Know the Novel - Part One // in which I introduce my WIP

Maya Pawley
11 hours ago
4 min read

Hey guys! It's that time of year again! Where work in progresses are revealed and the news about it is spread. Also known as, Know the Novel!

Know the Novel is a three-part writers tag hosted by the one and only Christine Smith. Christine started this blog tag a few years ago and now it's become a yearly tradition, and quite a fun one I must say! Which makes it even more exciting to announce that this year, I will be showcasing my top secret WIP...

tLH!

(Because yes, the title is still a secret :P)

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What first sparked the idea for this novel?

Ooh, I love this question. So, long story short, I was reading a nonfiction book late at night about a year ago on the medieval ages, and there was a sentence that instantly sparked the idea for this novel. I remember rushing to write down my ideas and getting all excited about it . . . it was awesome XD. #lifeofawriter

Share a blurb (or just an overall summary)!

I don't have a blurb quite yet, but I can give you a messy outline (that, yes, I'm writing on the spot, so don't judge lol).

This will be my first YA novel, which follows the story of 16-year-old Kalden Longsword, who is accused of being an assassin. In the journey of trying to prove that he's not, he uncovers shocking answers about his past. Can he convince everyone that he's not guilty . . . or will evidence prove him wrong? (Complete with a whole redemption arc!)

And yesss so far it's going pretty well!! There's a whole lot more to the story but that just covers the basics XD.

Where does the story take place? What are some of your favorite aspects of the setting?

It takes place in my fantasy world, Lileria, but the story itself is set in the desert (also known as the Sand Prairies). A few of my favorite aspects of the setting would have to be the unique creators I've created. I've been having so much fun making up new fantasy creatures (y'all should try it sometime!)

I'm also really loving the desert setting! I've never been to the desert . . . or the ocean . . . just the mountains haha. So, writing it in a desert setting sort of gives me a taste of what the desert is like- you know the saying on how books pretty much transport you to another place? *nods*

Tell us about your protagonist(s).

Oh, man, I love my protagonists. So far they're my favorites I've ever written. And the sass? Eeek, totally love the sass.

Kal is my MAIN main character, and he is such a naughty boy lol. He's a thief, but whenever he steals something, he always tells himself that he's only doing it because he absolutely has to. On top of that, though, he's a loving character, but can be pretty quirky and sarcastic. Seriously, I love the sarcasm.

The vibes:

Unruly blonde hair
5' 8"
Green eyes (or maybe they're blue . . . it was mentioned so long ago in the WIP that I don't quite remember . . .)
Talented at pickpocketing + roof jumping
Reckless
Always has a witty response

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Savannah is Kal's best friend who is also older than him by one year. She's like an older sister to him, in some ways, but they are pretty close. She can be serious, and is often hard on herself, but deep down she's a sweetheart. <3

The vibes:

Waist-long, straight/slightly wavy blonde hair
Sweetheart
Also a pickpocket
Strong conscience
Obsession with daggers

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Jarek is sort-of a protagonist, sort-of not. He is Kal's older brother by two years (Jarek is 18), and is also pretty sassy and sarcastic. I always get excited when Kal and Jarek are in the same room together, because the arguments that come from that are SO fun to write lol. Jarek is my introverted, sneaky, annoying character that is definitely one of my favorites.

The vibes:

Messy black hair
Loves sarcasm
5' 11"
Secretive
Constantly sleeping in
Professional flirt

Who (or what) is the antagonist?

I can't say at the moment, for spoiler reasons, but that will be revealed later on in the book . . . 🤫

What excites you the most about this novel?

The characters! I also have this massive plot twist that I'm excited to execute . . . but my favorite favorite? That would be my three main characters: Kal, Savannah, and Jarek. Their personalities are so different and yet they are so fun to write. Gotta love 'em! <3

Is this going to be a series? Standalone? Something else?

Right now, I'm planning on a standalone!

Are you plotting? Pantsing? Plansting?

Both! I actually started out plotting, but sometimes this book just has a mind of its own and decides to take it's own little side paths. *Shakes my head*. But honestly, it's great :)

Name a few unique elements in this story.

Wait, a few? I have to choose? *Sigh* lol.

I'm gonna give y'all a list because I can be sneaky like that. 🤫

Swords/daggers/bows & arrows
Dragons
Dragons
MORE DRAGONS
There's a market that's a lot like the one in the live-action Aladdin movie
Roof-jumping
A palace that has Taj Mahal vibes

Share some fun "extras" of the story (a song or full playlist, some aesthetics, a collage, a map you've made, a special theme you're going to incorporate, ANYTHING you want to share!).

I got some character art done for my MCs - Kal and Savannah, which I'm pretty happy about! (And no, I didn't draw it myself. Credit to Una Owens on YDubs!)

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Conclusion

What are your thoughts on the book? Are you guys as excited for it as I am? Who here loves desert-themed roof-jumping pickpockets? *raises hand. looks around* really, no one? Someone tell me I'm not the only one, XD.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of this blog tag, which will be coming up next month!

Until next time,