A Beginning: My Journey and The Elements of Destiny

Hi everyone, my name is Liam O’Connor. I recently joined Speculative Fiction Ireland as a Contributing Member, and I am very happy to be here. As an Irishman, there is something familiar and reassuring about being part of a community that has, as we might say, ‘drunk from the same trough’.

My primary goal in joining is to have my fantasy series, The Elements of Destiny, published. My secondary goal is to connect with like-minded people and build relationships that are, hopefully, mutually beneficial.

I have been writing on and off for most of my adult life (I just turned forty twelve years ago), though until recently I had never actively pursued publication. Over the years I have written short stories, poems, and a play. I also enjoy writing song lyrics and, thanks to the production possibilities now available, my debut song Rise will be released on Spotify under the artist name Solas Anam on the 1st of May. Creativity has always felt like a natural spring within me, and the written word is my microphone.

But enough about me, for now. The focus of my blog entries will be the world in which The Elements of Destiny is set. I need to be careful not to reveal any plotlines, as I don’t want to affect future publication opportunities, but my aim is to give a sense of what it is like to live in this world — its cities, its people, and the rumours and histories that shape it.

To do this, I will share short excerpts from letters written by those who inhabit the world, offering different perspectives on life in the New Land. I may also include sketches and artwork to help bring the setting to life. I have completed the first book in the series, Sabbanath, and it is this town that I will focus on to begin with.

I look forward to sharing this journey with you. Any thoughts or feedback are very welcome.