The Eternal Library: a Romantasy Retelling (WIP ~ 140k DEMO)

[AnneWest]

I think it comes from people not trusting the story progression, for one; and thinking that we’re closer to the end than we are, for another. And maybe I’m reading the tenor of the emotions expressed on this thread incorrectly, but I don’t think it’s a stronger feeling than just a bit of general anxiousness that this isn’t the story people were expecting. A lot of the readers here are reacting as if Lea told them she was giving them Schindler’s List but the opening credits were to “Springtime for Hitler” from The Producers. The thing is, she’s been very clear about what she’s writing and what she wants. A lot of us are reading a story that isn’t there because we are reacting not to what’s been written and not to what Lea says is the plan; we are reacting to what’s being said (and at times repeated exhaustively) in the comments on this thread.

Yes, sometimes it is difficult to trust the author. But she’s been very clear and forthright with us, and I don’t think that this should be one of those times. Some of us may have to work a little harder to suspend our disbelief this time around, others of us may have to face the idea that this particular story isn’t the right fit for them, still others may not be bothered over any of it at all. But I do feel that this thread and the criticism on it has become rather counterproductive and I am chalking that up to the emotion and frustration behind the story not matching up on the page to the story they were considering it would be in their head. I have felt a bit of that at times; times when it feels as if the plot is racing ahead and leaving me, as the reader, further and further behind. I just don’t see how it helps to try and nit-pick the tale into a completely different shape than that of what it is and what it is meant to be. It’s why I’ve stopped posting criticisms on the thread entirely; because I wasn’t helping either.

I think we all, really, need to take a step back and wait to see where the story is going to go. Let it move and breathe on its own for a while. Stop panicking over it not feeling right until we have more of it to judge. Lea has a specific vision. Let’s all calm down so she can show it to us.

[Cog123]

Well said.

[Queen_Zelda]

Leia already told us that we get our happily ever after and she already has written two books with amazing Ro’s and beautiful endings, no need to get so anxious and fearful.
I trust Leia that she makes the endings for all the MC’s satisfactional like she already showed us she can do. (Look and read her other already written books, they are amazing )

[BlueShayde]

I mean, the Tian bloodline is a noble bloodline. It was just stripped of that status by royalty. And thus…Royalty can also restore said noble status.

[idonotlikeusernames]

Sure, but that would upset a lot of people for very little gain to Collin especially given how loathed generations of propaganda have made the mc their family. Plus his ancestors have probably long ago re-distributed all the wealth and lands once held by the Tians to themselves and their allies and Collin probably needs the support for his reforms and loyalty of whoever holds them now more than he needs to do that kind of justice by the mc. I suppose he could dole out an empty title to the mc but that would still leave mc as poor as a church mouse. Wait and see I suppose, but right now, Collin, while relatively kind to the mc still seems to view them more as a servant, not an equal, the way he does things to the mc without asking first.

[BlueShayde]

But this is also a fairytale. A common fairytale trope is a commoner marrying a royal. Cinderella, og Snow White, Repunzel, and even modern fairy tales like Frozen have a commoner marrying a princess or prince.

As for the Tian thing, the truth of the Tian rebellion just has to be revealed to the public. And even now we haven’t unlocked the full story. Nobility is fickle, anyway, and they change their minds in whatever way garners them the most favor with who is in power. And if Collin favors our MC, they will suck up to earn points for themself as nobles tend to do in these stories.

And since the ‘crime’ occurred so long ago, most ppl only hate Tians for the shallow reason of being taught to. It’s not on a personal lvl. They can’t hate Tians too much if some have been willing to still marry them.

And that’s all without considering the upcoming possibility of our Tian saving the royal family and possibly the entire Kingdom, earning hero status.

[Queen_Zelda]

Some music for all of the fairy tale lovers, -readers and -writers out there, to dream about your fairy tale prince/princess and your own happily ever after:

Spirit of the Woods | Celtic Fantasy Music - Enchanting Ambient Music

a playlist for reading fantasy (ACOTAR ambience)

Elven Realm Ambience - Fantasy Enchanted Forest Vibe - Relaxing Celtic Medieval Music

[leiatalon]

I was just listening to this one and getting a few words in.

Hear The Most Relaxing & Emotional Piano Music | CELESTIAL by Ambyr Marie

[leiatalon]

March Progress Report:

Progress is being made on the The Eternal Library. Slow progress, but it’s progress nonetheless.

