I’ve always believed the real work of writing happens quietly — in the revisions no one sees, in the long stretches between inspiration and completion. Lately, my days have been full of that kind of work.
I’m deep into the next phase of The Witch’s Mandate, carefully moving through my editor’s notes and finding new layers in every chapter. The process reminds me how much a story changes once you start polishing the rough edges — not just in the language, but in what the story is trying to say.
Alongside the fantasy world of the Dragonwall Chronicles, I’ve been exploring a series of humanitarian short stories — quieter, more grounded pieces about empathy, resilience, and the unseen strength in ordinary people. These stories feel like a mirror to my fantasy work: both, in their own ways, deal with survival, hope, and the choices that define us — and the circumstances we struggle against.
It’s been a season of steady progress, balancing edits, submissions, and a few new sparks that have me excited for what’s next. Writing, for me, has never been about waiting for inspiration; it’s about showing up, even on the quiet days, and trusting that persistence shapes the path forward.
The next chapter — literally and figuratively — is already underway.
And as the year winds down, I can’t help but feel that what’s coming next is a bright beginning.
From dice rolls to dragonfire, from ink to ash — may the stories find their truth.
— Dennis D. Montoya
Fantasy Author | Stories Forged in Ink and Ash
Dennis D Montoya 