Welcome to the exciting journey of bringing Anna, Daughter of Creed to life through my latest Kickstarter campaign, which is running from April 30 to May 30, 2024. This project is for the new spin-off trilogy from my series, The Adventures of Bodacious Creed. (See the sidebar for more!) It represents a deepening of my steampunk western alternate timeline, which I call the Creedverse, and the beginning of The Anna Lynn Chronicles,” a trilogy that promises to expand Creedverse lore.
The Genesis of Anna, Daughter of Creed
The inspiration to focus on my inventor and brothel madam character, Anna Lynn Boyd, originated from the overwhelming response she received from readers, particularly women, who praised her depth and realism—qualities they felt were often lacking in female characters written by male authors. This feedback, along with a moment of revelation while writing Bodacious Creed and the Jade Lake, sparked the idea for a new series centered around Anna. As James “Bodacious” Creed pursued justice in San Francisco, it became clear that Anna would have her own set of challenges to face back in Santa Cruz.
Developing Anna Lynn Boyd
Anna’s character is a blend of genius intellect and profound resilience, shaped by her early experiences and the societal constraints of the 1870s. Despite her innovations and contributions to technology, she found herself constrained by the limited roles available to women during the era, initially forcing her into prostitution—an occupation she turned to out of necessity but left behind due to her inventions and subsequent partnership with business mogul Miles Morgan.
I knew it was important to portray her not as a victim of her circumstances, but as a proactive agent of change. Her story is one of overcoming adversity through intelligence and determination, using her wealth and influence to challenge and change the status quo for women—an endeavor that is central to Anna, Daughter of Creed.
Crafting the Narrative
The narrative of Anna, Daughter of Creed intertwines historical elements with steampunk inventions in a plot rich with blackmail, societal critique, and personal growth. The story delves into themes of libel and misogyny, exploring how Anna navigates these challenges in a society that is simultaneously captivated by and cautious of her achievements. This interplay of historical realism and imaginative steampunk elements provides a fertile ground for exploring timeless issues through the lens of speculative fiction.
Reader Engagement and Community Building
A fun aspect of this Kickstarter campaign is how I’m letting backers have a bit of input into the story. This interactive approach has been a cornerstone of my writing process, allowing readers to name characters or even appear as characters within the novel. This level of engagement not only enriches the story but also fosters a stronger connection between the narrative and its audience, making the Creedverse a collaborative space for creativity and community.
Overcoming Creative Challenges
Writing Anna, Daughter of Creed has been an exercise in persistence and creativity. The initial drafts, while extensive, did not capture the story I wanted to tell. Through multiple rewrites and revisions, I have honed in on a narrative that feels true to both the character of Anna and the world of the Creedverse. It’s been a challenge, but incredibly rewarding.
The Future of The Anna Lynn Chronicles
With the broad outlines for the next two books already in place, the journey ahead for Anna Lynn Boyd is vibrant and full of potential. These novels will continue to build on her legacy, exploring new dimensions of her character and the impact of her inventions on society. The trilogy will follow her personal growth and reflect broader societal changes, providing a mirror to the ongoing discussions around gender and innovation.
Your Role in This Journey
By supporting this Kickstarter, you’re playing a pivotal role in the realization of a project that merges historical intrigue with speculative innovation. Every pledge supports the continuation of a saga that champions the indomitable spirit of its characters.
I am committed to transparency and communication throughout this process. I will share regular updates on the progress of the novel, from the first draft through to publication, ensuring that backers are not just contributors but true partners in this creative journey.
Join Us
I invite you to join us on this adventure, to be part of a story that blends the past with futuristic technology and social commentary. Your support is not for a book, yes, and also for a vision of the world where the fierce the fearless, and the compassionate lead the way.
Thank you for considering this journey with me. Anna, Daughter of Creed is a project born from love—for the characters, for the world, and for the readers who have made the Creedverse what it is today. Together, we can turn this vision into reality.
“Writing is an act of willed understanding.” ~ Stephen King