An update from Scarlett St. Faith | Black Raven Press
There is something uniquely terrifying about handing someone a manuscript you’ve spent months creating.
You can survive the late nights, the plot twists, the complicated magic systems, and the characters who refuse to cooperate.
But nothing quite prepares you for your first beta reader saying:
“I have questions.”
And suddenly, you’re questioning every literary decision you’ve ever made. 😂
My debut dark fantasy novel, Blackwood Collegium, has entered its beta-reading stage, and the first reactions are starting to arrive.
One reader has already asked why Elara Vale would pack her belongings and willingly commit herself to a mysterious university that sent her an invitation with practically no explanation.
An excellent question, actually.
Another wondered about Elara’s family history.
An even better question.
And then there’s Professor Lucan Veyr.
A serious scholar of bloodline magic. A man of impeccable organization, strict expectations, and an almost supernatural ability to look disappointed.
Unfortunately for him, Elara has given him a nickname.
Professor Filing Cabinet.
And apparently, it’s already making readers laugh.
Somewhere in Blackwood Collegium, Lucan is undoubtedly preparing a disciplinary report.
These little moments are why beta reading matters so much to me. My readers are helping me see the story through fresh eyes, catching questions I might have overlooked and reacting to characters I’ve come to know so well.
The feedback is helping shape the next stage of revisions, and I’m incredibly grateful to everyone taking the time to step inside Blackwood’s halls.
There are still mysteries to uncover, secrets buried beneath the Collegium, and quite a few characters who would benefit from learning when to keep their mouths shut.
Elara, unfortunately, will not be one of them.
To my fellow readers: What’s your favorite fictional character nickname? And do you have a favorite character who’s completely insufferable but impossible not to love?
Until next time, keep your secrets close and your ravens closer.
Scarlett St. Faith
Author & Founder, Black Raven Press
Some blood remembers what history was ordered to forget.
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