Writing Update May 2023

Written by Karlissa J.

I currently have two books in the works: a fantasy story, and a non-fiction book about fantasy!

The fantasy story is Davy Jones’ Aquarium: a sweet coming-of-age story about a six-foot-tall guy who swallows raw fish fillets and thinks dolphins are demonic.

I finished doing some rewrites in Davy Jones’ Aquarium, and am just reviewing this draft before finding a professional editor.

The non-fiction book is called Christian Fantasy 101, and it’s about… well, the core of Christian fantasy, including significant books and authors!

I’m getting further on research, which has led to some changes to my plans for the book. I’ve decided to focus in on four Christian authors that have shaped fantasy: George MacDonald, J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, and Madeleine L’Engle.

You can hear more about fantasy books and my research on our podcast: the Book-Bat podcast!

Five Fall Updates 2022

I have five projects in the works… and here’s what they are!

After completing the rough draft of Davy Jones’ Aquarium, I set to work on early reviewing and editing - and discovered there’s a lot more I could have done to explore the world, and better ways of approaching certain storytelling aspects. This editing and rewriting will take at least a few months, but I’m enjoying the opportunity to re-explore this tale!

I’m planning on ‘rebranding’ to BookBat. This will allow me better marketing for joint ventures with other creatives (like my husband!) and make advertising smoother if I decide to write under more than one author name. As part of this rebranding, I aim to move my website to www.bookbat.com. Be on the lookout for news of when the changeover will occur so you won’t miss what’s in store!

I am in the process of researching for a nonfiction book, Christian Fantasy 101. This will be a guide to fantasy books written by and (largely) for Christians, exploring the authors, books, worlds, and concepts that have impacted and continue to impact the genre! You can keep up with my research quest on GoodReads by following Karlissa J, or see my occasional updates on FaceBook!

My husband and I have been plotting a podcast! In some respects, it will be an expansion of my Christian Fantasy 101 journey, where we discuss the fantasy genre, how to find good books, and how to make sense of the Christian fantasy scene! More updates on that to come!

Though my focus is currently Davy Jones’ Aquarium and Christian Fantasy 101, October seems the appropriate time of year to put out a reminder that I am also working on a revised and expanded version of Kingdom of Bats! I plan to make it into a trilogy this time; and as I’ve grown as a writer, I hope to see this story grow in strength and charm!