UPDATE: The Farmer and the Fald: 2nd Edition

From Briars & Brambles to Misery & Marzipan.

Hello readers,

It's been a while since I last shared an update about the progress of the second edition of my fantasy novel, "The Farmer and the Fald." I must confess that these past six months have been quite a journey for me. What started as simple cosmetic changes quickly grew into something much more significant during the editing process. I found myself discovering new layers to the story I was telling, particularly in Act Three.

The beautiful and terrible Lady DeGrissier and her son, Anguis, take on a new dimension in this new edition. I delved deep into their motives and history, unearthing insights that I believe will enrich the narrative and provide a more satisfying reading experience. Although this process has tested my patience and, at times, threatened to drive me slightly mad, I feel a deep sense of obligation to my protagonists, Bundon, Tyr, and Will, to tell their stories as faithfully as I can.

Here is a little preview, a little insight into Anguis…

The chamber door swung open, making Tyr shudder in surprise, and there his lordship stood dressed, thankfully, and holding out a pair of doe-skin slippers, the leather laces in a messy knot.

“I struggled with the lacings,” he spat at the maid as though the blame were her’s. “I cannot find my dress belt; one of you has been moving my things.”

“We offered help, m’lord,” she said in a quiver.

“You think I cannot dress myself, hm?” He caught Tyr’s eye, as hard as she tried to avoid it, and at first, she didn’t think he recognised her.

“You. What are you doing here?” He asked dubiously, craning his neck to inspect the corridor, east and west. “Did Mother send you?”

“No—no, m’lord,” Tyr averted her gaze. “Her steward told me to wait.”

“Ivannus,” he mumbled suspiciously before rounding his shoulders and throwing the slippers for Tyr to catch, which she did, albeit clumsily.

“Quite auspicious; I find myself in need of some competent help. Come in— come! Let us see if you dress as well as you dance.”

He pulled Tyr into his chamber, shot the maid a dirty look, and slammed the door.

“I’m looking for a belt also, Rynthian silk, a sort of salmon pink. I hung it about my bedpost last night, and now one of those useless eaters has moved it.”

The lordling flounced into his chambers, ineffectually looking here and there, but as Tyr beheld the room, she realised that his Lordship’s belt could have been anywhere. She stood against the door, fearing where to tread, for the chambers, from hearthside to bedside, were littered with gilded, brocaded, bejewelled and golden stuff.

Chapter 17 - Chaos and Clavichords

Admittedly, this intensive focus on the second edition has meant taking on very little other work, and my reserves are running dry. But the end is finally within sight, and despite the challenges, I'm immensely proud of how much richer the story feels now. The changes I've made have breathed new life into the world I've created, and I can't wait for you all to experience it.

In addition to the narrative enhancements, I've also had the opportunity to include some new illustrations in the book. I took it upon myself to draw these illustrations, which now serve as headers for Parts I to V. It was a personal triumph for me to showcase my own artwork, something I've been nervous about sharing until recently. I hope these illustrations add an extra layer of visual engagement to the reading experience.

Each chapter is now named, From 1: Briars & Brambles right the way through to 18. Misery and Marzipan, with the day’s date acting as a subheading, so readers can still follow along with the in-world calendar.

While progress has been slow, I want to reassure you that things are going well overall. Promise. I am dedicated to ensuring that this second edition is the best version of "The Farmer and the Fald" that it can be. I see the light at the end of the tunnel, and with each passing day, I grow more excited about sharing the final result with all of you.

Expect a more upbeat update in the coming weeks. I can't wait to share more about the journey I've been on and the lessons I've learned along the way. Thank you for your continued support and patience.

Warm regards,

J R Leach

If you have liked what you’ve read, please consider sharing and subscribing or even buying my book; however, you may wish to wait until March; sorry, April— certainly May/June when the 2nd Edition is released!

I am a fantasy author, illustrator and aspiring poet. If you’d like to help support my projects, you can find my fantasy work here. Thanks for reading Greenjack's Journal! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.