodness, I’ve been wanting to start this second book since January, but other projects vied for my attention all year. At last, though, I can set all other things aside and give it my full attention. I’M SO HAPPY.

Since I blabbered about this series so much in last year’s Know the Novel post (and all November), I’m going to try not to repeat myself too, too much. So if you want to know how this story came to be and a bit more details than I’ll be sharing today, you can check out that post HERE.

Onward to the questions!

What first sparked the idea for this novel?

The original concept for this series actually first appeared due to a dream, then changed into something wholly and completely different from that idea, and eventually basically became a way for me to channel my probably unhealthy obsession love for the Kingdom Hearts video games franchise. And found families. And people with wings. And ballet. Like I said, a compilation of all my favorite things. I have no regrets.

As for this book specifically… Well, the first spark of the idea came from the ending of book #1 and the some 289384 loose threads I left for my characters. XD This was always meant to be a series, so book #1 by nooo means wrapped things up. If anything, I just made it all a thousand times worse than how it started.

I’m so nice.

Share a blurb (or just an overall summary)!

WELL. Being as how this is book #2, a blurb would involve massive spoilers. So instead of talking about specific events, how ’bout I attempt to give you a feel of the story in general. Which is also rather difficult. These books are WEIRD, guys. I don’t even know…

If you’ve ever played the Kingdom Hearts or Final Fantasy games, that’s where the inspiration for the overall ~v i b e~ appeared. This is a young adult fantasy, but probably closer to science fantasy, as there is technology and more futuristic clothes/speaking/culture. (Which is quite the change from my usual medieval or steampunk-ish settings.) You’ve got fanciful white buildings that float in the sky and glowing swords and futuristic gun things and fiery horses and people with colorful hair and wings and complicated portal jumping…kinda. And magical dancing that’s based off of ballet. That one’s important.

As far as the plot, the basic idea is that the world is threatened to disappear from these cracks that lead to the “Nothing”, literal fissures that break apart the world and pull bits out of existence. Only the Sealers can heal the cracks with their magical dancing. But when countless cracks appear one night, and winged people emerge from them and steal away the people and the world itself, well…my gang questions everything and learns there are lots of worlds out there, and they’re all in trouble. Thus the chaos happens.

Wow. What a summary. I TOLD YOU IT’S WEIRD. And so hard to explain gawsh.

Where does the story take place? What are some of your favorite aspects about the setting?

That’s a bit of a loaded question, as there are quite a few locations going on.

For this book, we’ll probably see a lot more of the world the winged people live in. Or the main city, which is a ginormous, fanciful city full of white buildings (some of which float) and airships and trams and such. But also some not-so-pleasant underground stuff going on.

I’ll also be exploring a new place that I’m super excited to get to. Except I shouldn’t because it’s a dark, misty, and broken place full of dangerous shadowy things. But that’s my favorite!

No, I don’t know what’s wrong with me.

And what are my favorite aspects? HMMM. I really like the concept of floating buildings, not gonna lie. Also over-the-top ornate cities are my favorite. XD They’re just COOL. But also dark, shadow places. *maniacal grin*

Honestly though? Despite already writing all of book 1, I feel like there is still so very much of this universe I’ve yet to explore. It’s full of different worlds and cultures and limitless possibilities, and I’m so looking forward to digging deeper into it and seeing what I find.

Tell us about your protagonist(s).

MY CHILDREN.

As much as I love the concept of this story and the setting, it is these characters, these precious, chaotic, disastrous children, that turned this tale into one that I know will never leave me. I have missed my little squad, and I’m counting down the days to when I get to continue their story.

This is definitely a #foundfamily and #squadgoals tale. The main cast is a group of five inseparable teenagers who call themselves the Daystars because #reasons. I gave full aesthetics in my post last year, so definitely check out that post to learn more. But I’ll give a brief summary of my main crew…

AELIN

ENFP and chaotic good to the max. Full of energy and love and loyalty, but struggles with a lot of self doubt and questions her place in the world. Would die for her friends a thousand times over. Also if you hurt/insult/literally anything her friends you will die. It doesn’t help that she’s well trained in fighting and basically married to her twin blades. But she also loves flowers and pretty dresses. And orange. Orange things are her favorite.

PRINCESS DAYANA “DAY”

INTJ, has a most impressive eyebrow raise, and is grace and poise personified. Can manage to help save the universe all while still looking fabulous because #priorities. She can often be quiet and appear standoffish, but loves fiercely. As a Sealer, she has the ability to dance the cracks of the world back together.

PRINCE KEZRIN “KEZ”

ISTP and hardly capable of speaking anything but snark. Drama King, does not like sharing feelings, and pretends he doesn’t care but har har har we all know the truth. He’s my emo child who doesn’t seem to believe in wearing any color but black. Like his sister Day, he somehow manages to look good even during battle. In fact, his constant perfect hair drives Aelin to distraction.

RUNE

ENFP and official Puppy Dog of the squad. But is also, in fact, the most deadly with a blade. A stabby marshmallow, as it were. Feed him and you’re his bestie for life. Awkward, creative, passionate, optimistic, and would adopt every animal in the world if he were allowed to.

TALA

ISFJ and 100% the Mom Friend. Her mission in life seems to be to knit all her loved ones an infinite pair of socks and feed them as much as possible. She’s the voice of reason amidst the chaos that is all the others. Warmth and kindness and good sense. But also a righteous anger that you would be wise to avoid At All Costs. (Also she and Rune have been an inseparable couple since they were children and it’s precious.)

