PESTILENT: Chapter 1 - The Will (sample)

Chapter 1

The Will

Nestled within the embrace of the Rocky Mountains, Stellarville is a charming hamlet cradled in a valley, encircled by majestic peaks, where a close-knit community of just over 3,000 residents share the warmth of familiarity. This quaint town beckons to winter sports enthusiasts with its meticulously groomed ski resort, boasting over 50 exhilarating runs and an array of lifts, while its inviting restaurants and shops cater to tourists, complemented by cozy cabins and lodges that promise a snug retreat. Crime is a distant thought in this welcoming haven, and the town's natural wonders, like Crystal Lake, where life teems beneath the serene waters, delight anglers, kayakers, and rowboat adventurers. In autumn, Stellarville ignites with vibrant foliage, while summer unveils the mountains' breathtaking backdrop for hiking and camping. Permeated by an atmosphere of friendliness, the town's year-round residents, employed in tourism, hospitality, and retail, also embark on mountain hunts during the hunting season, pursuing ducks, deer, rabbits, and bears, with the harvested bounty becoming sustenance. Stellarville, a year-round haven, offers something for everyone, from outdoor enthusiasts to those seeking mountain tranquility. At its zenith stands an observatory, a magnet for stargazers, renowned for meteor shower seasons where wishes ascend to the heavens. Whether for a winter retreat or a summer escape, Stellarville awaits with open arms.

On that balmy summer night, Stellarville's streets pulsed with life and vitality. Norman and Madeline basked in the melodious symphony of children's laughter echoing in the distance, while the sweet fragrance of freshly baked bread danced on the gentle breeze. Two years into their marriage, this evening marked their first-anniversary celebration since they had relocated from Santa Cruz, California, embracing Stellarville as their new home and endeavoring to become an integral part of the close-knit community.

For this special occasion, they had chosen a restaurant renowned for its romantic ambiance, and it had exceeded their expectations in every way. The delectable cuisine tantalized their taste buds, and the service was a flawless ballet of attentiveness. However, what truly made the evening magical was the profound connection they shared, a bond that made them feel like newlyweds once more. As they departed the restaurant, Norman couldn't help but be captivated by Madeline's ethereal beauty. She graced the evening in an elegant, flowing gown that draped her like a princess, her radiance lighting up the night.

With gallantry befitting a knight, he gallantly opened the car door for her, extending his arm as if inviting royalty into a grand carriage. "Come inside, my lady," he intoned, his voice carrying the chivalrous spirit of a bygone era. With grace, he then circled the vehicle, assuming the role of her devoted protector, the knight who would steadfastly guard their love's fortress as they embarked on the journey of a lifetime. "My lady, hold fast," he said. "For we must ride through this ghostly forest, dark and dread. Thy night ghouls might smell our souls, drink our blood, and feed our flesh to goblins." He says, gazing out the windshield window as drunk tourists and local teens walk around the street. Norman faces Madeline. "Fear not, my Highness, for I am Norman, the best of the best, chosen from countless knights. I will protect you with my life and shall not rest until your enemies are vanquished."

Madeline laughed, but shortly after, her face turned stern. She put on the role of knowing Norman was the chosen one and was confident that she had made the right decision to accompany her through the dark forest. After all, she was a princess and wasn’t afraid of anything as long as she was with the chosen Knight. "Aye, so be it, my knight. Go forth and face the ghouls and goblins who may impede thy way, thy mighty sword at thy side. But what of the spiders that dangle down from the forest canopy? Do they not frighten thee?" she replied; in return, she also spoke in a Shakespearean manner. In actuality, house spiders were Norman's weakness, let alone the wild ones from the forest. He was even more afraid of them in the dark attic, where the spider webs would sometimes drift across his face, making him jump and flail about. Once, when a spider frightened him with a scream, he began to slash at the shadows with his hand as if it were a sword. Madeline came to the rescue, but only causing her to burst into hilarity.

Norman, with careless eyes, pretends to drop his face shield slowly, using his pointing finger and down to his face until it is fully covered. "Thou shall not I fear thee, my Highness, for thy evil, tramples no more against anointed visor upon my dangled foe from the canopy's braid." He winks at her, pushes the ignition button, and she giggles.

This is the self-edited version, and my plan is to have this book published by a traditional publisher next year. I anticipate finishing the book either before or early next year. It consists of approximately 28 chapters, and I've decided to have it professionally edited, beta-read by multiple individuals, proofread, and properly formatted to enhance its presentation when approaching literary agents and connecting with traditional publishers.

However, it's important to note that the waiting period for traditional publishing can be quite lengthy compared to self-publishing, sometimes taking several months to a year.

Nevertheless, it's worth the wait because traditional publishers typically offer an upfront payment, and once the book sales exceed the initial payment, you will receive royalties each time a book is sold in any format, be it eBook, paperback, or hardcover. Additionally, your book is likely to enjoy wide distribution, potentially including book signings where you can also earn income from book retailers.

If your book becomes a bestseller, it can significantly boost your authorship career, going beyond the status of a free bestseller, which is where I currently stand. My aim is to establish my Pen Name, VC Writes, also known as Vincent Casil, in the literary world. I got that the other way around, but you know what I mean.

MY ONLY CONCERN are the same morons cyberattacking my goals, betting I won't make it through their attacks, like they probably did last time. It's obvious they're aware of what they might envy from my production is what I am guessing. I'm just a simple guy, but there are already signs of delightful progress. They might wonder what the secret of enlightenment is. I tried to share it, but it's no use. Their aspects just keep advancing like zombies, who don't back away unless something decapitates what's making them move. Like you see in gore sites, which is an ugly world.

Brainstorm Notebook (7 Images)
Anyhow, I am sharing how messy this book starts from my brainstorming Notebook, which features arrows, doodles illustrations, highlight markers, and random notes.