## Graveyard Blues: A Noir Fantasy Update
**Welcome to the inaugural post on my writing blog!**
I'm thrilled to kick off this new chapter of my online journey by sharing updates and insights into my writing process.
Today, I'm diving into the world of *Graveyard Blues*, a fantasy novel with a subtle noir undercurrent. This project began simply, a challenge to craft a short story for an anthology. Though ultimately rejected, the positive feedback from the editors helped me realize that Rocke deserved more than six thousand words that he'd been alloted. Sitting down and developing his first story has been fun and I'm to excited to share its progress with you.
My protagonist, Rocke Stoene, is a unique character—a private investigator with the extraordinary ability to communicate with the dead. As his story unfolds, he and his ghostly partner become ensnared in a centuries-old feud between powerful families, a conflict steeped in shadow and mystery. It's a thrilling blend of the fantastical and the gritty that I've been eager to explore.
I'm particularly enjoying the challenge of balancing the elements of fantasy and noir. It’s like weaving together two complex tapestries, ensuring that each thread complements the other. But beyond that, I've taken a decidedly tongue-in-cheek look at some of the tried and true stereotypes of both genre's and am knocking them down, one by one. I'm excited to see where this creative experiment will lead.
I'll be sharing more updates as the story progresses, including character spotlights, world-building details, and sneak peeks at upcoming chapters. Your feedback is invaluable to me, so please feel free to share your thoughts and questions in the comments below.
Let’s embark on this literary adventure together!
Clear Skies,Jim
