Now that I took out the problematic subplot from Acorn Canyon, I need to reconfigure the ending. What was an important point to the over all plot, but then went into the subplot’s ending, now is the end point. Surprise!

But in a good way, though. As I go through this revision, one thing I’ve wondered about is whether Cleodora could be considered a Chosen One. You know the trope — a young man is “chosen by fate” or some other divine force, to carry out a dangerous mission. Often the youth is also given some sort of powers or abilities to help with said mission.

Early in the book, Cleodora saves one of the nature spirits that’s been injured. It becomes bonded to her, and in her culture they are now considered one being, a “druet.” Her mother and mentor were discussing whether this made her a “chosen one,” and they talked about what that meant for her future.

Chosen One isn’t a trope I’m really fond of. They’re over-done, and also often used in a sexist and ageist way. Other characters will ignore all sorts of qualified women and older people to follow the chosen one. However, I’m enjoying a chance to explore this trope a bit. Was Cleodora chosen, or did she choose? Will people allow a 13-year-old girl to lead, or tell her to sit and be quiet?

As I’ve mentioned before, this draft has been a lot about deepening character relationships. This is especially true with Navaire, her mentor and step-father, who is trying to protect her in a parental role. Where I’m revising now, Navaire told Cleodora to wait for the adults to lay a trap, but she used herself as bait instead. He’s upset. Yet he himself is a druet. When he was younger, would he have let anyone tell him not to follow his path?

It’s been fun to reflect on this and work through it toward the conclusion. For those of you who are writers, I hope you’re having fun challenges in your craft, too.

---

Have you read one of my books? Then it would be great for you to leave a review! Meanwhile, if you’d like to learn more about me and my work, check out my blog, Wyrmflight, or follow me on Bluesky, Facebook or Pinterest.