KaraStark

UnBroken has now been transferred into Word, formatted for book size/layout and printed off (425 pages!!)
          
          It's now ready for editing, which I will start in just over a week (going to let it 'rest' so I come at it with fresh eyes)
          
          There are already some major things that I know need attention, like character development, dialogue, pace etc. This is without even thinking about it, as I know although I love the ending, it needs some work earlier in the book to give it more impact and context (Kiernan's betrayal). And don't get me started on the last spice scene after they have been to see Quinn.....I counted about 8 mentions of one word that just made it silly...lol!
          
          I can already see this is going to look like a whole different book once it's edited, which is both exciting and daunting.
          
          So for now, Alaya's story is on hold. Did Alaya survive the mayhem of the Throne Room and if so, what version of Alaya will emerge?
          Book 2 - UnTethered will begin Spring 2026.
          
          

And that's a wrap!
          
          36 Chapters 
          86,000+ Words
          
          I had to pinch myself last night when I finally posted the last chapter!
          
          Is it perfect? Am I happy with it all? No
          
          Yet from a place where this was just a random story, to seeing the whole imperfect, messy thing down on a page, it makes me want to cry  
          
          Now the real work starts....editing it to within an inch of its life ready for publishing. I am going full out Indie Author as I will be self-editing. Does that mean this is going to be the greatest book alive? Absolutely not. But it's going to be a book and it's going to be mine. 
          
          There are already some glaring plot holes, lots of information and world building that needs to be polished. Character development that needs to be refined and enhanced.
          
          I have 2 1/2 months to get this right as I'm hoping to self publish on Amazon on 14th February 2026. So if you enjoyed this first draft, please consider keeping in touch either via FB or Instagram for updates
          
          *Please note: the story may be taken down closer to publication 

I've been working on some graphics and rework on the book cover today, in preparation for eventually publishing UnBroken.
          
          This does mean eventually I may have to unpublish this story. It should be completed before I do so.
          
          Someone asked me today why I never added in any POV from Domanikk.
          
          I think his character wears his feelings, however inappropriate they are, clearly for all to see. The need in this story for his POV was just not needed. 
          
          BUT
          
          I do plan on doing a short origin story from his POV from when he and Reth met and set up Heartwood. I think their story has a lot to say

Well that's Part Two a wrap!
          
          Finally, Alaya got what she wanted (perhaps a bit more than she expected? ).
          
          I'm so sad to be saying goodbye to the Equitae (for now ) as I have enjoyed stepping out of my comfort zone with writing a little darker and spicer.
          
          I will be taking a longer break before I start Part Three. This will most likely be only 3 chapters, but the topics dealt with, the emotional turmoil to get right and bringing the current plots to their conclusion, I need to make sure I'm in the right headspace after that rollercoaster ride with the Equitae.
          
          Think we have just tipped over 70,000 words! Still can't believe Book One is nearly finished!

I can't believe we are down to just 5 more chapters of Part Two - The Equitae!
          
          I don't think I want to leave these horse boys behind. I have relished in writing their characters; one sensual, cocky and dangerously addictive, the other brutal, raw and obsessive. 
          
          And what about poor Alaya? Teased relentlessly but left wanting. Her character growth has been fun to cultivate as she discovers more about herself than she ever knew existed under their punishments and pleasure. 
          
          As we come to the conclusion of Part Two, that darkness reigns and those thoroughly wicked horse boys show Alaya her true self, her belonging. Only for an unlikely treachery that threatens to end it all. 
          
          I'm honestly dreading writing Part Three. It's short but being the conclusion to Book 1; the tying up of plots, the Alaya's heartbreaking turmoil , the ending? Ugh, it's going to be emotional  
          

I'm trying to cut down the main sypnosis that will go on the book and I came up with this.....would you read it?:
          
          Bound By Resentment, Born By Obsession
          When everything you know was taken and all that is left is survival, can love really conquer all?
          
          The Kingdom Of Kaladia is dying, the Equitae and Earthbound Fae locked in a bitter battle for survival. 
          
          Born a Desolate, Alaya Morigan has lost her past and is thrust into the very heart of the dangerous Court Of Thorns. 
          
          A King hungry for power, a flawed Prince and a oath that can't be broken, Alaya must learn to find her own voice or die trying.
          
          But when danger lurks behind every decision and one mistake can cost her everything, follow Alaya's journey of self discovery, wickedly dangerous horse boys and a love that could end it all.
          
          
          
          

New Book Cover!
          
          I have also created the Kingdom Of Kalaida series, as I know this book will part of a Duology, maybe even some short character novellas in the future.
          
          I know I said I was going to take writing this part a bit slower, then banged out 3 chapters in 3 days! Its just flowing and when its like that I cant stop. It is still taking me a bit longer as each dialogue I'm asking myself 'What would he say here?' or ' Would he really say that?'
          
          We have enjoyed learning a bit more about Heartwood, Reth is being his usual awful self and Domanikk is well.....just Domanikk! Poor Alaya doesn't stand a chance!
          
          It will most likely slow a little for the next few days as I have to go back to work (boooo!) but I am hoping to get at least a few chapters done by next weekend. Revel some more information important to the final plot

Part Two has well and truly started!
          
          I'm taking my time a little more with each chapter as this more conversationally driven part of the story is very important to Alaya's own character development: her learning what it will take to survive the Equitae and how this affects the future plot.
          
          We finally enter Heartwood and meet Reth Whiteborn, the dark and commanding Alpha Stallion of the Heartwood Herd. With his personal hatred of the Earthbound, how will he deal with Alaya's new resolve of survival at all costs?
          
          I am currently looking for some feedback on the sex scenes if anyone has time to read and review. Mainly, are they too descriptive? Does the passion come across or get lost in the length? Do they sound real and are the words used too cringe? Please, DM if you have any useful feedback, either good or bad 

I have taken a (sort of) well earned break from writing to clear my head for Part Two, as the story does take a lightly different theme as we enter a darker, more turbulent 10 Days as a captive of The Equitae for Alaya. 
          
          During this 'rest' I have chosen a Pen Name, much needed for privacy due to certain circumstances to come in the story, I've started thinking about how I will manage publishing (Self Publishing via Amazon KU and IngramSpark), started a basic website and even come up with another book idea (more Epic Fantasy).
          
          I have also used my tried and tested method to get down basic chapter outlines and fleshed out character personalities and speech tone for the next 8 chapters while Alaya is held captive. This is a much needed and important step for me before I start writing due to how my mind works (undiagnosed mild autism)
          
          So my rest was questionable!
          
          I'm now ready to start Part Two! I will most probably leave it a few days so that I can start while I am off work for the weekend as I tend to get a bit 'caught in the moment' 
          
          Domanikk Flameheart is eager to break us in!

And that's a wrap for Part One!
          
          I actually can't believe in 15 Chapters and almost 40,000 words, I've put together some kind of story that makes sense!
          
          Yea, there are few tweaks (I hate Chapter 14) and some small bits of information I need to add in there at some point but WOW!
          
          We all need to feel sorry for poor Kiernan...so close yet so far! I think I enjoyed this last Chapter the most, knowing that that ending was coming. 
          
          So, we leave Prince Kiernan and his frustrations behind and on to Part 2 - The Equitae!
          
          (It's going to go Dark )