In Case You Missed the Announcement

I have a title for my Middle Grade Fantasy Book and possible cover designs

Dear Readers,

As I said recently, I started writing a book.

I did not plan to write a middle grade fantasy novel and I certainly never considered this book may be the first in a trilogy.

But there it is.

What started as a novella in January, has now blossomed into a full-blown novel at somewhere between 45,000-50,000 words. When I think of that number it just blows my mind!

Since returning from my trip to Scotland (where the book’s setting takes place) I discovered much more detail needed to be included in the novel and as such, the words exploded off the page.

I also added more depth to the characters and a plot twist.

I am editing the work now and find myself splitting chapters and rewriting opening and closing paragraphs. Who knew editing was just as time-consuming as writing the manuscript.

So, on to the short summary and then the title.

Just for fun, I asked CHATGPT to create a little poem that summarized the plot of the story. I told it some of the chapter highlights and this is what it came up with for a summary:

In shadows deep, where torchlight fades,

Two curious souls, in whispered trades,

In castle’s depths, they chance to find,

A chamber lost to time, entwined.

With pounding hearts, they step inside,

Where secrets dwell, and dreams abide.

Their eyes alight with wonder bright,

As tales of old take flight that night.

They see themselves as knights of yore,

With swords unsheathed, they brave explore,

In dungeons dank, they forge their way,

Through ancient echoes, lost decay.

They spy a dragon’s golden hoard,

Or pirate’s chest, with treasures stored,

They sail on seas of make-believe,

In this hidden realm, they’ll never leave.

Their laughter rings through stone and air,

As friendship binds, beyond compare.

In this secret chamber, time suspends,

As two young hearts, to adventure, ascend.

So let them dream, let them roam,

In this enchanted space, their own.

For in this castle’s heart, they’ve found,

A world where magic knows no bound.¹

I was quite impressed!

And on to the reveal. The title of the book is:

INTO THE REALM - The Secret of the Castle

Here are some concept ideas for the cover.

(PS - I write fiction under a pseudonym)

Concept 1 -

Concept 1

---

Concept 2

Concept 2

---

Concept 3

Concept 3

---

Concept 3

Concept 4

Which do you prefer?

I would love to hear your comments.

I have no release date yet, I am still editing.

Thanks for your input. I value the insight from the supportive Substack community.

1. ChatGPT