There are, of course, many other characters that come into play, but that’s my main squad and I love them with my whole heart.

Who (or what) is the antagonist?

I’ve never been one to just have a single antagonist. There are usually all sorts of villainous sources running around causing trouble and…I’ve actually not officially met at least one of them as they didn’t come into play in book #1. And as of right now they’re a vague entity in my head. I will be meeting them in this book though and quite looking forward to seeing what this person is all about!

But book #1 did feature the brother-sister duo who serve as King and Queen of the winged people’s world and they proved to be my favorite types of villains: stylish and sassy! Because if you’re going to be a villain, you gotta know how to walk the runway, am I right? Put on your lipstick or hair gel before murder. *nods sagely* They, uh, also proved to be quite ruthless.

It was great. I’m excited to return to them.

I told you I don’t know what’s wrong with me.

But ANYWAY. That’s all I’m saying because so many spoilers!

Also I don’t want to admit that to this day I don’t entirely know the Main Baddie’s goal which is quite the problem. but shhh it’s fine. Everything’s fine.

What excites you the most about this novel?

EVERYTHING??? Literally just returning to this story and being with my beloved disaster children again. I finished book 1 on November 25th last year and I have been aching to return to them since. It just…kept not happening this year. But now I CAN and it honestly feels surreal. Seriously, I haven’t loved a book this much since Burning Thorns.

But as far as some specifics…

• Exploring the relationships and characters more, new and old. There are so many character dynamics to play with in this story which is my faaave. And some side characters will get more “screen time” in this book and I am PUMPED.
• Magical ballet dancing. I never took ballet, but I’ve adored watching it since I was very, very small. I basically get to live my unrealized ballet dreams vicariously through Dayana and it’s fantastic. And it’s not just ballet but MAGICAL. Win-win!
• Exploring certain new places. Some of the places we get to visit in this book have been in my head nearly since this series idea came into being. It’s going to be so fun officially going to these places!
• E M O T I O N S. Oooh yesss, there are going to be feels. And I love writing me some feelsy scenes. *rubs hands together and cackles*
• Also chaos. So much chaos. >:)))

Is this going to be a series? standalone? something else?

Clearly it’s not a standalone! Lol.

This is either going to be a trilogy or four-book series. As of right now, I’m not sure which. I’m hoooping to keep it down to three books, but I may not know if I can wrap it up by book 3 or have to do one more until I get to the third book.

Are you plotting? pantsing? plansting?

You can probably guess at this point, especially by the above answer, that I am, in fact, a pantser.

I guess you could say I’m plantsing this book since I already have so much established. And I have, throughout the year, been jotting down random ideas that occasionally pop into my head. But beyond some very beginning stuff and a vaaague idea of an overall goal for the protagonists, I truly have no idea where this book will go. I find my books turn out much more interesting when I let them take the reins and just go along for the ride. It’s hard for me to come up with interesting ideas until I’m there inside the novel. Once I start writing, the ideas pretty much always start flowing, but before then…I got nothing.

It’s always a bit nerve-wracking attempting to pants a NaNo novel, but I’ve survived it before, so hopefully this year will be no different!

Please please please.

Name a few unique elements about this story.

I honestly think this is my most unique story concept overall??

The blend of modern and fantasy, the magical dancing, the idea of chunks of the worlds literally being obliviated into nothing—it’s a strange one! The convoluted way one travels between worlds is also pretty unique I think. But I don’t want to give everything away. 😉

Share some fun “extras” of the story (a song or full playlist, some aesthetics, a collage, a Pinterest board, a map you’ve made, a special theme you’re going to incorporate, ANYTHING you want to share!).

The aesthetic and music of this book are like my FAVORITES OF EVER. My pinterest board and playlist keep me endlessly motivated.

AESTHETICS

fractured worlds | starry skies | fighting to the end | unbreakable bonds | new & old friendships | swirling dances | loyalty | scattered feathers | shadows | falling | broken seams | losing hope | finding hope | light in the darkness

– PINTEREST BOARD –

We’re not going talk about how much time I have spent on that thing. I may be a tad obsessed…

– PLAYLIST –

Which is made up of like 87% Kingdom Hearts songs and I have no regrets. I love the music in this playlist SO. MUCH. I think my greatest inspiration last year was getting to listen to these songs all November long. Nothing like epic music to fuel the motivation!

Somehow I feel like I’ve babbled endlessly while saying nothing? (I’m just that skilled.) But there is a lot to this story I don’t want to spoil and it’s the weirdest tale I’ve ever written, which doubly makes it hard to talk about. But regardless, I am SO. ABSURDLY. EXCITED. I’ve missed my Daystars more than I can say, and I truly cannot wait to spend an entire month with them all. <3

Don’t forget there’s still a week left to join this linkup and share about your own WIP, whether you’re doing NaNo or not! You can find all the details HERE.

One week. One week before the insanity begins. Before those stories in our heads can finally be transformed to words. Before we get to make some magic. Let’s make it a good one.

Happy Writing!

What do you think of my weird little story? Can you guys believe NaNo is almost here??? Who’s excited? And if you haven’t, definitely feel free to buddy me on the NaNo site!