I promised a post today and, by God, I’m going to write one today. This is part of my month-long release party for the next of the Starfire Angels series and the first of the new sub-series, Revelations. I was going to write about writing and I’ll be darned if my brain switched off all day after finishing an editing pass on another story. Such is the hardship of writing, besides the long hours alone with all the voices in your head and the endless self-punishment of forcing yourself to sweat blood to finish the damn project, because the fans are waiting 
I never thought I’d have fans. I always hoped, but I never thought it would happen, yet here we are. Your presence makes me all giggly like a school girl. Your expressions of support keep me going.
And so, here we are, embarking on the launch of yet another book in the series you love, or at least most of you. I’m sure some like my darker fantasy works, but the reason I’m here and staying is because of Starfire Angels. Soriel is the–let me count–sixth novel of the series and the seventh book (counting When Angels Cry, which is novella length). I can’t believe how you’ve kept me going. I can’t believe that readers like my books! This just blows my mind.
I wrote Starfire Angels in a frenzy, because I couldn’t not write it. And then a year later I rewrote the original story from scratch and that was the start of Elis and Raea’s journey. And then I still couldn’t end it, so I went on to write Broken Wings, after several false starts. Then I saw interest growing, so I went on to write Crystal Tomb. By then, Starfire Angels was free and downloads exploded, and the boat really lifted with a tide that carried me away with you. So many readers loved Elis that I had to write his story, so I did. That became Origins of Dark Angel. I used what I had learned of his background in that one to set the foundation of Forever Dark. And that’s where I knew I had to take a break from their stories. As someone pointed out to me, I needed to give these two characters a break. They had suffered enough.
Right now, Elis and Raea are enjoying some peace in their lives. You can imagine what they must be going through as expectant parents. Oops! I didn’t mean to give out any spoilers, but I’m assuming anyone reading this has already gobbled up the Dark Angel Chronicles. Yes, Raea is preggers and Elis has finally come to terms with losing his family. It’s not a perfect ending, but it’s a satisfying place to leave them…for a while.
Soriel is the first of a new series that covers other characters. I knew I had to end the Dark Angel Chronicles on a high note, leaving readers wanting more, because I won’t risk my series sliding downhill in quality. I won’t write it into the ground, so to speak. It’s not fair to you or to me. So, the story will step away to explore other aspects of the Starfire-verse, and in this case, that means an answer to what has really been going on in San Francisco. You’ve been privy to conversations with Loran Tarolis of NeoGen Labs. When I wrote those, I wasn’t exactly sure where that was leading, so I left things obscure. I knew I’d have to go into detail at some point, so this is that reveal. Soriel is the key to another way the Shirukan hope to eliminate the Keepers, but that’s all I’m saying here.
I planted seeds along the way of writing the five books of the Dark Angel Chronicles sub-series. You’ll notice that I also write epic fantasy. I think in broad terms of a larger storyline. I never expected this, but I always knew that there was far more going on than the narrow focus of Raea and Elis. It’s why she started out being one of four Crystal Keepers rather than the only one. I wanted to give this world a greater breadth than one mighty savior. And every character has their own motivations derived from their own circumstances, which is affected by others who are affected by still others and on and on. The possibilities this creates are endless. I’ve always seen enormous potential for expanding.
In future books, I will be revealing more about Valdas and Marin. And you better believe the angels will be fighting over Earth! I plan a big finish of this part. You’ll also get to see Elis and Raea again, but they won’t be the main event. Revelations is about something much bigger than them. It will bring about the apocalypse, so I’m sticking with the Biblical theme for the series title.
Before that, however, I already have a shorter story planned. I’m not sure if I’ll stretch it into a novella or leave it as a short. I do know that later this summer I will be releasing that short story that will take place shortly after Soriel and reveal something far greater than even the characters are aware.
You’ve asked for more and I plan to give it. I hope you like my vision of new main characters as much as you’ve enjoyed other characters. I won’t let a series sink after rising so high. That’s my promise to you. It may not be what you expect, but I’m going to do my best to take you on an exciting ride!
