Backstage - Wingswept: The Dragon & the Dove
An early behind-the-scenes
Welcome behind the scenes for the first time!
First off, this is my first serial. It’s an interesting process because, unlike the other novels I’m posting/will be posting to substack, I can’t go back and edit much regarding the storyline. I haven’t been stockpiling chapters for weeks, like I have been for those; I haven’t been writing it for years, either.
If I forget about world-building details I already established and focus only on what’s happening in the chapter, technically I could go back and edit it, but I haven’t been doing that.
On the other hand, with the fact that my brain is only memorizing the spelling I didn’t choose for Enara’s name, constantly typing Erana instead, I keep having to go back through after publishing, usually several days after, and correct it. I’ll probably have it memorized by the time I finish the last chapter!
As mentioned, I can’t change the storyline - which has proved a problem, as we shall see.
Not to mention, the official title and all the chapter names are usually the very last thing before I send it in. I used to never name the chapters, until my publisher asked me for a list for a table of contents (which makes sense because a table of contents doesn’t make as much sense if it’s just a list of numbers). I also normally stick to a one-word method that describes something about the chapter but without revealing anything particular. With Wingswept, since I originally wrote it in parts, having somewhat punny titles was something I liked.
Inspiration
I don’t want to get into a lot of detail about the inspiration, because there’s a personal thread woven throughout. However, my intention with Alandis is to show her traveling, quite literally per the names of the provinces, from a state of grace and peace into fear, despair, and isolation. The amber is a literal representation of both her physical and spiritual life - if it breaks, she breaks. I may share a few more insights after the tale has been wrapt up here on Substack, as I don’t want to spoil too much.
World-building
The realm of Lharmeval is culturally influenced by those of France, Basque Country, and Lithuania. Lithuania ended up coming out on top, despite my efforts to lean towards my favored France. I chose these three because of my own French ancestry and love for France, my relatively recent interest in Basque, and a number of my friends are Lithuanian, so I wanted to give a nod to their heritage.
All the words in Lharmavalan are based off of a combination of these languages, moving more towards Basque and Lithuania as Alandis moves eastwards.
Doves are special to the kingdom, not only because of the Christian and Jewish associations with the Ark, referenced by the original settlers being led to Lharmeval by doves, and the Holy Spirit; they’re also one of the special symbols and creatures of Lithuania. I have my own love for the mourning doves we often hear here in Florida, and so the song of the Doves is structured to faintly replicate that call, both down and across.
All the flowers, plants, and birds referenced in Wingswept are those which might be found growing in these regions, as well, with a few additions of my own, such as the aschura trees and snowflake-blooms.
Amber is another reference to Lithuania. Baltic amber is highly prized in Lithuanian culture; one of my close friends gifted me an amber ring many years ago, which was the inspiration for the design of Alandis’ necklace. While the ring did not include lapis lazuli, it’s one of my favorite stones ( originally thanks to a Wii diving game, if you’ve ever played Endless Ocean) and symbolizes the sky, as well as Our Lady, for crushed lapis was long used to paint her robes in art.
That was a bit of a tangent - returning to the theme of amber, baltic amber comes in many colors, including paler shades of yellow, such as the lemon-amber which forms paths in Erevale, the shifting sky-and-gold which Alandis finds for Trys, and the burning blood-red of Alandis’ implant.
Even though I had the idea before reading up on Baltic amber, there actually is a blood-red shade of Baltic amber which is known as Dragon’s Blood.
I’m starting to realize how many things are Lithuanian. . . Alandis’ clothing is also primarily inspired by Lithuanian traditional dress, although the headdress is more fantasy-meets-Edwardian-era. You can read more about her clothing in this post over on Stella Maris Designs, where Princess by Starlight better explains the details:
Character Names
The name of each character is symbolic and, while unusual, are either taken from real words, or are real names from one of the cultures that Lharmeval is built upon.
Alandis Adrastėja - Her first name comes from the Lithuanian “Balandis,” meaning “dove” as the story explains early on. Adrastėja is a rare Lithuanian name that, ironically, comes from the Greek Adrastos, “not inclined to run away,” hinting that Alandis, in fact, is not inclined to run away - especially because of Trys. But because of her own dragons, she flees.
Trys Saulės - literally, Three Suns, in Lithuanian. This was originally inspired by a line in a tv show, where one character describes her love as “three suns in her heart.”
Enara Saulės - Enara is a name from the Basque language, meaning “swallow bird.”
Solavier - Solavier is one of the few names that is not from existing language or names. One of those that just exists in my head when I thought of the character, his name is intended to place him as a foil to Trys, both names reminding of the sun. The unofficial meaning is “life of the sun.”
(If you’re looking for a source for unusual names from any language, I most often use Behind the Name.)
Original Ending and Possibility of an AU
The ending was almost the first piece of the plot line that I had planned. Unfortunately, Solavier’s part was unplanned, and has created a tangle that would make the original ending with Trys feel unjust. So, since I can’t go back at the moment, I’m going to continue with Solavier’s character arc instead of Trys’.
I’m considering a “personal AU” where the official printed version will include Trys’ POV and remove Solavier’s role outside of a distant assistance to the Dragandrea where needed. This would allow me to complete the ‘lesson’ and conclusion I’d originally planned, and not leave Trys’ character arc hanging on confusion.
This may be included in future paid subscriptions - my plan is to work on the rewrite and Trys’ pov through July, once Alandis’ arc has been completed.
If you’re interested in reading this rewrite and other stories, such as Star of Silvaria and The Sun Kingdom, paid subscriptions are only $6.15 a month.
You’ll receive 3-4 chapters of either novel (and any others) per month, along with a fashion design project poll, an article on a fashion project (usually picked by you!), 2-3 audio/text chapters of Ransom, and original recipes from the same. I’ll be adding recipes from Wingswept, Silvaria, and T.S.K. as applicable.
You can also refer your friends - 5 referrals give you access to paid content for 2 weeks, 9 referrals, 1 month; and 18, 3 months.