I have officially completed about 1/5th of my targeted word count for my first full length fantasy novel–the first of an anticipated trilogy. Considering the pacing of the story, where I am now, and where I want to be, I will surely surpass the 100k word count goal that I posed to myself. Early feedback of my first story arch (comprised of my first three chapters) has been favorable, and I am now typing my sixth chapter. I am still getting to know the amazing characters that have found their way into my story. They all have compelling back stories that I am well aware of, but the time has to be right for these stories to be presented to the grand narrative. In the meantime I have been focusing on illuminating their unique personalities and character traits. Only when I feel the reader is properly invested in each character shall I introduce the experiences that helps craft such vibrantly flawed, scarred, and hopeful characters.