What’s happening with Memories of Prophecies?
Hey all,
Hope everyone had a nice Halloween. It was quiet in my parts, which was good, and I’ll stop right there because I don’t want to rant about Covid. I’m going to move on to an update on my writing. I’m officially done with the first draft of book 2, Memories of Prophecies, and I’m feeling better about the book, which is a good thing because for a while, I was having serious doubts.
I’ve said I’m shooting for a release date to be in the latter part of the first quarter of 2021, and that’s still the aim. Right now, I’m on schedule, but I’m also too close to the book. I need outside, critical eyes, people who will tell me where the book falls flat or whether the story and plot are disappointing.
Thankfully, I have two editors who’ll start that process. I’ll send the book to one editor in December, make revisions, and send it to the other editor in January. More revisions will follow, and then it goes to the alpha readers. The world’s toughest alpha reader, my sister, will be reading it then. Another polishing, and then the beta readers get it. A final grammar check, and then it should be ready to release.
That’s the plan, and we’ll see if the book is good enough to skate through without needing huge changes to the story, plot, and characterizations. If it doesn’t, I’ll be thrilled, but I’m also not willing to release something I don’t feel is worthy. Which means I really want some useful criticism, and oddly enough, I’m looking forward to it.
Less thrilling in all this is how difficult it has become to keep track of all the world-building. It isn’t just this series and world, but since all my books are intertwined, I have to constantly refer back to the Castes and William Wilde to make sure I don’t contradict myself. That isn’t easy, and I can understand why Robert Jordan hired people to check continuity for him with the Wheel of Time. The current series, Instrument of Omens, won’t come close to the length of Wheel of Time, but the entirety of the Anchored Worlds saga likely will. After all, there are two more realms and two other timelines to explore. Yikes!
Anyway, that’s where things stand right now.
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I would love to be an Alpha Reader!
I read the Testament of Steel in 2 days and was fascinated! Now that I know all of your other series are linked, I’ve downloaded them all and will read through them.
I honestly haven’t felt excitement for a novel SINCE WoT… I was an avid fan or Jordan’s and eagerly anticipated his book releases each year until his death and was heart-broken. My hope was restored by his wife and Branden Sanders as the series final books were completed.
I had a ritual with Jordan… each year before a release, I would re-read all his novels up to the last released book so that “nothing” was missing when the new book came out. Matrim was always my favorite! No one could attract trouble like he could.
WoT and LotR were the two series that made the most impact on me as a reader and a writer. I actually wrote and am writing Instrument of Omens as an homage to those two series, so to say I’m stunned by the comparison is an understatement. Wow! I don’t know what else to say, except I’ll do my best to follow in Jordan’s footsteps while still making it my own story.
Davis
Just finished Testament of Steel in less than a day. The comparisons to Jordan are well earned, and the racial interactions echo LOTR. Instantly a fan and can’t wait for the sequel. Thank you for sharing these stories and doing what you do, I look forward to more. Thank you.
Thank you for that amazing comparison. This is my love letter to those two series, so to hear that it gives off the same vibes is a wonderful thing to hear. And I will definitely keep on writing! The stories demand to come out of my head.
I would also love to be a alpha reader I loved Testament of Steel and loved how you wrote it. Many authors don’t take the time to provide a good backstory but you definitely took the time and I liked that.
Thanks, Eli! I’m glad you liked it so well. That’s always a wonderful thing to read on a Monday morning. The backstory is the foundation for these kind of stories, and it has to hang together. And thank you for offering to be an alpha reader. However, email me directly at davisashura@davisashura.com, and I’ll let you know what that entails.
Sincerely,
Davis
Thanks for the amazing book !
I have just finished testament of steel and my only disappointment was the missing book 2 🙂
While waiting for you to finish it I started reading the caste series and I’m confused by the cross characters between the series (I’m just on the first chapters though).
Can all the series be read in any order or did I spoiled it by reading Testament of steel first ?
Hi Hugues,
Thank you for giving the book a try! Book 2 is coming along. It’s looking solid for a March 2021 release. As for the cross-overs, there really are only four, but I do reference others. Also, the good news is that while all the books in all the series are intertwined, they can be read separately and in any order. However, if you read William Wilde, there will be portions of the new series that will be made more clear, like you’ll know who Cinder and Anya truly are, but it shouldn’t ruin the enjoyment of the journey.
