Firstly, a huge thank you to everybody that took an interest in this unusual story and gave it a chance! I know how uncommon it is to have older characters leading the play, but I am glad to see more and more queer characters joining the mix so – half is better than none, right?
Anyway!
As of 25th Sept 2023: this book is now officially published!
After posting it on here, running it through beta readers, and then reading it enough time to be sick of it myself, I made some pretty big changes to this draft to get it to its final stage.
Here are the big differences between this version and what you can find online:
* Cleaned up spelling, grammar, and general prose.
* Tightened up some character interactions, descriptions, and found a few plot holes.
* Re-wrote the entire first chapter: I needed to get more into Jun’s mindset on crossing the boundary and less into her being a taste-tester and reminiscing the old days.
* Changed up a lot in the dungeon scene, because that was one of the plot holes that really bothered me once I noticed it.
* Added more interactions with the sage and a better description of the Chosen One.
* Completely re-wrote the ending. Though I did use the same language and elements from the original one, it didn’t feel complete, so I gave myself a second, third, and a final fourth try to get it to something I absolutely loved!
Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
If you’re interested in reading these changes in action or just plain supporting me, make sure to grab your own copy of Soultaming the Serpent. The ebook is now available through multiple retailers here: https://books2read.com/soultaming
Thank you again for reading and I hope to see you around!
Inspiration?
This book was written as part of the 2023 Inkfort Press Publishing Derby! The Publishing Derby is an annual event where authors are challenged to write a story, novella, or novel within two months, based on an assigned pre-made cover.
Since the covers were the inspiration for the stories, I was very picky with my options. When I originally saw a purple cover with a dragon in the background and I had to have it! Maybe a week or so before the covers went out, I finished reading an amazing online serial based around Korean mythology, which led me down the internet rabbit hole of Korean dragons. (The MCs name is an ode to this inspiration.)
Next thing I know, I got this cover but ended up having a completely different idea! The cover said to me: young character, love story, looking for a dragon in a purple field. In the end, I went with a much older character than the usual in fantasy books, put it in a desert setting, and then decided to make her aromantic.
Did it work?
About me?
PM Hammond is an introvert who wants to go on adventures, but needs that final push. Luckily, that push either comes from her best friend and sister, or from being chased out of the house by her cats. And, unfortunately, finding a naked young man will only have her barring her doors.
This is her debut novel under this penname and if you want to learn more about this book, her real identity, or her next book release, subscribe to her newsletter at: https://pmhammond.substack.com/