Monday, January 17, 2022

A Peek Into the Writing Process - Clan and Covenant Now on Sale

 

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This is really nothing new. I've shown you guys my character sketches before. I thought you might enjoy a look at Korkla's history timeline, which runs from his birth to the events of the book.

Much of this was actually concocted way back when I wrote Michaela, but I did flesh it out as I prepared to write Clan and Covenant. Raxstad's isn't much different, outside of his parents' names and occupations being listed and a tremendous growth spurt at the age of 13, so you can extrapolate most of his timeline from Korkla's...just add five years to the age. Govi's is quite different, so I'll post his tomorrow.

Korkla's timeline

Year 0: Born to a councilman Dramok Lejo, a teacher Imdiko Nedety, and a champion kurble coach and retired player Nobek Rima, youth psychologist Matara Jothsa.

Year 5:  Classified a Dramok, attends school with Imdiko father, around the gentler breed of Kalquorian often, tends towards gentler leadership

Year 10:  Thought to be an excellent mind for diplomat, parents begin to steer him in that direction, approached by the older Nobek Raxstad’s parents for arranged clanning, discussions begin

Year 13:  Arranged clanship with Raxstad approved, boys are introduced to each other, Korkla amazed by the sheer size of the older Nobek, Raxstad not so sure about this youngling who is so quiet and nice, is impressed with the kid’s mind, however

Year 15:  Korkla meets the very young Crown Prince Clajak, charmed by the rambunctious child, feels a little sorry that he has so many duties at his young age.

Year 18:  Annual meeting with Raxstad as they continue to get to know each other, Raxstad tries to dominate Korkla, Korkla uses diplomatic skills and natural leadership ability to set him back, Raxstad truly likes his Dramok-to-be, pledges his life, first sexual encounter between the pair.

Year 20:  Attending political science school for diplomat credentials, Raxstad doing a stint in the ground forces

Year 21:  Goes in to work as a page for the Royal Council, meets Clajak again, impressed by the boy’s quickness, charm, craftiness; despite the boy’s seeming devil-may-care attitude Korkla has the impression of someone who cares a great deal and fears he will not be up to the task

Year 22:  Raxstad returns from military duty, begins training for Global Security, parent clans announce they have found an Imdiko for Korkla and Raxstad; meeting Govi; trouble brewing as Korkla thinks Clajak is in danger; trio get involved

Korkla is confident he will enjoy being clanned to Raxstad and Govi, they accept him as their Dramok, because of Korkla’s age he seeks and gets permission from his parents, he clans his beloved mates

Korkla is offered his choice of diplomatic positions or to become Clajak’s aide, Clajak begs him to stay with him, he trusts Korkla after all they’ve been through, Korkla agrees

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 An arranged clanship. A threat to their lives. Does love have a chance?

Initially unsure about their impending arranged union, Dramok Korkla and Nobek Raxstad have grown to care for each other. They’re impatient to begin their life together when their parents spring a surprise on them: a third clanmate, someone they’ve never met, has been chosen to join them.

Imdiko Govi has delayed being promised to a clan for several reasons: his burgeoning psychology career and a past arranged clanship that went horribly wrong. However, his parents are certain they’ve found the perfect Dramok and Nobek for him and won’t take no for an answer.

The trio is reluctant to give the arranged relationship a chance, but sparks soon fly. Love seems assured, but trouble is waiting in the wings. Govi is crushed when he fails a patient, sending him into a tailspin that threatens his newfound relationship. Worse, as a member of the Royal House staff, Korkla soon finds himself in the path of a murderous foe. An attack on Raxstad threatens to destroy the clan before it begins.

Love on Kalquor is wonderful, if the trio survives to enjoy it.

 

Sunday, January 16, 2022

Sunday Musings: Clan Korkla

 

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 First off, thank you to everyone who bought Clan and Covenant and left a review. You guys are everything when it comes to a readership. You have no idea how much I appreciate you, though I do try to tell you. But words aren't enough.

Clan and Covenant was a long time coming. We've been acquainted with them since the second Kalquor book, Alien Rule. This beloved trio got to star in Michaela, and they've sneaked into various other books in the universe. How could they not? Steady and sure Korkla, caring Govi, and Raxstad with his rough and tough exterior that masks the big marshmallow he is on the inside...they've walked into book after book to to lend their greatness where it was needed.

It was fun to see them get started, to see the young men who became the kind of heroes that made readers demand they get their turn in the spotlight. Also, it was fascinating for me to investigate an arranged clanship that had nothing to do with a Matara. How had they navigated going from complete strangers thrown together by their parents to the strong and steady clan we've come to know? It was quite a journey for me to discover that and share it with you.

There was another bit of fun I hadn't expected when I started to write this: teenage Clajak. I had such a blast discovering him in all his charming mischief, as well as how he and Korkla developed a friendship that previous books only hint at the depth of. Then there was Korkla's crush on Empress Irdis, which I found adorable. Raxstad's first partner Mok in Global Security was another fun introduction. You gotta love the grumpy old cop/rookie dynamic, especially when it plays out between Nobeks.

I'm so glad you're enjoying reading Clan and Covenant as much as I enjoyed writing it. Once again, thank you for continuing the Kalquor journey with me. I couldn't ask for better companions.

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Extra note: for whatever reason, Blogger isn't allowing me to respond to comments on these posts. I have no idea why this is happening. So if you leave a comment, please don't think I'm ignoring you! I'm trying to figure out how to fix this issue. Thanks!