Ten years ago, as a starry-eyed, naive graduate student in Spanish literature, I wrote and self-published a fantasy trilogy.

They are fantastic stories, and they got some beautiful reviews. But I never marketed much beyond free promotions on Amazon, and I knew the novels could be better. Because of that, I took them down years ago. After revisions, professional editing, and professional design and formatting, the first installment in re-releasing June 15.

I discussed yesterday the major content change to that novel: cutting the character of Hal Halt.

Today, I wanted to highlight (spoiler-free) the more subtle changes, both as I have been asked by readers to explain how this edition differs, and because it’s always useful for writers to reflect on or read about the revision process.

The plot is very much what it always was, even cutting Hal. The changes made help to make the read easier.

• Some conversations, or parts of conversations, have been moved forward or backward.
• Some description has been trimmed back
• Some “coincidental” aspects of the story, which I meant to highlight a theme of providence, felt too coincidental after some distance from the novel, so I changed or cut them.
• Characters are introduced in a more staggered manner, so there aren’t so many all at once to get to know
• Some confrontation scenes have been expanded in ways that just make my heart sing!
• The end of the novel had one subtle change: a plot point that happened off the page, later on, was moved forward and into a scene. This helped balance tone and emphasize different things in a beautiful manner.

So, there it is. If you’ve read and enjoyed the first edition of “The Crimson League,” you will really enjoy this new edition, especially the dialogue expansion in the confrontation scenes mentioned above.

Release is June 15, so mark your calendars, and make sure to follow my Facebook page to for updates!

Not a soul in Herezoth is safe while evil sorcerer, Zalski Forzythe, reigns supreme.

There was a time when the magicked and commoners lived in peace. The Hall of Sorcery hidden high in the mountains was a place of reverence . . .

Until the vicious sorcerer Hansrelto came to call. His attempted overthrow may have failed, but a terrorizing rampage through the nearby villages did enough damage to mar the reputation of the peaceful magicked ones for generations to come.

Nearly a millennium passed . . .

Inspired by Hansrelto’s efforts, wicked sorcerer Zalski Forzythe successfully executes a coup and slaughters the royal family, taking over the nation of Herezoth.

The people are burdened with two-thirds taxes, violent terror, and forced allegiance. The crushing boot on the neck seems relentless.

But there is hope . . .

A team of rebels known as the Crimson League leads the charge toward freedom.

And legend has it, the Marked One will rise up to end the dystopian nightmare.

Through sword and sorcery, the forces of good and evil match off in The Herezoth Trilogy’s first installment, The Crimson League: The Fight for Hope!