Author Laura Anne Gilman writes of the success of her Vineart War trilogy, and tells us of a new project. “From Whence You Came” is a proposed novella set several hundred years before the action in the three novels she’s already published. Taking advantage of social media, and specifically the collaborative funding website Kickstarter, Gilman writes “When I mentioned this project to my friend Bob Eggleton, wondering if he might be willing to create a cover for this project, his response was so enthusiastic, it quickly became a collaborative project, with his energy adding to mine.”
If $4,000 is pledged by Monday 2 January 2012, the novella will be a go, with cover art by Eggleton. If the total breaks $6,000, Eggleton will provide internal art, too. If it hits $10,000, Gilman will be writing a novel, rather than a novella. And “If we break $15,000, there will be a limited signed (hardcopy) edition of both novella and short story available to all patrons (included automatically for those who pledged $100 or more).” As with all Kickstarter projects, there are gifts available at various pledge amounts, ranging from a free electronic copy of the story up to a named character, personalized dedication, and author-baked cookies for a pledge of $500 or more.
About the proposed story, Gilman writes:
The Vineart War trilogy told the story of Jerzy, who defended the Lands Vin from a threat from without. But generations before, there had been a threat from below. It was a passing reference, part of the history of the Lands Vin… but once mentioned, it grew in my head, until I couldn’t not tell the story…
“From Whence You Came”
In The Vineart War, mention is made of Bradhai, the Master Vineart, who generations before had rid the seas of the last of the deadly sea-serpents. He is known as the greatest of Viearts, a myth second only to Sin Washer himself. Bradhai was as great and as powerful a Vineart as legend claims. But there was far more to the story than is told.…
The year 438 ASW is a time of prosperity and growth for the Lands Vin.… But trouble is coming to the surface. From deep within the seas, schools of serpents—larger and more fierce than any can remember, are attacking ships that dare venture beyond the shore. If they are not stopped, all commerce and exploration will cease, and the Lands will falter. The princes, whose strength depends upon commerce, cannot allow this to happen. They will use any weapon, any defense… any magic.
Any man.
To read more, to pledge to the project, or to see Gilman’s video explaining the project (though she appears oddly two-dimensional in the video), see this page.
Related articles previously published on SFScope:
The Shattered Vine, a satisfying end to the Vineart War, arrives with an elegant launch party (22 October 2011)
Gilman’s Weight of Stone feels a little heavy, but it still holds the attention (24 September 2010)
Drink up and read: Gilman’s Flesh and Fire plants a new magic (13 November 2009)