Davis
I would love to be an alpha reader. Just Finished reading the entire series (so far!) over the past week. I’ve really enjoyed the world building and the character development. I love that there are strong female characters like Jessira, Serena, and let’s not forget Aia. Also enjoyed the Amalgamation of Indian and wester flavour. Eagerly awaiting the next book to learn what happens to Cinder and Anya.
Hi Jo,
You’ve finished both series in one week. Gulp! That’s some fast reading, lol. Thank you for offering to be an alpha reader. Email me directly at davisashura@davisashura.com, and I’ll be able to give you more information.
Davis
I just finished Testament of Steel and looking forward to The Memories of Prophecies but you tend to put big words where they make no sense. When they are in a sentence I can work it out but otherwise I have go to a dictionary. I worked through it and loved the book.
I’m looking forward to the Memories of Prophecies! If you need another Alpha Reader, I’m a happy volunteer! I’ll also give you honest feedback.
This series is off to a great start. Keep it up! Can’t wait to see book #2!
I’m so glad you loved the book so much. But unfortunately, the list for alpha readers for Memories is full. However, if you want to send me a direct email or message me on my author page at Facebook and you want to be a beta reader, just let me know.
Davis
Gave 5 stars and a version of the comment below on Audible:
I love how Testament of Steel can stand alone and simultaneously tie in so well with the previous books. It captured and maintained my attention the entire time. The writing is excellent. The world is substantive. Podehl’s awesome, as always. There was an excellent balance of new interesting story lines and nostalgia. Some parts are predictable but this is a “new” or another origin story of sorts for this pair. As the chapters wound down, I suspected where it would leave off but was constantly wondering if realization would dawn on them just before it ended. I am glad I listened to it but my desire to read Memories of Prophecies is proportional to this enjoyment which is frustrating hehe. I have decided to re-listen to Castes and Outcastes as well as the The Chronicles of William Wilde again…and maaaybe Stories from Arisa… maybe… while I wait. Anyways, great job. I am so glad you hinted this is far from over by writing “there are two more realms and two other timelines to explore” Keep up the great work and stay safe Davis. Hopefully you can continue using Nick as well.
Hi Rez,
5-stars is awesome! Thank you! And I’m glad you liked the book so much. Nick is wonderful to work with, and he is going to be doing the audiobooks for the rest of the series. It’s truly an honor to work with such a great person.
Davis
I just finished up your two novels in the Instrument of Omens series. Was thrilled to find out you had two prequel series. Wish I did a bit more digging beforehand to read it chronologically but as a Fantasy junkie, I quickly overcame my error and will now read The Caste and the Outcastes series, followed by the William Wilde story arch. Very enamored with these books. I also was impacted by many of the authors you love. Sanders, Tolkien, Jordan, Goodkind, and so many more shaped my love for reading and writing. That being said, after reading Sanders new novel in the storm light archive series, I was in a book hole so to speak. Cinder Shade is obviously who I love now as its this version of him I have come to know so far. But I now know I get to explore Rukh and see how this version in another world lines up. I am thrilled to catch up on these series and I can’t wait for your next installment with Cinder Shade and Anya. Thanks for providing me time to explore the world you created. I look forward to diving in more.
Hi Daniel,
I’m so glad you enjoyed the Instrument of Omens. Those authors you listed, especially Tolkien and Jordan, were so formative to my own desire to write, and I have always wanted to write a massive series with a mythic history but tied into what I’ve already done. It’s a challenge to link timelines and magic, but it’s also a fun puzzle to solve. In addition, I’ll be curious to know what you think of Rukh/Jessira in comparison to Cinder/Anya when you read Castes and the OutCastes.
Davis
Hi, I just got through reading Testament of Steel and Memories of Prophecy… I am so excited for the next book in the series. Please say that it is on its way? Cinder and Anya are couple goals – bad-ass.
Hi Danielle,
Thank for giving the books a try and for those kind words. And, yes, book 3 is on its way. I’m writing it as we speak. It’s probably been the most challenging book I’ve ever written, but I’ll see it through. My goal is to have it done by the end of the year or early next. As for Cinder and Anya, I think they’re pretty bad-ass, too, and if you’re interested, their origin story is in the Castes and the OutCastes.
Davis