I’ve been chipping away at the start of Chapter Five: The Rescue, and have finished up the first major segment (~9,000 words). Today I’m planning to start the first section of Chapter Five: The Treasury, which hopefully will be faster going as I have some material from my old manuscript to help with that part of the story. The Rescue is all new material, so it’s slower writing, but coming along well.

I need to write both chapters a little bit at a time, I think, so everything makes sense continuity-wise when you play the two paths. There will be opportunities for diplomacy and romance, plus adventure in one path and delving into the secrets of the castle in the other.

My plan is to release an early access demo update for Patreon members in the first week of April with the pair of chapter fives as far as I’ve been able to get them, so you can play both paths at least a little ways through. Public demo update will be end of April or beginning of May.

I’m really enjoying the first bit of the rescue chapter, as you have a chance to chat with Dorian and get to know him better. There’s also more action and some banter between Temphesta and Leonz, who are two of my favorite NPCs. Their love story is one more legend in the tapestry of lore this story embodies.

I’ve needed to take more time off this month, partially because I simply needed a break and also because life keeps throwing curve balls at me and I’m getting over yet another cold. I’ve been spending a lot of quality time with my family, too, which is my priority. Writing happens in the afternoons and evenings when I can carve out some time. As long as I’m adding a few hundred words each day I’m happy, in contrast to more intense writing periods when I ask at least 1000 words a day from myself. That’s not happening right now, and that’s okay.

The ebb and flow is fine. C’est la vie. It’s really nice to work without the pressure of deadlines and allow myself to rest when I need it.

Thanks so much for your support and for following along as this IF novel is born!

[Queen_Zelda]

Leia, please get well soon and rest as often as you can, no need to rush anything. Stay hydrated <3 We’ll wait for everything you want to give to us <3

[HarrisPS]

I hope that you feel better soon, health and family are the highest priority and everyone will be excited whenever you share more of your work, whatever the month. Take care!

[leiatalon]

@Queen_Zelda

Leia, please get well soon and rest as often as you can, no need to rush anything. Stay hydrated <3 We’ll wait for everything you want to give to us <3

Thank you for this. Your kindness and support is so appreciated!

@HarrisPS

I hope that you feel better soon, health and family are the highest priority and everyone will be excited whenever you share more of your work, whatever the month. Take care!

Thank you, Harris! Sometimes it’s a challenge not to push ourselves so hard that we burn out and priorities get mixed up. My goal with this project was to keep my priorities straight (health and family first!), and I’m honestly proud of myself for doing so. It’s easy to let ambition take over, but sometimes I just need to be gentle with myself and let the demands of the outside world fall away while I tend to what’s closest to my heart.

[hapamama93]

adding this as one of my fave demos

[leiatalon]

This made my day. Thank you!

[Dragomer]

There’s a lot going on in that game and I like the characters too.

[leiatalon]

Progress Report:

Hello, dear friends of Minare! Life has been super busy, but I’ve managed to get a bit over 20k words written so far in the parallel chapter fives.

I’ve just uploaded an early access demo update for Patreon subscribers that includes this new material, which I’m thrilled to be able to share!

The story is really coming along now, and these two paths offer a chance to get to know Dorian better as well as Marienna and Sevitas (and Collin, of course). More time with Gemma and Angelina will be coming later in the chapter.

If you’re ready to dive in now and see what’s new with chapter five, head on over to Patreon and get in on the action! As usual, this update will be public in a month, so you can look forward to that if you’re not a Patreon member.

The next sections I’ll be working on will include opportunities for romance, intrigue, and contributing to the changes of the kingdom on one path and forming alliances (or making enemies) on the other.

Thanks for your interest in The Eternal Library! I hope you have a fabulous weekend!

[Frawgie]

This just might not be the story for you, then. And thats okay; but the lovely author gets to dictate the story, as it is thier’s and thier’s alone. There are a ton of stories out there that are grimmer and have the power fantasy you seem to want. Honestly, some of them are my favorites, too. But I dont mind not being the one in charge; its a refreshing change of pace. As someone who has a leadership position in my worklife, its overrated and I want to escape that, haha.

[AletheiaKnights]

I appreciate what you’re saying here, but I think it would be preferable not to dredge this particular issue up again at all. It’s been three weeks; let it go.

[Frawgie]

Oops, sorry, didnt see the time it was posted. Ill not comment on it again.

[Hot_Toaster]

Seems like i can’t access the public demo