I am giving away prizes for two more weeks. Comment on this post for a chance to win a 4″x6″ Soriel magnet from my zazzle store and a gift bag (see www.melanienilles.com for details on that). Because I’ve posted so late, I’ll draw a winner on the 17th.
Thanks for reading!
I’m so excited to see the roots of this series grow out & take on a life of their own. I truly enjoy each character & what they bring to the dynamic that is the StarFire Series. Keep writing, Awesome Lady!!!
Oh my…i never thought i could get so excited over reading a blog but now i am actually beyond words!! Thank you for all the time you take for and how much you care about your fans!
As soon as I began Starfire Angels, I fell in love with the series. I’ve devoured all the books and will do the same with all upcoming titles in the series. Keep up the good work Melanie, because I will keep buying!
I can’t wait to get the back stories on all the other characters and finally finding out the whole situation with Neogen labs I’m loving your stories and I just can’t put them down!:)
Can’t wait to read this book! I love the entire starfire angels series! I’ve gotten so attached to all of the characters, I’ve read and reread the books so many times! Great writing Melanie!! Keep it up.
Wow, Melanie! You are an incredible writer, I’m so glad I found the Starfire Angels series!
I hope many wonderful things come your way and I’ll do what I can to spread the word about your amazing books! I cant wait to read more and I never want the series to end! <3
Melanie, you have no idea how much excited and happy I am for you!!!
Your work is amazing and I fell in love with the Starfire Angels from the very beginning I read the first book of these series, I was captivated by the concept of the story, the characters , everything!!! I enjoy & love reading your books every single day!!! Thank you for taking me into the most wonderful journey ever!!!
Please never stop writing !!! You’re awesome!!!
Lots of love!!! xoxo
I think it is awesome to see how far you’ve excelled since I met you at GenCon. It is wonderful and I love what you’ve done. You have created very enjoyable and wonderful characters.
(Don’t need swag though, so please don’t include me for the drawing.)
Hi! Thank you for inspiring me to read again. It has been so difficult to find the time and motivation to read since I had my 2 kids. But I read the Starfire series in less than a month! It was all I could think about and I was so sad when I finished Forever Dark. Sad in the sense that I had to wait for the next book in the series. I am jumping for joy and love every direction you go. I truly love how almost real everything is and how it touches on Earth’s history of human kind as much as it does the Starfire Universe. Looking forward to finding out more! And thank you for having such a wonderfully creative mind.
Thanks for sharing about your writing and books.
Thanks, everyone, for your encouraging comments and for joining in the giveaway. I’ll be drawing a name tomorrow morning. Others are welcome to comment yet, although once I comment with the winner here, I won’t be drawing on this one again.
@Dylan–I’m so glad we got to meet at GenCon years ago. Wow! It’s been so long already. Maybe next year Allen and I can get there again. It’s hard to find childcare for more than a day, as many others here also know, much less four.
Even grandmas are finding it to be too much work! I’ll leave you out of the drawing, but I want to tell you how grateful I am that you’ve stuck around and supported me through all this.
It’s great to see familiar and new names posting. I’m so grateful for every one of you! You are all among the most important reasons why I continue writing this series. Thank you!
I’m loyal to anyone who makes friends with me. You are a bit further along the path I’m heading toward, but I love when people succeed.
We’re hoping to get to GenCon again. With our little one, we have grandparents willing to take time off, but not the free cash to drive to Indiana. Maybe in 2014, we can make it, but I’m not holding my breath quite yet. And… I’m hoping to have a book finished the next time I go.
Every time I go to WisCon, ICON, or GenCon now, I feel like I’ve failed to finish something.
So excited to see what the new short story brings into light after Soriel!!!
WOW!!
I’m really not sure what else to say. I am even more excited for the new series now.
After becoming disabled in ’06 I found myself reading to escape and pass the time. For me a great book is one that draws me in to the point where I simply can’t stop reading. Thank you for providing me with such a wonderful series that drew me in, kept me up & left me wanting more.
I have no doubt that Soriel will do the same.
Thank you for all the kind words of support! I’m doing my best on this for all of you.
Congratulations, Christina! My daughter picked out the paper with your name.