the inner workings of a young writer
by misswriter
Aurath
Aurath is a series of ten novels in the young adult and fantasy genre. I began it in 2003, an unbelievable six years ago. The Eight, is the first novel in the series and the first novel I've ever completed. It currently stands as just under 50,000 words and I'm in the process of editing it. Similar to The Dark Witch, I began The Eight with too much mythology, history and plot. Since my first two drafts I've simplified it and am straightening the inconsistencies out. Barring the first and last book, each is centred on one of the central eight characters with sub-plots for the others.
The series follows eight teenagers who discover a hidden plane known as Aurath. Veiled by magic, it hides demons, vampires, ghosts, witches and much more. The Eight is the name of the group who are gifted with skills and strength to aid them in their job to fight the evil of Aurath and protect the innocent of Earth.
In the first book the teenagers are forced to become the Eight to save their lives and fight against Jake, a man who wants Chaya's powers as the Leader to himself.
Witch Choice is the second in the series and is centred on Isobel, the Witch of the Eight. The book is nearly finished with only 7,000 words to go.
The third is tentatively names Daemon Archer and focuses on Melissa, the Archer.
The remaining seven are planned, some with a few notes and an idea of a plot, others with more thorough outlines and sub-plots and antagonists. There is an overall story arc throughout the series (most prevalent in the epilogues) which will be the focus in the last book.
(Author's Secret: All of the characters were originally based on people from my secondary school. They have now evolved into their own characters, as my best friend (The Eight’s Abby) could tell you.
Backstory
Earth has a secret. Underneath a magic veil lies a hidden world; Aurath. This supernatural world is home to demons, vampires, ghosts, werewolves, witches and many other beings. Most humans live unaware of Aurath with only those who experience the supernatural becoming aware of its existence.
Within the midst of these other worldly beings are the Eight, a group descended over thousands upon thousands of years with each generation carrying powers on to the next. They were the protectors of humans and slayers of evil. Each had individual powers and all enhanced strength and stamina and little need for sleep. Forming the Eight were the Warrior, Witch, Hunter, Assassin, Archer, Fighter, Thief and their Leader. Together they were a unit feared and adored by those of Aurath until all but the Leader were killed during WWI. Broken for over ninety years, the Leader alone has been forced to carry on fighting alone.
Then comes a life altering day for one biology class caught in a battle between two powerful souls of Aurath.
The Novels
Aurath:
1. The Eight
2. Witch Choice
3. Daemon Archer
Main Characters
(L-R: Isobel, Melissa, Connor, Jason, Blake, Chaya, Abby and Lee)
The protagonists are:
Abby: Kind of popular, a little insane, and prone to rambling. Has a love-hate relationship with ex-boyfriend Connor who cheated on her with 'barely-dressed' Brenda. Best friends with Chaya and Isobel, though the latter easily winds her up.
Blake: Fun and sweet with a love of graphic novels. Lives next door to Isobel and is best friends with Jason despite their lack of common interests.
Chaya: Keeps to herself but close to best friends Abby and Isobel. Is born a witch with telekinesis and has lived with her cousin Scarlet for two years to escape Jake. Is often sarcastic.
Connor: Tall and popular with bright blond hair and who manages to be both self-centred and caring. Is fun loving and enjoys beer and weed. After six months together he cheated on Abby with Brenda who he's now with. Has lots of mates with Lee being his best friend. No longer speaks to father who is in jail.
Isobel: Intelligent, nerdy and quirky, she succeeds in most things and had panic attacks when she doesn't. Has a crush on Jason but is useless around him and most guys except surrogate brother Blake. Is Catholic and struggles with the Eight.
Jason: Though a rugby player at their school, he doesn't have the patience for most people making Blake his only friend. Is described by Abby as a 'git' and doesn't realise Isobel has a crush on him.
Melissa: Rich and popular but with a difficult home life. Though unafraid to speak her mind and seemingly strong, she suffers from a lack of confidence and clings to her boyfriend Lee. Is friends with Brenda and others but Lee is the only one she opens up to.
Lee: Orphaned as an infant and has since been raised in various foster homes. Though popular with lots of friends, Lee has always felt somewhat of an outcast. Is desperate to become one of the Eight.
Secondary Characters
Jake: The antagonist of the series. Wants Chaya's power and abilities as the Leader and will do anything to get them. After searching for two years he finds her.
Scarlet: Chaya's cousin and owner of daemon pub Pulse. Has bright pink hair and little interest in the main characters and their 'teen problems' with the Eight. Is a witch and cyrokinetic.
Brenda: Or 'barely-dressed Brenda' as she's more commonly known around the school. Friends with Melissa and current girlfriend of Connor. Hates Abby and had a chance to become one of the Eight.
Dave: One of Connor's pot smoking friends. Also had the chance to become one of the Eight.
Trey: Chaya's older brother. Is a warlock and pyrokinetic.
Jada: Childhood friend of Chaya, Trey and Jake and belonged to their coven. Has the power of astral projection.
