Falchion Speaks: The Book Drought
- Ceres
- Dec 11, 2015
- 2 min read
I'm Ezra Oleson, the guy at the helm of Cardinal Media, author of a few books. At Lovejoy, I'm called Ceres. In this (first) issue of Falchion Speaks, I'm going to explain the nonsense that happens backstage at a one-man publishing house. I'm calling this issue "The Book Drought," because that's what it is.
A year ago, in December 2014, I published the Firebrand, which was the sequel and successor to the Academy. Falchion Press has been met with a book drought. Since I'm running a one-man show, I can't really expect instant gratification when it comes to feedback, and I'm not making much money off all this, but getting a book out there is... Well, it's satisfying. People read it. They fall in love with the characters. I get to listen to feedback and make spinoffs. But 2015 has not been that year.
The Firebrand was released a year ago. Requiem Angel, the third book in that series, was slated for an August release but it was shelved. Between last winter and the outset of this one, there have been two short stories released, both of which were designed to help build up and support the Academy's narrative. But neither of these are books. They'll stay on the shelves, but as of now, they don't really serve a purpose unless I re-release the Academy Trilogy and bolster that franchise. Right now, the Falchion Press library is dead.
In the wake of Vohican Queen and Blackguard, I've been diffident with the prospect of working on or (God forbid) publishing something new. Something unique. The Academy mythos has grown to become a safe space. Reluctant to leave that behind, I've let my library molder for a year. With this in mind, I have three paths ahead of me. I can either revive the Academy mythos, create something new, or leave my writing career altogether. The third option isn't likely.
The FP Book Drought of 2015 has been caused by this (admittedly flaccid) cycle of abysmal despair. Start writing, get hesitant, stop writing. Rinse and repeat. I don't like making promises, but in addressing this issue, I'd like to put an end to this year-long hiatus. 2016 has wonderful things in store. Together, we'll make the best of it.
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