To be real for a moment, the holidays have seriously burned me out. Sometimes I wonder if I’m not almost self-destructively ambitious, setting my expectations of myself too high and then struggling to find the time and energy to meet those expectations. It’s hard to look at myself and admit that age and chronic pain and fatigue have left me unable to meet my goals in the time frame I set for myself. I seem the same. I feel the same enthusiasm and passion as I’ve always felt, have the same relentless curiosity, but the resources to execute that passion are decidedly diminished. And whether I like it or not, I have to respect the limitations of my mind and body. After all, success isn’t about how fast you accomplish your goals but how tenacious you are in pursuing those goals in spite of whatever obstacles you face.

Therefore, I’ve decided to take a break this week and let myself rest a little. I’ve a few great worldbuilding and literary posts in mind for the upcoming months, one of which is on my absolute least favorite topic—fashion. I hate describing clothes. So you can look forward to watching me languish in the flowing fabrics of silken torture. Meanwhile, I’d like to compensate for my off time by giving you a sneak peak at some artwork I’ve been working on for Children of the Wilds.

Map of the Frísian Empire

Children of the Wilds, the first book in my New Adult Dark Fantasy series, will be set among the towering ancient timbers of the Wildwoods, a region along the easternmost edge of the Frísian Empire. It will follow Kotae and Nai, two children of the nomadic Nortai tribe, as they migrate between their various campgrounds along the coasts of Imjek and the banks of the Hotau River all the way to the border of rugged Tsuka.

Wehrra, the Bone Knives

The lorhamā and lorhatamā make up the warrior class among the Wildland tribes. In order to claim the title of lorhatamā, one must claim victory four times in the brutal Proving competitions and complete a spiritual journey. Only then is one considered worthy enough to be granted a set of paired knives called wehrra, which are made of the bones of their ancestors.

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Hope you enjoy! Let me know what you think in the comments. And don’t forget to rest, refresh, and reset yourself too.