I pursued this journey with a purpose: to represent my generation. I wanted to portray what it means to be a teenager. In this novella, I acknowledge the trials we face and the obstacles we all overcome. It’s a celebration of our next generation, who deserve more recognition than they receive. It aims to help people, specifically young adults. I wanted to show them the magic, yet the true real-life impact of a good tale. It occurred to me that my passion for creative writing could align well with conveying this vision. I also wanted to create a world of magic. One that completely immerses the reader in the character’s world. I faced one daunting problem in the process. How can a fantasy book be of any significance in altering the real world? That doubt was my subsequent stepping stone.
It dawned upon me. Every day we face a choice; we can go down our road, the path someone else makes for us or sit on the fence between the two in fear. So the idea emerged to write a novella with this premise at its core. So, each setting of the tale is symbolic. Dunmorrigan is Isolde’s road, Erivelle is where she was taken and the veil symbolises the uncertainty between the two. That’s what life is for my generation. For us, we’re constantly in the veil. The veil of uncertainty and misinterpretation. Our road is often too obscure, the one forced upon us is not where we thrive and we ultimately spend years in the veil of doubt. There’s always doubt in choosing which journey to take. There’s so much goodness and talent within us all, it’s in the hands of our elders to foster this. We have one chance and we need to be encouraged and represented.
Magic!
Then there’s magic. This is a fantasy novella, after all. The wonder had to remain. What better way to achieve this than by embracing our Celtic heritage? It intertwines with modern concepts and makes it relevant for the current market. I sought to create a book where fantasy and reality collide so the magic doesn’t fade when the story ends. Magic is all well and good, and a great book can take us there. I wanted to try something else. Adding philosophy to reinforce the wonder and awe. An experimental formula that I hope will truly alter someone’s road for the better, in other words twist their fate. It’s meant to be impactful and attainable. The consensus among our generation is often that creativity is obsolete and useless. This is not how it should feel. We need to remind people that creative expression is important. It’s a risk. However, the only thing scarier than fulfilling your potential is the regret of not doing so. So, why not? Introduce yourself to something new. This is only an introduction to Isolde’s journey, her ballad will continue as will yours.
A Complete Novella
It was fulfilling when the novella was complete. At just over 17,500 words, it’s a work that I’m proud to share. I feel that they can be of great benefit to my target audience. There’s always a lingering sense of apprehension. The veil can always appear in times of joy. It’s daunting to put it out there. It feels scary, despite all of the kind support I received. I could have hid in the veil and lived in regret, as anyone could do. Then I referred back to the novella itself, in that I gained all the assurance I needed. It proved that it truly can help those in doubt and are fearful. It reinforced my initial aim, in that I knew it was ready for the world.
I hope for those of you in the veil that this book will help you to conquer it. Isolde’s journey is just beginning and so is yours. You can always find the power within yourself to conquer any obstacle. Always remember what the arts are, expression. There’s never only one correct answer or a single pathway to follow. Not everyone is going to understand you. It’s your fate anyway. You don’t need to know every word to create magic. Nor do you need to appeal to all in order to help those in search of it. There’s always another road to your intended destination.
Thank you!
I have a long list of thank yous. My family and friends have been a constant source of inspiration and support. My former primary school where my creativity was encouraged and my current secondary school where support has been constant.
As a parting word, the e-book is available through Kindle. I truly hope it both educates and reminds you of your worth. Through the world I’ve created, I hope to make this one a brighter one for you. To anyone who questions themselves, I feel you need to be a part of this journey. I hope this book twists your fate indefinitely and for the better.
(c) James Martin Prendergast
About the novella The Ballad of Forsaken Souls: Twist of Fate
Sixteen-year-old Isolde O’Donovan believed that grief would be her greatest trial. Fate had other plans. When a house party and it’s consequences alter her journey forever, she must strive to survive. Torn into an obscure realm mysteriously intertwined with her own, she must face a series of trials in the veil that seemingly separates both worlds. Alongside others embedded in loss, she must reclaim what was lost long ago, The Ballad of Forsaken Souls.
Order your copy of this novella online here.
And read more Writing.ie articles about writing a novella here.
