Behind the Scenes: Creating Star of Shalik

The writing process is a fascinating journey, and no two books follow the same path. When I look back to my first novel, The Chrysillium Tree, I remember it was Spring 2020 at the beginning of the pandemic. I was actually querying another work-in-progress when I had a vivid dream during a time of fear, change, and isolation as the world shut down. In that dream, I saw an incredible tree with indigo crystalline beads for leaves that swayed gently in the breeze, bringing me profound peace.

That dream sparked everything. I started writing immediately, asking myself: What is this tree? Where does it come from? Clearly it's magical—but what's the source of its magic? Who are the tree's protectors, and what are they protecting it from? The story of The Chrysillium Tree formed naturally from these questions, and I wrote the first draft in a matter of weeks.

The Chrysillium Tree followed a relatively straightforward path. After several revisions, I found amazing beta readers, then an editor who provided developmental and line edits. I built a following on Twitter, published the book, and was thrilled with its successful release and positive reception from readers.

The Winding Road of Star of Shalik

While waiting for feedback from my editor on TCT, I began drafting Star of Shalik. I connected with the main character, Rowynn, first, then built an outline around her. In the original version, Rowynn's setting was completely different from what it is now. She began as someone discontent with village life, wanting to escape the village of Quan where she lived with her two aunts. The story started with her deciding to run away with her friend Mel.

I fleshed out the outline, created a draft, went through the usual revising and editing process, and sent it to alpha readers. After another round of edits, I submitted it to my editor for developmental feedback. The response was positive, and I started implementing the suggested changes. Everything seemed on track for a fall publication.

Then I paused.

Despite the positive feedback from both alpha readers and my editor, something wasn't right. The setting felt wrong, and more importantly, Rowynn wasn't right. Adding to this creative uncertainty, my son and I were preparing for a move. What started as a pause to handle our relocation continued even after we settled into our new home. I couldn't write, but I didn't panic—it actually felt natural. Ideas still came, and I jotted them down, trusting the process.

The Complete Rewrite

In February 2024, I started writing again—from scratch. I completely rewrote all 110,000 words of Star of Shalik, dedicating one hour every morning at 5:00 AM for nine months. Since December, I've been revising and editing, and the book is nearly finished.

I love this new version. The setting is perfect—now set in the Palace of Light rather than the village of Quan. Rowynn is no longer trying to run away; instead, she's conscripted into Ulli's army and forced to leave her hometown of Epoth. (If you've read The Chrysillium Tree, this will make so much more sense once you read Star of Shalik!) The military government of Ulli—the former kingdom of Azantium—operates from the Palace of Light, creating a much richer backdrop for the story.

Most importantly, Rowynn is now truly herself. She's strong and caring, yet confused and afraid as she faces incredible circumstances and learns things about herself she never thought possible. The character feels authentic in a way the original version never did.

Everything about Star of Shalik was reimagined and rewritten. The only elements that remained from the original were Zi and Rowynn's dynamic and Zi's character arc, which worked beautifully in the first version. In fact, I loved their relationship so much that I added an entire new section to the rewrite featuring Rowynn traveling with Zi to his World of Dreams, Alakar.

What I've Learned

This journey has taught me that there's no set formula for writing a novel. In my experience, the process varies depending on both the story you're telling and your relationship with your craft at that moment. Looking back, I think I was forcing the sequel when it needed time to breathe and develop naturally. Once I gave it that space, the story came to me with startling clarity.

The author at work 😘

Star of Shalik is now scheduled for release on January 11, 2026. I'm currently running a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for editing, printing, distribution, and marketing—because I need readers' support to bring this story into the world! The campaign runs until July 11th, at which point I'll submit the manuscript for developmental edits and send it to beta readers.

You can follow my progress through the Kickstarter updates and my newsletters. Thank you for being part of this incredible journey with me!

Follow the author's progress and support the Star of Shalik Kickstarter campaign through July 11th.

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